On this page
1. Dignity & respect
Every AES client has the right to be treated with consideration, respect, and recognition of dignity and individuality — regardless of how you arrived at AES, your offense, your insurance status, your language, your immigration status, your religious beliefs, your gender identity, your sexual orientation, your race or ethnicity, or your ability to pay. This applies to every interaction with every member of AES staff, in every room, on every call.
2. Treatment planning
You have the right to participate in the development and periodic review of your own treatment plan, to ask questions about it, to disagree with parts of it, and to propose alternatives. AES clinicians are responsible for clinical decisions; you are a partner in them, not a passive recipient.
3. Information about care
You have the right to receive — in language you understand — information about your diagnosis (where one applies), your treatment options, the expected benefits and risks, the expected duration, the cost, the names and credentials of the clinicians involved, and any limits on confidentiality that apply to your particular situation. AES delivers this information in English and Spanish at the same standard. Other languages are arranged on request.
4. Refusal of treatment
You have the right to refuse any specific treatment, medication, or procedure — subject to the limits described below. If you refuse, AES will explain in plain language what the consequences may be, including any impact on a court or MVD requirement you are completing. AES will document your refusal and continue to offer alternative care where appropriate.
Important context for court-ordered clients: A court, probation officer, or MVD authority may require completion of specific services. Refusal of those services is your right, but completion is a separate matter that AES cannot waive on the court's behalf. AES does not penalize you clinically for asking these questions.
5. Confidentiality
You have the right to confidential treatment of your records and your communications with AES under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2. AES will not share your information with attorneys, courts, probation officers, MVD, family members, employers, or any other third party without your signed written authorization — except in the limited circumstances described in our Notice of Privacy Practices.
6. Records access
You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your own records, with limited exceptions. You also have the right to request amendments, request restrictions, and receive an accounting of certain disclosures. The full process is in the Notice of Privacy Practices. Records requests should be submitted in writing to the AES Privacy Officer.
7. Freedom from abuse, neglect, & exploitation
You have the right to be free from physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse; from neglect; from financial exploitation; and from retaliation for filing a complaint or asserting any right described on this page. AES staff are mandatory reporters under Arizona law. If you witness or experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation by an AES staff member or by another client, report it immediately — anonymously if needed — using the channels in section 10.
8. Restraint, seclusion, & coercion
AES does not use physical restraint, seclusion, or coercion as part of any program. We are an outpatient clinic. Sessions are voluntary in the moment — meaning you can leave a session at any time. The only "coercive" element of AES care is the consequence framework imposed by a court, probation officer, or MVD authority for completing a court-ordered program; that framework comes from the ordering authority, not from AES.
9. Advocates & support persons
You have the right to bring an advocate, support person, attorney, family member, or interpreter to any AES session, with limited clinically-appropriate exceptions. Tell intake in advance so we can plan the space. You also have the right to contact and be contacted by these people during your participation in AES programs.
Outside of AES, statewide advocacy organizations include the Arizona Center for Disability Law (1-800-927-2260) and Arizona Peer & Family Coalition.
10. Complaints & appeals
If you believe a right described on this page has been violated, you may file a complaint. AES will not retaliate against you for doing so.
Internal complaint
Contact the AES Clinical Director or Privacy Officer directly:
Email: rights@aesmain.com
Phone: 480-809-6230
AES will acknowledge your complaint within one business day, investigate, and respond in writing within thirty days.
External regulators
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Division of Licensing — Behavioral Health Outpatient Treatment Center oversight. azdhs.gov/licensing · 602-364-3030.
- Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners — for complaints about a licensed counselor or social worker. azbbhe.us · 602-542-1882.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights — HIPAA and Section 1557 complaints. hhs.gov/ocr/complaints · 1-800-368-1019.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — 42 CFR Part 2 complaints. samhsa.gov.