People receiving mental health treatment have a wide range of rights.

There are a number of legal documents that outline and protect the rights of people receiving mental health treatment.

Australia is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for the Protection of People with Mental Illness and the Improvement of Mental Health Care. This international agreement outlines the conditions under which people can receive involuntary mental health treatment and the monitoring and protection mechanisms which should accompany this treatment.

The Mental Health Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, based on the UN Principles and developed in 1991, is a commitment by government to protect the rights of people receiving mental health treatment and their carers. All States and Territories are signatories to this document.

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights is an overarching statement of health care rights, describing the rights of all people using the Australian healthcare system.

Finally, the NT Code of Health and Community Rights and Responsibilities outlines rights and responsibilities of users and providers of health and community services in the Northern Territory.