Getting Involved
I feel so left out... How can I be involved in the care provided by Mental Health Services to my family member or friend?
The aim of this section is to help you as a carer become more effectively involved in the care of your family member or friend. Your involvement as a carer is important and valuable to assist mental health services in providing effective treatment. One of the main ways to become involved is the exchange of information between carers and mental health workers.
This exchange of information can sometimes be a frustrating process and it may seem that mental health professionals are not involving you as much as you would like.
Mental health professionals have a legal obligation to follow confidentiality rules. These rules deal with how and when a mental health professional can share information with others.
Achieving the balance of meeting the confidentiality needs of consumers, carers and mental health professionals can take a bit of juggling. Here are some guidelines to help you deal with the situation.
Getting consent is important...
Get consent to share information when your family member or friend is well
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It is important for your family member or friend to give consent for you to be provided with information about the treatment and care they are receiving from mental health professionals. This should occur when the consumer is well.
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When your family member or friend has given consent for you to be involved in their care, it is important to inform the Mental Health Service of this consent and what information can be shared. It is a good idea to get the consent in writing.
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Mental health professionals have a responsibility to make sure, as much as possible, that the consumer is aware of, is in agreement with, and has the ability to give consent about how their information is going to be used.
What happens if my family member or friend does not give consent?
Some information can be shared but there are significant limits. Carers can expect to be given information about mental illness, mental health services and support for carers.
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According to legislation, mental health professionals may give information to another person without the consumers consent if they believe the person has sufficient personal interest in the health and welfare of the consumer. Mental health professionals assess this on a case by case basis.
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HOWEVER, if the consumer has asked that information about them be not shared generally or with a specific person(s), mental health professionals are required to not share the information.
What if I have some information I want to share with the mental health service?
Be aware that the information you have shared may not be able to be kept confidential
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Family members and carers often have vital information that can help mental health professionals make decisions about the best way to treat and plan for the care of a consumer. You are encouraged to share relevant information with mental health professionals.
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Sometimes family members and carers may want to share confidential information with mental health professionals. While mental health professionals understand some information is quite sensitive and will try to respect the wishes of family members and carers; they are not able to guarantee all information will be kept confidential. Mental health professionals have a responsibility to let consumers know if they receive information from other people. Although they do not have to share all the details of the information with the consumer, it is important to be aware that your contact may be discussed.
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Information shared by you will be kept from the consumer if it poses a threat to anyone’s health or safety. If you are worried about the information you have shared, please discuss this with the relevant mental health professional.
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Is there any other way I can be involved?
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Under the Mental Health Act 2000, consumers receiving involuntary treatment can appoint someone to be their “Allied Person”. The
Allied Person's role is to assist the consumer to express their views and be understood. It is not the role of the Allied Person to express their point of view. If you, as a family member or carer, have been nominated by a consumer to be an Allied Person, you will be notified about certain matters relating to the Mental Health Act.
What if I wish to make a complaint?
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If have you concerns about your interactions with the mental health service you can speak directly with the consumer’s mental health professional or treating doctor
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Every district has a Complaints Coordinator whose job it is to help you. Ask your local service how to contact the Complaints Coordinator in your region.
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To make a complaint, Queensland Health has a
complaints process which we encourage you to follow.
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