Your Rights Are Protected
Rights Are
Everybody's Business
Every person who receives services in the public mental health system has additional rights. The Office of Recipient Rights exists to protect those rights, without fear of retaliation.
Member Rights
Your rights include:
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Free from Abuse & Neglect
The right to be free from abuse and neglect in all settings where you receive services.
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Privacy of Your Information
The right to privacy of your information. Your health records are protected by law.
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Dignity & Respect
The right to be treated with dignity and respect in all interactions with DWIHN and its providers.
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Services That Meet Your Needs
The right to receive services that meet your individual needs, based on your person-centered plan.
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Safe & Humane Environment
The right to receive your services in a safe, sanitary, and humane environment.
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Right to Complain, No Retaliation
To file a complaint about rights violations without fear of retaliation. You will not be punished for speaking up.
You have many other rights specific to your mental health services. More information about your rights is contained in the booklet titled "Your Rights When Receiving Mental Health Services in Michigan".
Upon enrollment, you will be given this booklet and have your rights explained to you when you first begin services, and then once again every year. You can also ask for this booklet at any time.
Your Rights Booklet
Download Your Rights Booklet
This booklet explains all your rights when receiving mental health services in Michigan. Available in three languages.
Report a Violation
Making a Rights Complaint
You can make a rights complaint by telephone, letter, email, or on a Recipient Rights complaint form.
Your call to the Office of Recipient Rights is confidential. You may also fax your complaint directly to DWIHN ORR's secure fax line.
You may file a Recipient Rights complaint any time you think staff has violated your rights or someone else's rights.
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Contact the ORR Office
Call, email, fax, or submit an online form. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
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Share your experience
Tell us what happened. All complaints are taken seriously and treated with care and confidentiality.
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Investigation begins
We investigate all complaints thoroughly and confidentially. You will be kept informed of the status.
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You receive a response
Written findings are provided to you within 90 days of filing your complaint.
SUD Services Rights
If you receive Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services, you have rights protected by the Public Health Code. These rights will also be explained to you when you start services and then once again every year.
If you have an SUD rights complaint, contact Gregory Lindsey at 313-694-8520.
All complaints are confidential
If you receive public mental health or substance abuse services, you are free to exercise your rights, and to use the rights protection system, without fear of retaliation, harassment, or discrimination. DWIHN staff and contractors will not take action against you if you use the Office of Recipient Rights. You do not need permission from anyone, you may do so at any time.
MDHHS Recipient Rights Resources
From the Director
Polly McCalister
Director, Office of Recipient Rights
Polly and her team are dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of every person who receives mental health services through DWIHN. The Office of Recipient Rights exists to ensure that when someone reaches out for help, they are treated with fairness, respect, and transparency — every time.
Your rights are not a formality. They are a promise — and our office exists to keep it.
Downloads & Links
Recipient Rights Resources
MDHHS Resources
Recipient Rights, Complaint Forms
You Have Rights Posters
Provider Recipient Rights Training Resources
Contact the Office
Office of Recipient Rights
- 313-344-9099 ext. 3249 | Toll-Free: (888) 339-5595
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
- orrmembercomplaints@dwihn.org
- 707 W. Milwaukee Ave, Detroit, MI 48202