Does a mental health organization have the right to refuse me further treatment because I asked for a different therapist?

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Does a mental health organization have the right to refuse me further treatment because I asked for a different therapist?

I have been receiving therapeutic treatment
from a provider for over the last year. I was
seeing a therapist and making improvements
with her help. About 6 weeks ago they called
me and told me the therapist I had been seeing
had been asked to leave the practice. It was a
major shock to me especially because I had
not had any warning.
I agreed to see another therapist because I
wanted to continue the cognitive therapy I was
learning. Also if I left the program I would lose
the doctor that prescribed my medication and
the vocational counselor I was seeing for help
getting back to work and into low income
housing.
For the last month Ive been working with a
new therapist. Unfortunately I have not been
able to connect with her. We usually end up
arguing and I feel that I cannot continue
working with her. It has set me back
tremendously.
I asked for a different therapist but was told I
had to work it out with the therapist I had been
seeing or they would discontinue my services
completely. I have to give them an answer on
Monday October 16,2017.
I have been extremely distressed all weekend
and still do not know what to do. Continuing
therapy with this woman will be detrimental to
my recovery. But I feel if I dont go back Ill lose
all the other services I receive there.
I really would appreciate some help to learn
what my rights are.

Sincerely
RJ

Asked on October 15, 2017 under Malpractice Law, New Hampshire

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

You have no right to treatment from any one given organization, and the mental health organization has the right to assign the therapist to you. If you do not like or cannot connect with this therapist (the one they choose to assign you), your recourse is to look for a different therapist or provider elsewhere. You have no ability to force them to give you a different therapist, because as stated, you do not have the right to demand help or assistance from this organization.


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