As a part of Mental Health Month, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reminds residents of the Office of the Mental Health Ombudsman, a unit inside DHHR’s Office of Inspector General that promotes the protection, well-being, and rights of customers in behavioral well being services throughout the state of West Virginia.

“Anyone who has a complaint about the delivery of behavioral health services in West Virginia is encouraged to contact the Office of the Mental Health Ombudsman,” mentioned Rick Dempsey, Mental Health Ombudsman Director. “Our team will work to find a resolution, or help point individuals in the right direction, to ensure individuals receive the services they need.”

The Office of the Mental Health Ombudsman can mediate or advocate on behalf of residents, seek the advice of with suppliers about insurance policies, practices, and procedures, gather and analyze data, conduct opinions, evaluation critical accidents, study data, go to packages and hospitals, advocate corrective actions, difficulty experiences, and monitor outcomes.