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:
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- Mike Sidener – 269.467.1001 x 412
- msidener@stjoecmh.org
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To view a copy of the Michigan Department of Community Health’s Your Rights
in Español or Arabic, click on the following link: