March is Self-Harm Month: The Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Florida Offers a Look at the Risks and Possible Solutions
Unfortunately, the natural progression laid out by the psychiatric community often leads to a prescription of psychotropic drugs with no resolution of the original problem. March is annually observed as Self-Harm Awareness Month but unless you are involved in mental...
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: BAKER ACT RIGHTS
When a person is taken into custody under the mental health law in Florida and sent for an involuntary psychiatric examination it can be very scary for them and their friends and family. Commonly referred to as a “Baker Act” the initiation of an involuntary exam, what...
The Hidden Dangers of the Baker Act: How Florida’s Mental Health Law is Failing Families
For thousands of Florida parents, the Baker Act has become a nightmare rather than a safeguard. Originally designed as an emergency intervention for those who pose an immediate danger to themselves or others, the law is now widely misused and abused, particularly...
CCHR Florida’s Black History Month Open House: Is Racism Still Alive?
The Florida chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights is hosting a month-long open house at their center, located at 109 N. Fort Harrison Ave in downtown Clearwater, in order to raise awareness on the truth behind racism for Black History Month. The open...
Children’s Mental Health Week: What Parents Need to Know
This February during Children’s Mental Health Week, when industry attention and advertising is focused on children, parents should take a moment to examine what is actually happening in our schools to solicit potential new patients through mental health screening. So...
America the Drugged: The Ugly Truth About Violence in Our Communities
Hundreds of thousands of Americans have died due to drugs and the efforts to prevent drug abuse have not stopped this crisis. But underneath it all is a hidden tale of addiction, violence and the greed of those who profess their intention to help. The War on Drugs The...
Hundreds Attend the Citizens Commission on Human Rights Hosted Event in Honor of Purple Heart Day
August 7th is observed annually across the country to recognize those who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal for their sacrifice in service to the United States. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), an award-winning nonprofit that works to protect...
The Baker Act and Your Rights: One Attorney’s Perspective
By: Dr. Stephen Talmadge Ph.D. psychology | Attorney INTRODUCTION I will address many questions about Baker Acts and will present a brief history and some facts about prevalence. I will talk about whether the Baker Act is criminal or civil law, patient rights, and...
Mental Health Expert: Why Are We Still Electroshocking Children?
Today’s doctors are struggling to treat psychological problems and despite that, we are still using electroshock — even on children. In 2003, Dr. Loren Mosher and Professor David Cohen wrote a brief paper, “The Ethics of Electroconvulsive Therapy.”...
Testimonials – The Baker Act
These are letters and emails thanking CCHR Florida for the help provided to families: “Thanks for sending the documents, for all of your help and encouragement, and for being so accessible when I felt utterly helpless. The Baker Act Facility wore my daughter...
Human Rights Expert: Parents Deserve to Be Involved In Their Child’s Mental Health
If you were to read the news or do a simple Google search for mental health and children, you’d be bombarded with stories feigning a mental health crisis among children in the United States, demanding change. However, these stories are spun by the same people...
Human Rights Expert: How To Ensure School Mental Health Initiatives Don’t Violate Parental Rights
While some argue that school children are facing a mental health crisis and demand answers, perhaps the question we should be asking is: Why are schools involved in children’s mental health in the first place? As administrators, legislators and parents in the...
Mental Health Expert: Debunking the Holiday Season Suicide Rates Myth
Although many individuals do struggle during the winter months and deserve effective care, the idea that suicide rates climb over the holidays is false. Acknowledging that people can struggle at any time of the year, getting people the help they need whenever...

