Question regarding mental health services....

I'm currently under a team and they have told me I'm being discharged back to the care of my GP in a couple of months. Well, the way I see it is why wait and they should just do it now. What rights do I have when it comes to something like this?? Can I tell them that I woud rather just be discharged now

Yes you can tell them anything that you like, and they are required to listen. However, there is a difference between listening and doing. They are charged to have your best interests in mind. This means that if you are under the Mental Health act, they can make some decisions for you. Especially in regards to your care and wellbeing.

However, most of your situation sounds as if it is proceedure. It may well be that it is the best time for them in a few months. The important thing here is to ask; what is happening, why it is happening, and what say do you have in its happening.

For any advice on your rights, you can contact the Health and Disability Commissioner on 0800 11 22 33. They are the appropriate organisation in NZ and deal with all cases to do with patient/client rights. Including the right to be heard, treated with respect, and taken seriously.

I hope this helps

Cool....might give them a call to see what's what and will talk to psychologist on wednesday when i see him....thanks....

If you are a voluntary patent they can't make you stay under them, but with them the medication that you may be on is free, and a Dr's isn't so that might be worth considering.

Oh ok, don't think I'm a voluntary patient...I was handed over to them through the Catt team in Hamilton from when I lived there and been under them for the last few years now....and am only on minimal medication now so that wouldn't be an issue really....thanks...

If you aren't voluntary then you can't discharge yourself, bit I think they mean being sent to mental health through a court order is what is classed as involuntary. Phone them and ask. I have always had to have a meeting with them each time I have wanted to discharge myself.

Oh ok.....thanks for that......will ask psychologist on wednesday then....