Mental Health Advocate, Office of the

Director/Mental Health Advocate Megan N. Clingham Esq.

The Office of the Mental Health Advocate is an independent State agency providing legal representation and advocacy related to issues unique to persons living with mental illness. These include but are not limited to representation at Civil Commitment Proceedings; representation of participants at the District Court Mental Health Treatment Calendar and monitoring and ensuring treatment rights of patients at Eleanor Slater Hospital, at the Rhode Island State Psychiatric Hospital and those receiving services from community mental health centers and psychiatric units.

To advocate for the legal and civil rights of people with mental illness in Rhode Island; To ensure the right to appropriate and accessible treatment for people with mental illness in Rhode Island, including persons with mental illness who are incarcerated due to lack of appropriate treatment in the community; To protect the constitutionally protected liberty interests and treatment rights of individuals subject to involuntary commitment and to the involuntary administration of medication in psychiatric settings; The Office also engages in legislative advocacy, community outreach and education, collaboration in promoting policies and practices conducive to improving the Mental Health System and combating stigmatization and discrimination associated with mental illness.