The Mental Health Law Project (MHLP) is appointed by the Superior Court to represent Vermonters in involuntary mental health treatment and/or medication cases, both in hospitals and in outpatient settings, to ensure that their rights and liberty are protected.

We are also appointed to represent defendants in criminal cases in which the defendant has been determined by the court to be incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity.

We also represent the rights and interests of people with mental health problems who are potentially subject to mental health statutes and regulations under consideration by the legislature. We advocate on their behalf when the Department of Mental Health decides important issues affecting their rights or the structure of the involuntary mental health system.