What is the right to know about the risks associated with mental health treatment?

In California, mental health treatment comes with the right to know about the risks associated with it. The Health and Safety Code, Section 5326, requires that, before giving informed consent to receive mental health treatment, the patient must be informed of all the risks of the treatment. These risks will vary depending on the specific type of mental health care being offered, but may include side effects, potential for addiction, or other medical risks. Patients in California are also required to be informed about alternatives to the mental health care they are considering. This includes discussing alternative forms of treatment, such as therapy or stress management, and the right to refuse mental health care without repercussions. Mental health care providers in California must also inform the patient of their rights. These include the right to privacy, the right to refuse treatment, the right to request a change in mental health care providers, and the right to revoke consent at any time. In addition to the right to know about the risks of mental health treatment, patients in California also have the right to make informed decisions about their care. This includes being informed of their diagnosis, the expected outcome of their treatment, and the potential for long-term effects as a result of the treatment. In sum, the right to know about the risks associated with mental health treatment in California is essential for patients to make informed decisions about their care. Providers must ensure that all necessary information is provided to the patient before treatment is administered, so that the patient may make an informed decision about their mental health treatment.

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What is the right to know about the risks associated with mental health treatment?

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