Contact a patient rights advocate
Need to know
- Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services contracts with the Mental Health Association of Alameda County to provide Patients’ Rights Advocacy to clients receiving mental health services in Marin County.
- This program assures persons with mental illness receive quality treatment in a safe environment.
- We act to make certain that mental health clients are provided treatment in a manner that safeguards the rights afforded them by law, including rights guaranteed by the constitution of the United States and the codes and regulations of the State of California.
Before you start
- Write down your question or concern, and the name of the program or facility.
- Note key dates, times, and who you spoke with, if known.
- Review what a Patient Advocate can do, including:
- Investigate complaints of abuse and neglect and work with facilities to find solutions in those cases where complaints are substantiated.
- Monitor psychiatric facilities for compliance with codes and regulations and assist facilities in the development of policies and procedures that support their compliance with legal requirements.
- Represent patients in hearings regarding involuntary treatment to assure when treatment is provided on an involuntary basis, the due process rights of the individuals are respected in accordance with basic principles of the constitution.
- Provide training and education to providers, consumers, family members and interested members of the community.
- Provide consultation to treatment staff and administrators to help them appropriately apply the law to treatment decisions.
What to do
Contact a Patient Rights Advocate:
What's next
What's next content
The advocate will review your concern and explain next steps, which may include education, complaint review, or referrals.
Page last updated on Mayo 7, 2026.
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