Advocating on behalf of clients within the mental health board system

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) has a unique Mental Health Consumer Advocacy Project that is funded in part by the Lucas County Mental Health Board (LCMHB).  The program is designed to assist consumers of mental health services with problems, questions, or complaints related to a mental health issue or one of the mental health agencies.

Consumer advocates are professionals with experience in the mental health field.  They listen to consumer issues, investigate consumer complaints, files grievances for clients, and provide outreach and community education.  In addition, advocates can assist in obtaining answers to questions about medication issues, services, and treatment of clients who receive services from mental health agencies that are funded by the LCMHB, as well as those in a private hospital psychiatric unit.

Consumer advocates are not attorneys, however, under certain circumstances where a variety of issues are involved, there may be an opportunity for consumer advocates and ABLE attorneys to work together to meet a clients needs.

Consumer advocate services are free of charge with no eligibility requirements necessary. Consumers can access the consumer advocate program by calling Legal Aid Line at 419-724-0460 or by completing a legal aid line application.  You may also contact the Center where mental health services are provided.  Case managers or agency personnel can make an appointment with a consumer advocate for a client.