CAN Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Consumer Action Network How Do I Contact CAN? WHO WE ARE AND
(CAN)? WHAT WE DO
Call us at: (202) 842-0001
CAN is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, Celebrating
professional peer advocacy program E-mail us at: [email protected] 16 years of service in

incorporated in the District of Or visit our website at www.can-dc.org DC
Columbia in February of 2003.
Schedule an appointment to meet with us or CAN advocates for the consumers of
What Is CAN’s Mission? write to us at our office: mental health services by mediating

CAN empowers mental health 1300 L St., NW, Suite 1000 to find solutions to consumers
consumers by promoting recovery Washington, DC 20005 concerns.

and self-advocacy. Consumer Action Network (CAN) is a CAN works with providers &
not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization front line staff to improve consumer
What Are Some of CAN’S Goals? established by consumers. provider relationships and enhance

 To ensure that the direct voices of CAN’s mission is the empowerment of the treatment culture.
consumers are integral to service mental health consumers by promoting
delivery and system change. Nothing About Us Without Us
recovery and self advocacy.
 To help create a mental health
treatment culture that embraces Consumer Action Network
recovery principles: consumer
empowerment, best practice, 1300 L Street, NW, Suite 1000
accountability, responsibility, and Washington, DC 20005
choice.
202.842.0001 | 202-842-2685 (f)
 To ensure consumers have every
opportunity to recover in their Email: [email protected]
mental health treatment.
Website: www.can-dc.org or
find us on Facebook

What Services Does CAN Provide?  Work with providers and front-line staff Can Consumers Contact CAN
to improve consumer-provider Even If They Don’t Want To File A
CAN has a contract to run a Grievance relationships and enhance the treatment
System/Peer Advocacy Program that helps culture. Grievance?
consumers with concerns or complaints they
may have about their mental health  Network with peer and other advocates to Absolutely! Consumers can contact CAN
treatment. On-call seven days a week, 24 ensure consumers have access to for any reason at all!
hours a day, we provide the following treatment according to DBH guidelines.
services: If we aren’t able to help, we’ll tell
 Develop, with input from DC mental consumers where they can get the help they
 Educate consumers about the health consumers, consumer satisfaction need.
Department of Behavioral Health’s program.
(DBH’S) grievance system. Even if consumers DO have a complaint,
 Conduct, peer to peer interviews with they do not have to file a grievance. We
 Mediate with consumers and their CANs Consumer Satisfaction Tea (CST). follow the consumer’s lead, letting them
providers to find solutions to consumers’ know what their rights are and the different
concerns. How Do Consumers Benefit ways they can resolve their concerns,
From CAN’s Services? including mediation, peer support, and
 Help consumers understand their alternative treatments.
responsibilities in their mental health CAN works with consumers so they can
treatment. better: How Does CAN Work With
Mental Health Provider Staff?
 Provide access to information about  Empower themselves
recovery principles and citywide CAN, can be a great resource for
services/resources to providers and  Work as equal partners in their providers in the following ways:
consumers alike. treatment teams
 Help them understand the
 Inform and train consumers and  Become more independent as they are consumer’s perspective.
providers on consumers’ rights. ready
 Work with them to educate
 Assist consumers in filing grievances.  Own their recovery by managing their consumers’ on their responsibilities
mental health. in their treatment.
 Mentor consumers so they can advocate
for themselves.  Provide information about resources
in the community, including peer
 Support consumers in navigating the support programs and organizations,
mental health system. or contact information for specific
issues.