What is the right to access mental health care outside of an institution?

The right to access mental health care outside of an institution is a provision of Minnesota’s mental health laws that provides individuals with the opportunity to receive mental health services in a variety of settings, not solely within a psychiatric institution or hospital. These settings can include an outpatient clinic or office, or they can include other settings such as private homes or community organizations. In Minnesota, individuals who are 18 or older and living with mental illness are allowed by law to have access to outpatient mental health services outside of an institution. These services include but are not limited to diagnostic assessments, individual and group therapy, medications, and case management. The right to receive mental health services outside of an institution is important for a number of reasons. It allows individuals to receive care in a setting that is more familiar to them and less stigmatizing, which can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed and more likely to engage in treatment. Additionally, these services are often more flexible and cost-effective than providing services in an institutional setting. Finally, this right also provides individuals with the autonomy to choose the services they need and the settings in which to receive them. By having access to a variety of mental health services, individuals with mental illness can be more likely to receive the care they need in a setting that is most beneficial for them.

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