About MHLAC Intake

The Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee provides comprehensive information and advice to individuals involved in the Massachusetts mental health system through our Intake Department. To have a legal advocate contact you regarding an intake matter, you must call the MHLAC Intake Line and leave a voice mail message during our intake hours. We do not conduct intake on a walk-in basis.

To request an MHLAC intake via email, click here.

Intake Hours and Phone Numbers

8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Intake Line 617-338-2345 press "4" or toll free 1-800-342-9092 press "4"

When calling the Intake Line, you should be prepared to leave a message giving a brief description of the nature of the issue about which you are seeking information or advice. You will need to provide your name, address, telephone numbers, and, if you are contacting us about someone other than yourself, the name of that person and your relationship to him or her. You should expect to receive a call back from MHLAC within two (2) business days. A phone interview will be conducted by an intake advocate at that time. Please note that we only provide assistance for problems or issues that pertain to Massachusetts. We cannot provide assistance to anonymous callers.

MHLAC provides information, pro se advice, materials and referrals. There are no income guidelines for advice only. Direct representation of persons with mental illness is offered on a limited basis. See Intake Areas Covered for our current case priorities. MHLAC provides representation for indigent clients only in civil matters only. Mental health of the client must be a primary factor in the current legal matter or relevant to the legal issue. Illness may be perceived and can be undiagnosed.