Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:  800.784.2433

Several recent studies indicate that law students are at a high risk for chemical dependency. The reasons most often given by law students for substance use are "to relax or relieve tension" and to "get away from problems." These reasons suggest that some law students develop behavior patterns that will become problematic later in legal practice. The quality of professional legal services is affected by attorneys who are impaired as a result of the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Reports indicate that 50 to 75 percent of major attorney disciplinary cases nationwide involve chemical dependency.

Resources for Law Students:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS works with thousands of Penn State students per year in group therapy, individual counseling, crisis intervention, and psychiatric services as well as providing prevention, outreach, and consultation services for the University community. CAPS is located on the 5th floor of the Student Health Center.

Crisis Information
Emergencies: 911
CAPS Main #: (814) 863-0395
Centre County CAN HELP: 1-800-643-5432

Pennsylvania Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc. (LCL) is an assistance program which offers confidential help to law students, lawyers, judges, and their family members. LCL has NO connection or communication with the Disciplinary Board, Judicial Conduct Board, Board of Law Examiners, or the Pennsylvania Bar Association regarding the identity of those they help. LCL is a comprehensive assistance program designed to meet the unique needs of law students, lawyers, judges and their family members who are struggling not only with alcohol and drug related problems but also with stress, anxiety, depression, gambling and other emotional and mental health issues.

ABA’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Toolkit

Penn State Health Promotion and Wellness

Lawyers with Depression

A Law Student’s Guide to Being a Happy, Healthy and Honorable Lawyer

National Institute of Mental Health

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

National Eating Disorders Association