Recipient Rights

Recipients of mental health through Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse

of St Joseph County (CMHSAS-SJC) and its providers have legal rights guaranteed by

Michigan’s Mental Health Code. These rights are outlined in a booklet entitled Your Rights,

which clients receive when they begin receiving services.

The Office of Recipient Rights (ORR) strives to ensure the protection of recipients’ rights in

various ways, including training, contract/policy development, service site assessments and

complaint resolution. If a CMHSAS-SJC customer believes his or her rights have been violated

during the course of their mental health services, a complaint can be filed with the ORR.

Complaints may be filed in person, through the mail, or by telephone. Complaint forms are

contained within the Your Rights booklet, and they are also available throughout the CMHSAS-

SJC provider locations.

Once a complaint is reviewed by ORR staff, the person making the complaint will be notified in

writing what action will be taken. If necessary, the complaint may be investigated. Under

certain circumstances, the complainant may appeal the outcome of an investigation, and ORR

staff will assist in the appeal process upon request. The CMHSAS-SJC Office of Recipient

Rights can be reached at:

To view a copy of the Michigan Department of Community Health’s Your Rights

in Español or Arabic, click on the following link: