Practicing law is a demanding and weighty profession, in which vital aspects of a person’s life like their finances or even their freedom can be permanently altered by the outcome of a case. The high stakes and responsibilities inherent in practicing law make it paramount that attorneys are steady and focused when helping their clients, but can also lead to a work environment that can at times be challenging and stressful, and in turn impact an attorney’s mental health.
Studies in recent years have shown alarming trends of attorneys facing mental health and substance use issues at a higher rate than the rest of the population. A 2023 study revealed the following data about attorneys and their mental health:
- 38.27% of attorneys report feeling depressed
- 71.10% of attorneys report having anxiety
- 31.32% of attorneys report having another mental health issue
- 3.23% of attorneys report having a drug problem
- 9.26% of attorneys report having an alcohol problem
These numbers demonstrate how difficult practicing law can be, and how important it is for attorneys to prioritize their mental health and wellness, in order to both better serve their clients as well as improve their own personal and professional well-being. Thus, the following resources can help attorneys who are confronting mental health and substance use issues:
The West Virginia Judicial & Lawyer Assistance Program
WVJLAP is a free and confidential assistance program providing consultation, referral, intervention, crisis management, monitoring and peer support for lawyers, judges, bar applicants and law students who are struggling with retirement, stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicidal ideation or other mental/physical/ emotional health issues.
Help4WV
Help4WV offers a 24/7 call, chat and text line that provides immediate help for any West Virginian struggling with an addiction or mental health issue. The helpline staff offers confidential support and resource referrals, including self-help groups, out-patient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric care, emergency care and residential treatment. The helpline provides assistance for those who need help themselves, and guidance for those seeking help for loved ones.
Mental Health Clinics in West Virginia
This list compiled by Legal Aid of West Virginia provides information about mental health clinics in West Virginia, including what counties they serve, contact information, and more.
West Virginia DHHR Office of Drug Control Policy Treatment and Recovery Map
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Drug Control Policy has developed an interactive map of West Virginia's treatment and recovery resources. This tool allows residents to search resources by county, program type, and gender, and by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) levels of care.
Prevent Suicide West Virginia
Prevent Suicide West Virginia, West Virginia’s statewide suicide prevention program, provides for education, consultation and technical assistance services, intervention, follow-up and support services for our fellow West Virginians as it relates to suicide risk and loss. Their website provides resources for people who are having thoughts of suicide, have lost a loved one to a suicide, or who are concerned that someone they know could be at risk.
Alcoholics Anonymous Area 73
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who have decided to do something about their drinking. AA members help others achieve sobriety by sharing their experience in sobriety at AA meetings. Area 73 includes all of West Virginia along with portions of Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States and its territories. The 988 Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining local care and resources with national standards and best practices.
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need.
FindTreatment.gov
FindTreatment.gov is a product of the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) at the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It is the most comprehensive resource for persons seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories. FindTreatment.gov provides the ability to search for substance use and mental health facilities, health care centers, buprenorphine practitioners, and opioid treatment providers.
NAMI Helpline
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, confidential nationwide service that provides one-on-one emotional support, mental health information and resources needed to tackle tough challenges that you, your family or friends are facing. Or, you can look through our self-help online resources below to find your answers.