Psychiatric Patient Advocate Services

Psychiatric Patient Advocates advise and assist those who have been involuntarily detained under the Mental Health Act and ensure their rights are protected. They help patients understand their rights, address concerns about care or treatment, prepare and represent them for any quasi-judicial Mental Health Act tribunal or review board hearings whether in hospital or in the community.  

A patient has a right to:

• know the reason for and the place of detention
• retain and instruct legal counsel without delay
• contact Psychiatric Patient Advocate Services
• be informed of any medication administered
• be informed when the involuntary status expires
• have the closest relative informed of the detention, the place and the reasons for detention and the right to counsel