LAWYER - State Bar of Georgia

[Pages:2]Additional Programs

In addition to the Lawyer Assistance Program and Georgia Lawyers Helping Lawyers, the programs below are also designed to help lawyers in need.

SUICIDE AWARENESS & PREVENTION

The State Bar `s suicide awareness campaign has a dual purpose, directed toward lawyers and judges who are suffering from anxiety and depression and may be at risk for suicide, as well as all Bar members, who need to recognize the severity of the problem and be able to identify warning signs among their colleagues. suicideawareness

SOLACE

SOLACE is a State Bar program designed to assist any member of the legal community in Georgia who suffers serious loss due to a sudden catastrophic event, injury or illness. SOLACE

LAWYERS LIVING WELL

We've made lawyer wellness a priority. Visit to view articles and resources related to wellness, and learn more about State Bar programs that help lawyers in their lives and practices.

CONFIDENTIAL LAP HOTLINE: 800-327-9631

LAP

LAWYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

A confidential service provided by the State Bar of Georgia to help its members with life's difficulties.

Help is a Phone Call Away

The State Bar of Georgia's Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) is a confidential counseling and referral program that helps Georgia lawyers and judges challenged by substance abuse and mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and stress.

Confidentiality is Our Cornerstone

In order to put the needs of lawyers first and ensure confidentiality, the services are provided by CorpCare Associates, Inc., an independent mediation and counseling center staffed by certified and licensed mental health providers able to respond to a variety of issues.

LAP Confidential Services ?? 24/7 toll-free dedicated hotline: 800-327-9631

?? Six prepaid clinical sessions per calendar year

?? Confidentiality--CorpCare is bound by the same rules of confidentiality governing the LAP and all applicable state and federal regulations and laws.

?? Enhanced work-life services

?? Customized state affiliate network

?? Peer contact and support through the Lawyers Helping Lawyers volunteer peer-to-peer program

For additional information, please visit the LAP website at LAP.

Lawyers Helping Lawyers Volunteer Peer Program

Sometimes you just need someone to listen who has been in the same place. The LAP's Lawyers Helping Lawyers (LHL) peer-to-peer program is for Bar members who are suffering from stress, depression, addiction or other personal issues in their lives. Members who have volunteered to serve as peers are matched with those who request peer assistance through online matching based on criteria selected by the participants. To ensure confidentiality, volunteers' names and contact information are not available on the website, only identified by peer numbers, and only CorpCare has access to the identifying information that it keeps in an encrypted database.

Both Bar members who are seeking a peer volunteer and those willing to be a volunteer can find more information at .

Substance Abuse and Depression

Although different drugs may have different effects on overall physical and mental health, the basic pattern is the same. Getting and using the drug or alcohol becomes more and more important than anything else, including job, friends and family. The physical and emotional consequences of substance abuse also makes it difficult to function, often impairing judgment to a dangerous level. Substance abuse affects the person's life in many ways, including health, finances and stability. But it

also affects the entire family, friends, colleagues-- and even the community. What's more, the strong denial and rationalization of the person using drugs or alcohol makes it extremely difficult to get help, and can make concerned family members feel like they are the problem.

In addition to substance abuse, those in the legal profession have very high rates of depression. Symptoms can vary greatly because different people experience depression in different ways. For some people, depression symptoms are so severe that it's obvious something isn't right. Others may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

If you feel you need help with substance abuse or depression, support is available. Please call the confidential hotline at 800-327-9631.

LAP Committee

The LAP Committee is a standing committee of the State Bar of Georgia, the members of which are appointed each year by the incoming State Bar president. The LAP Committee provides consistent and valuable leadership, consultations and guidance for the Bar and the volunteers. The LAP Committee helps with the ongoing development and implementation of LAP policies and procedures, and the resolution of specific issues and concerns.

For a list of members and further information about the LAP Committee, visit LAP.

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