How to File a Complaint Against a Mental Health Facility

Complaints against mental health facilities are filed on a regular basis. Some complaints have resulted in Attorney General investigation or closure of the facility. Abuses that occur in these facilities are severe and deplorable. If a mental health facility has abused you or someone you know, it is imperative you take action by reporting the abuse.

Instructions

• 1

  File a complaint against any mental health facility where you witness situations that endanger the health, safety and welfare of a patient or staff. Among documented complaints are wrongful or excessive drugging, treatment against the patient's will, wrongful detention in a mental health facility, physical or sexual assault, neglect, manslaughter and fraud.

• 2

  Track down a human rights advocacy group that offers support and resources for psychiatric or mental health abuse cases.

• 3

  Screen the human rights group to ensure they are effective and actually do something beside file the complaint away. In other words, make sure they are on your side.

• 4

  Meet with the human rights group to ascertain your options for filing a complaint.

• 5

  Discuss the limits of confidentiality in filing a complaint. Due to legal issues some health care information is confidential.

• 6

  Back your complaint by collecting as much documentation as possible. The human rights group can guide you with forms. You will need to supply names, dates and details of the abuse you are claiming.

• 7

  Follow through and complete your official complaint of mental health facility abuse. Monitor the progress of your complaint and stay informed of any appeal processes, if necessary.