What rights do people with mental illness have under the law?

People with mental illness in California have a variety of rights that are protected by both federal and state laws. On the federal level, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with mental illness. This means that employers, schools, and other entities cannot take adverse action against people with mental illness based on their condition. The California Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) is a state law that protects the rights of people with mental illness. It mandates that people with mental illness receive comprehensive and effective mental health services. It also requires that community-based treatment and other forms of supportive housing be available to those in need. California also has the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act, which helps protect the rights of people with mental illness in the state. It guarantees that people who are committed to mental health facilities have their civil rights protected. It also provides legal safeguards for those who are involuntarily committed and requires that they be provided with necessary mental health services. Other commitments that the state of California has in place in order to protect the rights of people with mental illness include providing funds for research, hiring mental health professionals, and creating and maintaining a confidential mental health registry. All of these measures help ensure that individuals with mental illness are protected under the law.

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What rights do people with mental illness have under the law?

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