A Written Letter: An Undervalued But Essential Advocacy Tool

Navigating through the mental illness treatment system can be difficult. It can be especially troubling when trying to find care for a loved one who so deeply enmeshed in symptoms that they cannot care for themselves.

With privacy laws and everything else, it’s hard to know who you can even talk to.

Outside of a crisis situation where someone’s life is immediately at risk, the most effective tool to express your about your or your loved ones treatment is also the simplest. Write a letter.

Write the treating clinician a letter describing what you’re worried about, why you’re worried and what you think should be done. If you don’t feel comfortable making specific recommendations, just tell them that you’re worried and ask if the treatment team can review the situation to make sure it’s being handled properly. It’s that simple.

If you don’t receive a response, wait a week or two and then send them another one. And then another one. Make sure to always keep a copy for your records.

Be polite, yet be specific about what you’re worried about and why. Don’t forget to put your name and contact information on the letter.

The same technique also works with city and county attorneys if the situation has become so dire that a 

commitment might be necessary. Or, with institution administrators if your or your loved one is not receiving effective treatment in their facility.

A written letter serves two purposes. The first is to let the person know about the issue. The second to build up a record in case something bad happens. Both of these purposes are important tools to utilize to help you or your loved one get effective care.

To find out more about mental illness, advocacy, and recovery go to www.namimt.org.

p.s. Please share this video with your friends and family to help them understand the power of writing letters in mental illness advocacy.