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Ombudsman Services
What is an Ombudsman?
An Ombudsman is a person who helps people solve problems. The CMH Consumer Ombudsman helps people who use Community mental Health or the Thumb Region Substance Abuse Coordinating Agency in Lapeer, Sanilac and St. Clair counties.
What does the Ombudsman do?
The Consumer Ombudsman can:
Who can use this service?
You must be an individual receiving mental health services from St. Clair, Lapeer or Sanilac Community Mental Health, or the Thumb Region Substance Abuse Coordinating Agency to use the Ombudsman service. The Ombudsman may also be contacted by family members of individuals receiving CMH services who have concerns.
How does the Ombudsman work with the Office of Recipient Rights?
The Office of Recipient Rights (ORR) works only with violations of your recipient rights. The Ombudsman works hand in hand with your local Office of Recipient Rights. Some concerns you have may have to be shared with your recipient rights officer. On the other hand, if you talk to your recipient rights officer about a problem that us not a rights issue, he or she may ask you to call the Consumer Ombudsman. All concerns are valid and should be checked out – that’s why we have an Ombudsman.
Is there a charge to use this service?
No. These services are free.
Do I call as soon as I have a problem?
You may contact the Ombudsman at any point when you are having a problem. At the start, he can guide you to follow basic problem solving steps. He can suggest ways to talk with your case manager or supports coordinator, family or other loved ones. If you need more help, you can call the Ombudsman again.
How do I contact the Ombudsman?
You can call the Ombudsman by calling the Thumb Alliance Customer Services Department at: 810-985-9412, or use the Consumer Complaint Form available at your local CMH or Substance Use treatment office.
