After a difficult client meeting or another week of working late, you might want a few sessions with a counselor, help finding a provider, or a conversation with someone who knows what practicing law can feel like. Employee Assistance Programs, Lawyer Assistance Programs, and The LegalMind Society’s Peer Support Programs offer three different ways to get that support. Each have their advantages and we wouldn’t say that one is in competition with any of the others.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are a workplace benefit. If your employer offers one, it can be a starting point for confidential, short-term counseling or a referral for ongoing care. EAPs can help with concerns both inside and outside work, from workplace stress to grief or family difficulties. Check your employer’s benefits materials for eligibility and what’s covered.
Lawyer Assistance Programs (LAPs) offer confidential support tailored to judges, lawyers, and law students facing mental health or substance use concerns. Services vary by jurisdiction and may include counseling, peer support, and help connecting with treatment. LAPs operate separately from the attorney disciplinary system. You can find your local program through the American Bar Association’s LAP directory.
The LegalMind Society’s Peer Support Programs gives you a safe, confidential place to talk with someone who understands the demands of law and brings lived experience with mental health challenges. We offer one-on-one conversations with a trained peer support specialist and a monthly Advocates 4 Advocates Support Group. Both options are free and independent of state bar associations. In a session, you might talk through how a hard week has affected you, share what’s helped before, or hear how another legal professional has handled a similar experience.
Like we said, these aren’t competitions with one another. On the contrary, these options can work alongside one another. You might use an EAP to find a counselor, contact a LAP for help navigating a concern specific to the profession, and join a peer group to talk with people who understand the work. If that kind of connection sounds helpful, you can explore The LegalMind Society’s peer support programs.