What is a mental health advocate?

A mental health advocate is an attorney employed by the state of Louisiana to protect patient rights and represent the wishes of adults and children who are receiving treatment in behavioral health facilities under Title 28, Louisiana’s Mental Health Law, and Louisiana’s Children’s Code. Attorneys answer patients’ questions about their hospitalizations over the phone or in person on the unit, negotiate with hospital staff, initiate proceedings on behalf of patients who request assistance, and defend patients in mental health proceedings filed by hospitals or others.