What is the role of the Mental Health Ombudsman in Colorado?

The role of the Mental Health Ombudsman in Colorado focuses primarily on advocating for individuals who are receiving mental health services. This involves helping to resolve complaints and ensuring that clients' rights are protected. The Ombudsman serves as an independent entity that listens to the concerns of service users, investigates their complaints regarding mental health service providers, and works to facilitate resolutions. This ensures that individuals have a voice and can access appropriate support in navigating the mental health system.

The duties of the Ombudsman encompass providing information, guidance, and support to individuals, which emphasizes their role as an advocate rather than a regulatory or litigation-focused professional. This distinct mission sets the Ombudsman apart from other entities that might deal with licensing, evaluations, or legal representation, which are not within the scope of their responsibilities.