LAP Resources for Attorneys

The Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) helps current, former, and disbarred attorneys, law students, and State Bar applicants dealing with mental health and/or substance use issues affecting their personal and professional lives.

Here are self-help resources you can use to assess and support your well-being.

Self-assessment tests

Have you ever been depressed, anxious, or concerned about your use of alcohol or other substances? If so, we encourage you to complete one or more of the self-assessment tests below.

These tests do not serve as a substitute for a professional evaluation, but the results can help you decide if you should contact the LAP for a more thorough professional assessment.

Articles

Competency Issues: Having "the Talk" by Michelle Harmon, LCSW
Mental Health Issues Among Attorneys and Legal Professionals and Wellness Strategies to Combat Them by Lita Abella, JD
Stress, drink, leave: An Examination of Gender-Specific Risk Factors for Mental Health Problems and Attrition Among Licensed Attorneys by J. Anker and P. Krill
The Prevalence of Substance Use and Other Mental Health Concerns Among American Attorneys by Patrick R. Krill, JD, LLM, Ryan Johnson, MA, and Linda Albert, MSSW
DC Bar LAP: Time for a Mental Health Checkup
DC Bar LAP: Relieving Stress: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself
DC Bar LAP: Battle-worn and Feeling It
DC Bar LAP: The Power of Vulnerability
DC Bar LAP: Creating a Healthy, Inclusive Culture
DC Bar LAP: Leaders, Heal Thyselves, Too

Videos & podcasts

DC Bar LAP: Toward Well-Being podcasts
DC Bar LAP: An Honest Conversation about Alcohol: Navigating Holidays and Celebrations video

Web resources

State Bar: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Toolbox
State Bar: Wellness Guide for Senior Lawyers and their Families, Friends, and Colleagues
California Lawyers Association: Health and Wellness: Events, webinars, and resources provided by the CLA Health and Wellness Committee.
ABA: Mental Health Resources for the Legal Profession
ABA: 40 Wellness Tips to Help Lawyers Cope with Stress
ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs CoLAP
Lawyers Depression Project: A confidential forum and peer support group; free for attorneys, law students, paralegals, and administrative professionals.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), national, toll-free, available 24/7
Crisis Text Line: Need help? Text HOME to 741-741 to reach a crisis counselor.
US Dept. of Health & Human Services, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: Anonymous resource for persons seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders.

Online support groups

LifeRing Secular Recovery: An abstinence-based, anonymous peer support group offering a non-judgmental space for individuals to engage in recovery conversations and share support with peers.
SMART Recovery: A secular peer support group providing an evidence-informed environment for individuals dealing with substance dependencies or problematic behaviors, promoting recovery through a structured program.
The Other Bar: A confidential peer support group for California lawyers, judges, law students, State Bar applicants, and their families offering assistance with alcohol and drug use issues and related personal challenges. Support is available 24 hours a day at 800-222-0767.

Contact us

For more information, complete this form, give us a call (877-LAP-4HELP or 877-527-4435), or send an email to LAP@calbar.ca.gov. Contacting us is confidential.