Your rights as a consumer of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities

and Substance Abuse Services.

We have laws in North Carolina which protect the Rights of persons receiving Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse services.

The following information applies to services provided by Five County Mental Health Authority and by other providers of Behavioral Healthcare Services in the state.

As a citizen, you have the same Civil Rights as others. These may include signing a contract, working, registering to vote, buying or selling property, marrying or getting a divorce.  Unless you have been declared legally incompetent by a court, you may exercise all your Legal Rights as a citizen. 

You have specific Rights related to your care, services, and treatment.  It is the service providers responsibility to inform you of your Rights within the first three visits to a program (or within 72 hours if you receive service in a 24 hour facility).  Any program-specific rules must be explained at that time as well.

For more information, contact Robin Wheatley (252-430-3025)  or Shirley Flood (252-430-3063) Consumer Affairs Specialists  or toll-free at 1-866-375-1315.