You are a voluntary patient if you have chosen to go to hospital for assessment or treatment.
Sometimes you go to hospital with the support of family and friends. When you're under 18yrs your parents or guardian may need to provide consent for admission and treatment.
The Mental Health Advocacy Service have advocates who can help you. Our Advocates are not part of any health system, government department or treatment team. Our service is free of charge.
Advocates can help voluntary young people (under 18yrs) receiving or seeking mental health treatment. This includes:
- A voluntary patient in a mental health unit
- A voluntary patient on a medical ward receiving treatment for a mental illness
- A voluntary person who has been assisted by an Advocate in the past 6 months and being treated in the community.
We also assist involuntary patients. Please see our Youth brochure about Inpatient Treatment Orders publication.
A voluntary patient's rights
Show moreAs a voluntary patient under the age of 18yrs, you have the right to:
- Have your wishes taken into account
- An interview with a psychiatrist
- Clear information about diagnosis and treatment
- An individualised plan for your care
- Be informed of treatment options
- Make complaints
- Be safe and respected
- Privacy and confidentiality
- An Advocate to support and represent you
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander under the age of 18yrs, you may have other rights.
Talk to your Advocate.
Parents or guardians
An Advocate can help you understand your rights when you child is in hospital.
Getting help
Show moreAn Advocate from the Mental Health Advocacy Service is completely independent of all government departments and health institutions.
They can help you:
- Arrange a meeting with your doctor or treating team and attend with you
- Seek to resolve issues concerning you at the facility
- Participate in your care planning and discharge planning meetings
- Make and resolve complaints
- Have your physical health needs met
- Discuss leave from the ward with your treating team
- Access culturally appropriate care
- Access other services including lawyers
An Advocate can be involved if you, your family or treating team request an Advocate contact you.
You can ask a doctor or nurse to request an Advocate on your behalf. Advocates are also on the wards and may approach you and offer support.
You can ring us for help. The numbers are on this web page.
An Advocate will make contact within 24 hours of the request.
