How to Make a Complaint About Treatment by SC Department of Mental Health

Fact Sheet

1. Request a form called “Request for Review” from the local advocate at your Mental Health Center or Facility. You can ask any staff member who your advocate is or look on the mental health website: http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/client_advocacy.htm Complete the form.
2. Give or send the form to the local advocate.
3. The advocate will conduct a review, complete a report and send you a copy of the results.
4. If you are not satisfied with the results, contact the local advocate and request a review by the facility or center director. There is another form to be completed to request this review.
5. The director will conduct a review, complete a report and send you a copy of the results.
6. If you are still not satisfied, contact the Client Advocacy Office at the Department of Mental Health in Columbia–1-866-300-9330 (Toll Free) OR 1-803-898-8557.
7. The Client Advocacy Office will again conduct a review and attempt to resolve your concerns with local or agency officials.
8. If you remain dissatisfied, you may request a review by the State Director of Mental Health.
9. The State Director will conduct a review and make a decision.
10. The State Director’s decision will be the final step in the review process.

If you need additional information about this process, please call the P&A Help Line: 1-866-275-7273

This publication provides legal information, but is not intended to be legal advice. The information was based on the law at the time it was written. As the law may change, please contact P&A for updates.

This publication is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). It does not necessarily represent the official views of the funding authority.

P&A does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, age, religion, sex or sexual orientation, veteran status or any other class protected by law in the provision of its programs or services. Pete Cantrell is P&A’s designated coordinator for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mental Health 3-2014

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