MHLAC provides legal and policy advocacy for people with mental health challenges throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A State agency, its central priority is to address those concerns that are most closely related to clients' ability to live full and independent lives. Like other legal services offices, this includes combating poverty, which is often characterized as a "social determinant" of mental illness.
When clients are put in institutional settings, MHLAC seeks to protect them from abusive treatment that can often wreak permanent damage. MHLAC discharges its mission by attempting to influence the systems that negatively affect our clients, and also by helping individuals cope with these systems. In the latter category, MHLAC accepts nearly 2,500 requests for assistance annually.
When clients are put in institutional settings, MHLAC seeks to protect them from abusive treatment that can often wreak permanent damage. MHLAC discharges its mission by attempting to influence the systems that negatively affect our clients, and also by helping individuals cope with these systems. In the latter category, MHLAC accepts nearly 2,500 requests for assistance annually.
Services
Legal Help
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Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee provides information and advice to individuals involved with the Massachusetts mental health system through the MHLAC Intake Line. If you need help or advice, you must call the MHLAC Intake Line and leave a voicemail message. Social Distancing working is implemented until further notice.
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By clicking "SEND", you acknowledge that we have no obligation to maintain the confidentiality of any information you submit to us via email unless we already represent you or unless we have agreed to receive limited confidential material/information from you as a prospective client.
By clicking "SEND", you acknowledge that we have no obligation to maintain the confidentiality of any information you submit to us via email unless we already represent you or unless we have agreed to receive limited confidential material/information from you as a prospective client.
Employment Discrimination and Advocacy Project
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The Employment Discrimination & Advocacy Project (EDAP) provides legal representation to low income people living with mental illness in employment matters. The EDAP is a pilot project initiated by MHLAC. People living with mental illness often face employment discrimination. This discrimination can appear as workplace bullying, employer retaliation, a refusal to provide reasonable accommodations, or a denial of earned wages.
Family Law Project
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MHLAC's Family Law Project (FLP) provides legal representation and assistance to low income parents diagnosed with a mental illness or psychiatric disability who are seeking to access or regain custody of their children. The FLP is supported and funded by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Massachusetts Bar Foundation (MBF).
Resources
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The Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee has many resources available to you on this website. In addition to call-in intake hours, there are numerous publications listed by subject for you to read and available to download. Be sure to visit MHLAC's Online Library for mental health specific legal information.
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