Mission Statement

The mission of MHAS is to protect and advance the legal rights of children and adults with mental disabilities, in order to maximize autonomy, promote equality, and secure the resources needed to thrive in the community.

 Statement of Values

Breadth of expertise.  By acquiring and maintaining knowledge and experience across a broad range of mental health legal issues, MHAS secures a unique position and ability to serve its clients’ varying needs and influence the development of mental health law.

Leverage of expertise.  MHAS expands the reach of its experience and expertise by training advocates, agencies, caregivers, governmental bodies, private service providers, and others in mental health law and rights.

Responsiveness.  MHAS responds to the legal needs of clients whom others cannot or will not serve.  MHAS proudly recognizes that, for some clients, it is their only advocate.  MHAS strives to meet every client’s legal needs.  When unable to provide direct assistance, MHAS provides referrals to other appropriate resources.

Equality of access to mental health services.  MHAS believes that every child and adult with a mental disability should have equal access to all appropriate mental health services, regardless of personal characteristics or income.

Recovery and resiliency through home and community care.  MHAS endorses and seeks to advance the delivery of mental health services based on the model of recovery and resiliency through client-centered home and community-based care, which affords clients maximum autonomy.

Freedom from stigma.  The stigma associated with mental disabilities impairs recovery and resiliency.  MHAS believes that enhanced awareness and understanding of mental disabilities, as well as increased knowledge and enforcement of strong anti-discrimination laws, can overcome stigma.