NYS Mental Hygiene Legal Service (MHLS) is a publicly funded legal organization dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals receiving mental health and related services in the state of New York. As an independent agency within the judicial branch, MHLS provides legal representation, advocacy, and assistance to individuals involved in civil commitment proceedings, guardianship matters under Article 81, and other legal situations related to mental disability. The agency’s attorneys work primarily with clients who are patients in psychiatric centers, developmental centers, or residential treatment facilities, ensuring their civil liberties are upheld and institutional care is provided in accordance with the law.

MHLS plays a unique and essential role in the legal landscape by focusing exclusively on mental hygiene law and related legal protections. Its culturally informed services extend to both adults and minors across New York’s judicial districts. In addition to direct legal advocacy, MHLS is actively involved in public education and policy reform to promote a more just and equitable mental health system. With a specialized understanding of both legal and clinical issues, MHLS attorneys are well-equipped to navigate complex cases that blend medical, legal, and ethical considerations.

Website: https://nycourts.gov/courts/ad4/mentalhygiene.html

Key Services:

– Legal representation in mental health civil commitment proceedings
– Review and challenge of involuntary treatment and hospitalization
– Advocacy for individuals in state-operated psychiatric and developmental facilities
– Legal services in Article 81 guardianship proceedings
– Assistance with treatment refusal and patients’ rights issues
– Monitoring of institutional conditions and systemic legal advocacy
– Community outreach and public education on mental health law
– Specialized legal support for minors receiving psychiatric services