Lawyers Assistance Program

The Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP) promotes the health and well-being of WSBA members. Services include education, referrals, and direct confidential mental health and addictions counseling. We offer services to Washington State lawyers, judges, and third-year law students.

Call toll free at 800-945-WSBA (9722), ext. 8268 or locally 206-727-8268.

We do not provide legal advice or give lawyer referrals. Click here if you are a member of the public seeking legal advice or you need to find a lawyer.

Individual Treatment

• Individual therapy is provided by licensed psychologists; Dr. Rebecca Nerison, Dr. Dan Crystal and Barbara Harper MA Applied Psychology and Lawyer Services Director.
• Treatment is provided on a sliding scale based upon one's income. The cost for an initial consultation is $20. We accept Premera Blue Shield Insurance.
• Areas for treatment include: depression, anxiety, job related stress, work/life balance, drug and alcohol problems, other addictions, relationships, life transition issues, grief, diversity issues, and other lawyer-specific problems.
• Telephone consultation is provided on a short-term basis to lawyers outside of the Seattle area or those who are unable to travel to  our office.
• Treatment is confidential and protected by APR 19(a)(b). The rules protecting confidentiality are the same as if you were meeting with an outside provider not connected to WSBA.

Job Seekers

Monthly Job Seekers Group—Guest speakers present on current methods of branding oneself as a lawyer to navigate the job hunt. This group meets the second Wednesday of every month at noon. 

Weekly Job Seekers Group-This group provides an added level of accountability, strategy, and support unavailable at the monthly group.  Groups are limited to 10 lawyers and meet for 8 weeks. 

Referrals

LAP has a large network of providers throughout the state of Washington who have been vetted by our staff. These include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, hospitals, and other mental health workers.

We provide referrals to groups for those struggling with alcohol or drugs through Alcoholics Anonymous, Rational Recovery, and A Positive Alternative. 

If you are concerned about a lawyer with a substance abuse or mental health issue, you are encouraged to contact LAP where your concerns can be addressed in confidence. We have a process for addressing your concerns that can provide information and support to the lawyer in question.

Peer Counselors

LAP has a large network of peer counselors around the state who support other lawyers. Many of our peer counselors are experienced mentors to those struggling with alcoholism. Other peer counselors provide support to: lawyers struggling in their solo practice; female attorneys negotiating work/life balance issues; or provide guidance in specific practice areas. Contact LAP at 206-727-8268 if you're interested in meeting with a peer counselor, or if you'd like to become one yourself.

Education

• LAP is a resource for information on most major mental health issues.  We are currently expanding our website to provide articles and links on addictions, depression, anxiety/stress, and work/life balance. We have a lending library available to all bar members.  We can also put you in touch with the Law Office Management Program (LOMAP) Library which has valuable information about the psychology of running your law practice. See www.lomap.org.
• LAP has hosted an annual statewide conference each spring at Lake Chelan for the last 12 years. CLE credits are provided in this beautiful setting. 
• LAP employees give presentations throughout the state of Washington at county bar associations and other meetings. We can speak about a full range of mental health and lawyer specific issues. For information, call 206-727-8268.

Confidentiality

Under APR 19 (a)(b), confidential communications between a lawyer-client and staff or peer counselors of the Lawyers Assistance Program shall be privileged against disclosure without the consent of the lawyer-client to the same extent and subject to the same conditions as confidential communications between a client and psychologists.