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Consumer Advocacy

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When the State's operational definition to meet the requirements of LB 1083 was distributed, the definition stated that a consumer is "an individual or family member who has utilized substance abuse, mental health, gambling, or other addiction services from licensed professionals."  This is the definition that was approved by the State Advisory Committee in November 2005.

The Office of Consumer Affairs focuses on four areas:

  • Consumer/Peer Support - consumers helping consumers
  • Relationships - build and strengthen consumer involvement
  • Planning - how to get the best out of the system
  • Research - how to find the best information and resources out there now

The Office of Consumer Affairs has an Administrator, two Consumer Liaisons, and one Support Staff.  Consumers may contact our office by using the toll free number below.

Each year, the office pays for and helps organize a Mental Health Consumer Conference which offers the consumers chosen to attend, three days of learning, sharing, and networking.

Consumer List & Discussion Group

The division keeps up a list of consumers interested in working on planning groups. If you would like to be added to the list, contact either Dan Powers or Phyllis McCaul at the number below.

By signing up to the Consumer Discussion List you can become part of the discussions about Behavioral Health in Nebraska.

State Consumer Contracts for Special Services

The Division contracts for services with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill-Nebraska, the Mental Health Association and Partners in Recovery to ensure a state organizational structure is available for consumers.

MHSIP Consumer Survey

As part of the grant for the Mental Health Statistical Improvement Project (MHSIP), the Division has established a Consumer Satisfaction Survey.  Consumers are randomly selected to help describe the services they received at state-funded facilities.

Links to State and National Mental Health Advocacy Groups:

Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) Contacts:

Scot Adams- Director, Division of Behavioral Health - 402-471-8553
Dan Powers - OCA Consumer Liaison - 402-471-7857
Phyllis McCaul - OCA Consumer Liaison - 402-471-7773
Iliana Martin - OCA Staff Assistant II - 402-471-7854

DHHS Division of Behavioral Health
Office of Consumer Affairs
301 Centennial Mall South - 3rd FL
P.O. Box 98926
Lincoln, NE 68509
Fax: 402-471-7859

Nebraska's Mental Health System Consumer Line 1-800-836-7660

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