Consumer Advocate Network

Washington, D.C. peer advocacy organization working to empower consumers for over 20 years. If you are receiving mental health services, or if you are a family member of someone receiving services, you must make important choices about your or loved one’s health. CAN is here to help you understand your rights and speak out for yourself. If you are a provider of mental health services, we can help you understand the consumer’s perspective so you can better advocate for consumers’ rights. After you advocate for yourself successfully for your treatment choices, you may discover you have issues overall with the mental health system. Are the services you need available? Do your representatives in government understand these needs and how they impact lives — even your life? CAN provides technical assistance if you and other consumers decide to work together on an issue of common concern. You may contact CAN to find out if people are already working together or how you can start an advocacy group.