About Mental Health Advocacy Services
What is Mental Health Advocacy Services?
Mental Health Advocacy Services, Inc. (MHAS) is a Los Angeles County-based private non-profit organization established in 1977 to provide free legal services to people with mental health disabilities. MHAS's mission is to protect and advance the legal rights of low-income adults and children with mental health disabilities and empower them to assert those rights — to maximize their autonomy, achieve equity, and secure the resources they need to thrive.
MHAS was originally seed-funded by the American Bar Association, started as a project of the Los Angeles County and Beverly Hills Bar Associations protecting patients' rights at state hospitals, and incorporated as an independent non-profit in 1979. Its impact litigation record includes Lopez v. Heckler (1983), which forced the Social Security Administration to stop arbitrary terminations of disability benefits for people with mental disabilities — restoring benefits to thousands; Franco v. Holder (2015, co-counseled with the ACLU), which won the right to legal representation for all immigration detainees with a serious mental disorder; and Project New Start (2019), a job placement, mental health, and legal services program for formerly incarcerated individuals in LA. In 2018 MHAS joined LA County's Medical-Legal Community Partnership.
Where will I work?
MHAS is headquartered at 801 N. Brand Blvd, Suite 240, Glendale, CA 91203. Attorneys work remotely with access to the headquarters office as needed. MHAS equips all home-working employees with the necessary technology and other office supplies. Some positions involve up to one day a week on site rotating among Mental Health America of Los Angeles locations around LA County, including Long Beach, Newhall, and the Antelope Valley, with occasional in-person courthouse representation.
What is the MHAS team like?
MHAS provides training and technical assistance to attorneys, mental health professionals, consumer and family member groups, and other advocates across LA County. Five values shape the work: Empowerment (giving clients resources to achieve autonomy), Dignity (treating every individual with respect, kindness, and understanding), Equity (services that are trauma-informed and accessible to underserved communities), Collaboration (working in partnership with other organizations and clients), and Wellness (prioritizing the well-being, safety, and physical and mental health of clients and team). MHAS is proud of its "collegial, family-friendly culture that respects the work/life balance of its employees" and provides frequent wellness opportunities — trainings on stress management and mindfulness, group meditations, and regular, informal staff gatherings.
Work-Life Balance
On January 1, 2023, MHAS permanently adopted a four-day work week after completing a six-month trial in 2022. All full-time employees work approximately four eight-hour days per week, and the MHAS office is closed on Fridays. MHAS is also willing to consider flexible work schedules on a case-by-case basis.
Perks and Benefits
- 4-day work week (four 8-hour days, office closed Fridays) — permanently adopted Jan 1, 2023
- Remote work with access to Glendale HQ as needed
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
- Employee health, dental, vision insurance
- Long-term disability and life insurance
- Parking and transit fare reimbursement
- Bilingual pay supplement (where applicable)
- Equipment provided for remote work — necessary technology and office supplies
- Wellness programming: stress management and mindfulness trainings, group meditations, regular informal staff gatherings
- Flexible work schedules considered case-by-case
- Attorney salary range published openly in JDs ($75,000–$90,000 for the most recently posted Partnership Attorney role)