☐ Care Folder

Getting discharged from psychiatric hospitalization is not the end of the crisis, it's often the beginning of a vulnerable transition. Families and patients alike can feel disoriented, disempowered, and unsure of how to prevent further harm. This appendix outlines your rights, protective strategies, and how to advocate effectively after a mental health hospitalization. It also examines how family advocacy, legal documents, and knowledge of your rights can prevent re-traumatization, mistreatment, or being funneled back into the wrong system for you.

Real Case Example:

Families and patients alike can feel disoriented, disempowered, and unsure of how to prevent further harm.

This appendix outlines your rights, protective strategies, and how to advocate effectively after a mental health hospitalization.

It also examines how family advocacy, legal documents, and knowledge of your rights can prevent re-traumatization, mistreatment, or being funneled back into the wrong system for you.

• Safe, sanitary, and humane treatment environment
• Access to personal belongings within reason
• Reasonable communication with family or support persons
• Participation in discharge planning and aftercare recommendations
• The right to refuse certain treatments or procedures (such as ECT) unless court ordered
• Right to file grievances or appeals if conditions, treatments, or procedures feel unsafe, inappropriate, or coercive

• “I need a complete copy of my records, including ECT treatment notes, Doctors notes, and medication levels and charts.”
• “My outpatient psychiatrist and therapist need your full discharge plan today.”
• “I have a psychiatric advance directive and medical power of attorney on file. No major treatment decisions should occur without involving them.”
• “I experienced trauma during this stay and would like to file a complaint with the hospital ombudsman or state oversight agency.”
• I want to highlight what worked well during my treatment—please share this with the care team.

• Request complete medical records and medication charts from the hospital
• Document side effects, trauma, or injuries from the hospitalization
• Ask for a care summary or discharge plan to be shared with your outpatient psychiatrist and therapist
• Write a formal grievance or complaint if rights were violated
• Reinforce guardianship or POA status so future overrides do not occur
• Find a patient’s rights advocate or contact your local mental health ombudsman

📚 Resources

• National Disability Rights Network
• The Joint Commission (hospital complaints)
• Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee (state-specific)
• NAMI Advocacy Resources
• NAMI Guide to Legal Issues
• Disability Rights [State-specific office] – Find yours via your state’s health department