Lawyer Assistance Program Inc is a confidential, comprehensive mental health and wellness assistance program dedicated to serving the legal community throughout Louisiana. Established in 1992 as an LSBA-owned 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it provides life-saving support for judges, attorneys, law students, legal staff, and their families facing issues such as substance abuse, depression, and other mental health challenges.
With a mission centered on early intervention and confidentiality protected by Louisiana law, JLAP offers free, professional clinical services to prevent impairment-related disciplinary issues and reduce the risk of recidivism. The program is modeled on successful assistance frameworks from medical, aviation, and legal professions, ensuring experienced and empathetic support tailored to the high-stress, high-stakes environment of legal practice.
Services Offered
- Confidential assistance for alcohol and drug abuse
- Support for depression and anxiety
- Intervention services for impaired legal professionals
- Compassion fatigue and burnout support
- Gambling addiction assistance
- Suicide prevention resources
- Aging and dementia-related support
- Mental health issues including ADHD, grief, and bipolar disorder
- Wellness and stress management programs
- Recovery monitoring and mental health monitoring
- Professional evaluations and assessments
- Treatment facilitation
- Support for family members of legal professionals
- Employer guidance on identifying and addressing impairment
- Law student assistance programs
- Confidential self-assessment tests
- CLE presentations on wellness and impairment
- Access to lawyer 12-step groups
- Resource libraries and publications
JLAP serves legal professionals and their families statewide, with all services provided confidentially and free of charge. The organization emphasizes support for those in cities, towns, and communities across Louisiana, with a focus on early engagement to protect both careers and public welfare.
