Mental Health Services

Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont typically can’t give you legal advice about the mental health system — except in a few circumstances.

• We will be appointed to represent you if you are facing involuntary treatment or involuntary medication.
• If you are a defendant in a criminal case, we will be appointed to represent you if you have been found incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity.
• We can give advice in some proceedings involving children’s access to mental health treatment and services.
• We can give advice about mental health care provider complaints.
• We can give advice about insurance coverage of mental health services.

For involuntary treatment or medication cases, the Family Division of the Superior Court appoints Vermont Legal Aid’s Mental Health Law Project (MHLP) to represent Vermonters. We help in both hospital and outpatient settings. We work to make sure your rights and liberty are protected. If you are the person facing involuntary treatment or involuntary medication, a MHLP attorney will contact you if a case was filed, or you can contact us for advice. In addition, if you are a defendant in a criminal case, we will be appointed to represent you if you have been found incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity. We cannot help other callers, including family members.

If you believe your rights have been violated by a psychiatric hospital or mental health agency you may contact Disability Rights Vermont at 1-800-834-7890.

For children with a mental health diagnosis who need help with access to treatment and services from community providers or from school districts, Vermont Legal Aid’s Disability Law Project (DLP) may be able to help. This may include denials, reduction or termination of services for a mental health diagnosis. For children with Coordination of Service Plans (CSPs, also known as Act 264 Plans) who have received placement denials by a Local or State Interagency Team, DLP may also be able to help. Contact us by phone or online form.

Vermont Legal Aid’s Office of the Health Care Advocate (HCA) can give you advice about health care provider complaints and insurance coverage. Contact the HCA by phone or online form.

For other mental health system advice, contact Disability Rights Vermont.

Designated Agency (DA) for each county

If you need mental health services, contact the agency for your county in Vermont.

Specialized Service Agencies (SSA)

Specialized Service Agencies are also an option. They may offer services in more than one area of the state.

• Northeastern Family Institute serves individuals, youth and their families, who are coping with the challenges of severe trauma, emotional disturbances and/or intense dysregulation across settings.
• Pathways Vermont supports people experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use challenges, and other life challenges.

If you are denied services

Follow this link to find out how to appeal a service provider’s decision, including if you are denied services.

If you have a complaint

Follow this link to find out how to file a grievance if you are unhappy with a service provider’s actions, quality of services, and more.

Need an interpreter?

Follow this link to call the Department of Mental Health and have a free interpreter.

Are you having a mental health emergency?

There are people who can help you.

• See this list of organizations in Vermont who can talk to you.
• Text “VT” to 741741 and talk to a counselor 24/7.
• Call the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Dial 988. Or visit their website and use their chat at https://988lifeline.org/.