Accessible legal support for
behavioral health and
addiction treatment providers
We make law manageable for those on the front-lines of behavioral health and addiction treatment.
At Pocket Law Consulting, our mission is clear: to help good people do meaningful work.
We identify, reduce, and manage legal burdens for behavioral health and addiction treatment providers across Ohio so that they can focus on serving their communities.
With decades of legal experience in all facets of behavioral health and addiction treatment, we are well-prepared to support you in achieving your vision.
Read on to learn more about our founder and the services we offer.
Our Founder
Melissa J. Mitchell
Attorney at Law
“I have always been focused on supporting those who work with challenged populations. And I’ve never met anyone in a helping profession who hasn’t been frustrated or confused by the laws and rules that apply to their work. As a lawyer, I address the everyday knots and puzzles that distract the helpers from doing what they were trained to do.
I began my legal career by collaborating with like-minded individuals to create a nonprofit domestic violence shelter in a community where it was desperately needed. And I have never looked back.
I utilized what I learned there to develop a practice focused on supporting those who work directly with the homeless, the mentally ill, individuals with I/DD, children who have no voice, the elderly, and people who struggle with addiction.
I am proud to work alongside social workers, counselors, peer supporters, teachers, nurses, nurse practitioners, psychologists, chemical dependency counseling assistants, and licensed chemical dependency professionals.”
Our Services
Licensing, Accreditation,
Rule Monitoring
To maximize growth and stability, we ensure that your programs are appropriately licensed and credentialed. We can help to:
Track key state and federal rules to stay ahead of the curve and help you anticipate changes.
Assist you in obtaining, maintaining or changing licenses and national accreditation,
Help you craft policies and procedures that are consistent with current rules and regulations.
Client Records, Electronic Health Records, and Privacy Laws:
HIPAA, HITECH and Part 2
Client confidentiality laws are confusing and contradictory, so we scale and simplify to put compliant practices to work. We can help to:
Review existing or proposed EHR framework and documentation practices for compliance with applicable federal privacy laws.
Review and revise existing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with current applicable state and federal privacy laws.
Review current information exchange practices to revise and simplify documentation and procedures.
Assist in responding to warrants, subpoenas and requests for information including witness preparation for staff as needed.
Employment and
Workforce Development
We work with you to attract and retain competent and engaged staff. We can help to:
Create and implement accessible workforce development initiatives including opportunities for those with lived experience.
Design professional development opportunities for all levels of employees on DEI, trauma informed care, legal issues, professionalism and ethics.
Review and revise HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with current law.
Draft disciplinary documents including termination and severance agreements.
Investigations, Surveys,
and Audits
We serve as advisor and intermediary during both routine and unanticipated oversight activities. We help ensure internal investigations are thorough, discrete, and timely. We can help to:
Monitor client rights allegations to guarantee timely and thorough documentation along with recommendations for follow up reporting responsibilities.
Conduct or review workforce investigations, review documentation and make recommendations for follow up.
Act as liaison to funders and regulators who may audit or investigate agency practices to make sure that adequate information is timely shared.
Assist in drafting and monitoring any ongoing review.