Mental Healthcare Rights
Persons with mental illness have rights to dignity, treatment access, confidentiality, and advance directives.
🗣️ What this means for you
Mental illness should be treated as a healthcare issue, not as a moral failure or crime. You have rights to access mental healthcare, dignity, confidentiality, community living where possible, and protection from cruel or degrading treatment.
Step-by-Step Action Plan
Seek help from a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, hospital emergency unit, or mental health helpline.
Ask for diagnosis, treatment plan, medicines, and side effects to be explained.
Keep records confidential and share only with trusted people or authorised providers.
Approach the Mental Health Review Board for rights violations in mental health establishments.
Call emergency services immediately if there is risk of self-harm or harm to others.
⚖️ The Relevant Law
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (2017)
Section 18, Section 20, Section 23, and Section 115
"Every person shall have a right to access mental healthcare and treatment from mental health services run or funded by the appropriate Government."
⚠️ Punishment / Penalty
Violations can be complained to the Mental Health Review Board or health authorities. Emergency risk should be handled through medical emergency services.
Required Documents
- 📄Medical records if available
- 📄Prescription
- 📄Admission papers if any
- 📄Complaint details