Awareness of the intersection between the law and mental health practice is imperative for those providing care and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness, serious emotional disorders, and substance use disorders in hospital, community, and forensic settings. The statutes, regulations, and policies that guide aspects of treatment delivery may vary at the national, state, and local levels, though common elements are often present. Opportunities to promote recovery exist in these settings when these interventions are used appropriately.
This paper reviews several legal topics that are commonly encountered by mental health professionals.
This paper is part of the Technical Assistance Coalition’s Refocus and Renew: Moving Towards Health series—a 10-paper collection guiding state leaders on SMI and SED treatment, recovery, and whole-person health. More papers from this series will be released on an ongoing basis.