Disability Rights Arizona (DRAZ) advocates for the rights of people with mental illness to receive appropriate mental health care. We advocate both for children and adults with mental health needs living in the community, and individuals residing in treatment facilities. Our mental health advocacy includes assisting individuals who have been denied eligibility for mental health services, and individuals who have been denied appropriate mental health care.
Disability Rights Arizona (DRAZ) advocates for the rights of people with mental illness to receive appropriate mental health care. We advocate both for children and adults with mental health needs living in the community, and individuals residing in treatment facilities. Our mental health advocacy includes assisting individuals who have been denied eligibility for mental health services, and individuals who have been denied appropriate mental health care.
DRAZ advocates for individuals who have requested eligibility for the Serious Mental Illness (SMI) designation and services and have been denied. For individuals who are already eligible for mental health services, DRAZ advocates that appropriate mental health services be provided. We also advocate for services to be provided in an individual’s community rather than an inpatient facility whenever possible.
DRAZ advocates for individuals residing in mental health treatment facilities to have access to their basic rights and rights as SMI-designated individuals (where applicable). We also advocate for individuals residing in mental health treatment facilities to receive appropriate mental health care with a goal towards individuals returning to the community.
If you are in a psychiatric hospital, jail, or other locked facility and would like to request assistance from DRAZ, please call our intake line at 1-800-927-2260 between 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday, and press “2” to be transferred to an intake advocate.
DRAZ assists individuals enrolled in the public mental health system with the grievance and appeals process when individuals have had their rights violated, have been denied eligibility for mental health services, and when appropriate mental health services have been denied.
If a mental health provider violates someone’s rights, a grievance can be filed with the behavioral health plan. If mental health services are denied, reduced, or terminated, an appeal can be filed with the behavioral health plan. More information about mental health grievances and appeals can be found at AHCCCS Grievance and Appeals.
Grievances and/or appeals must be submitted to the health plan an individual is enrolled in. Grievances and appeals can be filed in writing or over the phone. Contact information for the health plans.
We are committed in providing accurate disability-related legal information and advice to more individuals who need our services and assistance. In addition to limited legal representation, our goal is to provide efficient, streamlined services to educate people with disabilities and their family members on how to enforce their legal rights through self advocacy.
