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Using Public Mental
Health Services Can be
Hard


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ombuds helps soften the way

 
 

What is the Ombuds?
Mental Health Ombuds helps and advocates for anyone
having problems with public Mental Health services. We
ensure the client's choices and rights are respected.
Mental Health Ombuds services are free and confidential

Who can access Ombuds services?

  1. Public mental health clients in Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens Counties.
  2. Others can help the client with an Ombuds request, if it is OK with the client.

What does an Ombudsman do?

  1. Advocate for a client's mental health treatment choices and rights.
  2. Help the client find solutions to problems as quickly and simply as possible. We can also help through formal complaints and appeals.

What are examples of how Ombuds can help?

  1. Listen carefully to client
  2. Ensure an agency returns clients calls promptly.
  3. Explain to clients their rights and how agencies and organizations work.
  4. Give an objective description of the problem to everyone.
  5. Call an agency to explain the client's problem clearly and unemotionally.

What does the Ombuds service need?

  1. All the details as needed to resolve the problem, such as names, dates, and specific complaints.
  2. What specific solution to the problem is wanted.
  3. Keep the ombudsman informed of any changes in the situation
  4. Clients may need to sign an authorization for the release of information concerning mental health services

Who does the Ombuds service work for?

Ombudsmen work for Aging & Adult Care of Central Washington (AACCW). Aging and Adult Care provides independent mental health ombudsman service for the North Central Washington Regional Support Network (NCWRSN) and the Chelan-Douglas Regional Support Network (C-DRSN). The ombudsman does not work for the RSN.

How do I contact the Mental Health Ombuds Service?

An ombudsman is available by phone weekdays during business hours. All communications are returned as soon as possible.

(800)346-4529

Jeff Howard         howarj@dshs.wa.gov
Jill Dempsey       dempsj@dshs.wa.gov
Erin Nelson          nelsoec@dshs.wa.gov

Primary Rights of People
Using Public Mental
Health Services

Hear the full list of client rights

  1. Be treated with dignity and respect
  2. Help develop a care plan with services which meet your needs
  3. Refuse any proposed treatment
  4. Recieve services without discrimination
  5. Receive services free from any sexual exploitation or harassment
  6. Review your records
  7. Be informed of all prescribed medications, including possible side effects
  8. Confidentiality
  9. Have the provider's grievance procedure explained to you
  10. Ask the Mental Health Ombuds to help resolve complaints
  11. Be free from retaliation or threats of retaliation
 


 

Mental Health Ombudsman:

North Central Washington Regional Support Network
Washington State Mental Health Division
National Alliance for the Mentally ill
NAMI Greater Seattle

 

LTC Ombudsman Program:

Long Term Care Ombudsman Washington State
Resident Councils of Washington
National Center on Elder Abuse