Though Barbara Walters went on The View this morning with word from Britney Spears’ pal Sam Lutfi, sources close to the troubled pop mom tell PageSix.com exclusively that it was Brit who initiated contact with Babs.

After a short chat, Brit passed the phone to Sam, who offered Barbara an update on the singer’s status. Among the news relayed: Britney is suffering from “mental issues which are treatable,” she has been to a psychiatrist, has been having mood swings and ...