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MH Home > Grievance Process Guide > What is a Grievance?

Grievance Process Guide for Recipients of Mental Health Services

Waht is a Grievance?

If a problem related to your mental health service arises, you can seek to solve it in several different ways.

Informal agency processes: Some agencies, for example, may have an informal dispute resolution process of their own. You are welcome to use that process if you wish. It is important to realize, however, that you have the right to use the formal grievance process if you become dissatisfied with a service provider's informal dispute resolution process.

Mediation services: You may also try working out a problem or issue you have by seeking mediation services. A mediator can be appointed to help work out an agreement between everyone concerned. You also have the right to use the formal grievance process if you become dissatisfied with the results of mediation.

The formal grievance process: This Guide is designed to describe the grievance processes currently used by the Department of Health and Human Services for people receiving mental health services. There is one grievance process for adult recipients and a distinctly different process for child and adolescent recipients. Therefore, this Guide is divided into two sections - one for adults and one for children and adolescents. As you learn about these processes, it is important to remember that you have the right to use any of the available grievance processes without experiencing negative consequences of any kind, such as being denied services.

For more information about ways to pursue the options mentioned on this page, contact the DHHS Office of Advocacy or Disability Rights Center of Maine. Their addresses and phone numbers may be found in the "Important Addresses and Phone Numbers" .