The Community Mental Health Agreement (CMHA) is a landmark settlement agreement to help people diagnosed with serious mental illness live successfully in the community rather than institutions.
Mental Health
Mental Health
We work toward increased empowerment and choice for individuals with mental health issues and improving the adequacy of children's mental health services in schools and in the community.
Know Your Rights
New Hampshire law (RSA 135-C) guarantees certain rights for individuals who receive mental health services, including:
- The right to be free from discrimination;
- The right not to be abused or neglected;
- The right to be treated in the least restrictive environment necessary for treatment;
- The right to refuse unwanted medication, treatment, or services (except in emergencies);
- The right to be informed and give consent before any treatment;
- The right to be free from seclusion or restraint (except in emergencies);
- The right to communicate freely and privately;
- The right to be treated with dignity and respect.
The Law
Under the the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act (PAIMI), DRC-NH is authorized to access public and private residential facilities, along with residents and resident records, while investigating reports of abuse. Particularly, we investigate incidents involving the inappropriate use of seclusion and restraint, neglect, and civil rights violations in these facilities, and related facilities, that either provide care or treatment to these individuals.
RSA 135-C, New Hampshire’s Mental Health Services System
He-M Rules for Services for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
RSA 330-A, Mental Health Practice
Obligation of Facilities to Report to DRC-NH Concerning Resident Deaths
We Can Help
If you, or someone you know, is an individual with a mental illness or emotional impairment who resides in an institution or lives in the community and has experienced discrimination, you can report this information to DRC-NH. As a Protection and Advocacy System under federal law, DRC-NH can investigate a facility if we receive a report or determine there is probable cause to believe that a person with a disability may have been abused or neglected.
DRC-NH has investigated many facilities throughout New Hampshire, shedding light on harmful conditions, prompting reforms, and even leading policymakers to shut down a problematic facility. Examples of DRC-NH’s investigative work include In the Matter of B.T., Amanda D. v. Hassan, and the Death of D.M.
Psychiatric Medications
As part of your psychiatric treatment, your doctor may prescribe medications to help you in your recovery. You are a part of your treatment team and you have the right to participate in your treatment planning and to make informed decisions about your medications. Learn about your rights.
Conditional Discharge
When you have been committed to New Hampshire Hospital, the hospital may discharge you in one of two ways: Absolute discharge or Conditional discharge. With a conditional discharge, you must voluntarily agree to specific conditions in order to be discharged. Learn about this process and your rights.
Private: Involuntary Commitment
A court can order you to be held against your wishes at a psychiatric facility, like New Hampshire Hospital or another designated facility, if you are found to have a mental illness that causes you to be a danger to yourself or others. Learn about this process and know your rights.
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[resource] => List of NH Community Mental Health Centers
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[resource] => National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI NH)
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[resource] => NH Bureau of Behavioral Health
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[resource] => NH Community Behavioral Health Association
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[resource] => Education Opportunities: The Center for Reintegration
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[resource] => Education & Info: Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
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[resource] => Educational Opportunities: The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University
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[resource] => Info & Facts: Fast Facts on Psychiatric Disabilities and Employment, from Worksupport.com
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[4] => Array
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[resource] => Research: The Center for Mental Health in Schools
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[5] => Array
(
[resource] => Support: Facing Us Clubhouse, from The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
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[resource] => Support: Very Well Minded
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[resource] => Peer Support: National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse
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[resource] => Support: National Empowerment Center
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[resource] => Advocacy & Policy: Mental Health America
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[resource] => Advocacy: National Association of Rights Protection and Advocacy
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[resource] => Research & Education: National Institute of Mental Health
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[resource] => Research & Training: National Research and Training Center on Psychiatric Disability
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[resource] => Legal: Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
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[resource] => Legal: National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advance Directives
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[resource] => Inclusion: Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion
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[resource] => Federal Resource: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services
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National Information & Resources
Education Opportunities: The Center for Reintegration
Education & Info: Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
Educational Opportunities: The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University
Research: The Center for Mental Health in Schools
Support: Very Well Minded
Support: National Empowerment Center
Advocacy & Policy: Mental Health America
Research & Education: National Institute of Mental Health
Research & Training: National Research and Training Center on Psychiatric Disability
Contact Us
If You Need Help
Contact us if your think your rights have been violated or if you wish to speak with an attorney about a disability-related legal issue.