The Mental Health Legal Rights Service is for people (often called mental health consumers) who are experiencing, or may experience, compulsory mental health treatment in Victoria. This includes people who are under community or inpatient treatment orders.
You can access the helpline by free call on 1800 849 806 from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
Carers, family members, kin and supporters can call to access general information. The full range of services and referrals is only available to consumers.
The helpline operates independently of all mental health services.
How we can help
Calls to the Mental Health Legal Rights Service Helpline will guide you through your legal options and ensure you get a say in your assessment, treatment and recovery. Our lawyers have knowledge on a range of legal issues and can discuss your needs with you.
If you have a hearing at the Mental Health Tribunal, you can call the helpline for advice on what to expect and how the process works. We can connect you to more free legal support if you need it, which may include legal representation for your hearing.
First Nations consumers and kin
First Nations people contacting the helpline will be offered a range of referral options including the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS). VALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that can provide culturally safe legal assistance and social and emotional wellbeing support. They can also be contacted directly on (03) 9418 5920.
Help in your language
If you don’t speak English or need an interpreter, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask to be put through to the Mental Health Legal Rights Service Helpline on 1800 849 806.
Support if you are deaf or find it hard to hear or speak on the phone
If you are deaf or you find it hard to hear or speak on the phone, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. Visit the National Relay Service website for more information.
About the legal service partnership
The Mental Health Legal Rights Service is a partnership between the Mental Health Legal Centre, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and Victoria Legal Aid.
We work with you to understand your needs and connect you to the right legal service. With your consent, we will arrange the referral for you.
The participating legal services can offer tailored advice and further legal support, which may include legal representation at the Mental Health Tribunal.
How we handle your personal information
Your information is confidential and won’t leave the service, unless you ask for it to be shared with another service. You can access more information about how your personal information is handled when you call, or you can read more about our privacy policy.
More information
Visit Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) to speak to a non-legal advocate. IMHA can provide information about your rights and support to speak up about your assessment, treatment and recovery. This is different to legal advice and representation, which you can access by calling the Mental Health Legal Rights Service Helpline.
Learn about Going to the Mental Health Tribunal.
Understand the rights of people receiving compulsory treatment.
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