Your Mental Health Rights
Know your legal rights when it comes to mental health care, privacy, insurance, and workplace accommodations.
Privacy Rights (HIPAA)
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects the privacy of your medical information, including mental health records.
What This Means:
- Your therapist cannot share information about your treatment without your written permission
- You have the right to access your own medical records
- You can request corrections to your records if they're inaccurate
- Healthcare providers must keep your information secure
Insurance Parity
Federal law requires that mental health services are covered at the same level as physical health services.
What This Means:
- Copays for therapy can't be higher than copays for medical visits
- Your insurance can't impose stricter limits on mental health treatment
- Pre-authorization requirements must be similar for mental and physical health
- You can't be denied coverage for pre-existing mental health conditions
Workplace Rights (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with qualifying mental health conditions from discrimination at work.
What This Means:
- Employers cannot discriminate based on mental health conditions
- You may be entitled to reasonable accommodations (flexible schedule, time off for appointments)
- You're not required to disclose your mental health condition to your employer
- Employers must keep medical information confidential
Emergency Treatment Rights
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, you have the right to emergency care.
What This Means:
- Hospitals cannot refuse emergency mental health treatment
- Insurance must cover emergency services, even if out-of-network
- You cannot be discharged from emergency care until you're stable
- You have the right to voluntary (not involuntary) treatment when possible
Know Your Rights. Get Help.
Understanding your rights is the first step. We're here to help you access the care you deserve.
Get Help Now