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Mental Health for Attorneys & Lawyers

Practicing lawyers, law students, judges, paralegals. Real stats, specific resources, and guidance written for the particular culture of this profession — not generic advice.

The numbers
~28% of attorneys have clinical depression (vs. 8% general). 21% are 'problem drinkers.' Law students: depression triples between 1L and 3L year.
~1.3M licensed US attorneys

Why mental health looks different here

Bar character-and-fitness review creates disclosure anxiety. Billable-hour pressure is specifically corrosive to mental health. Adversarial work + high stakes + perfectionism compound.

Profession-specific resources

Built for your job. Not generic EAP. These know the culture.

ABA Lawyer Assistance Programs (every state)
Confidential state-level programs for attorneys. Not reportable to bar. Many free.
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Lawyers Depression Project
Peer-run virtual support groups for attorneys + law students.
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Institute for Well-Being in Law
Research + resources on lawyer mental health.
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Most common issues in lawyers

Based on prevalence data for this profession. Each links to a specific resource on Typical Male.

Licensure / fitness-for-duty — what's real and what's myth

Most state bars have moved away from asking about mental health treatment. LAPs are specifically designed to avoid bar reporting. Check your state's rule before worrying about disclosure.

Free tool
Not sure what's going on?

The PHQ-9 + GAD-7 screeners your doctor uses. Private. Printable for your appointment. Tracks over time.

Take the PHQ-9 →