This is the first of a 3-part series.
The ABA and the profession in general have taken many steps in recent years to highlight the mental health challenges faced by law students and lawyers, and to promote well-being in a population that has historically positioned itself as providing help rather than needing it. Concerns around image, shame, and stigma have tended to foster a culture in which individuals were not inclined to see a mental health professional until they were caught up in some kind of crisis, whether professional or personal.
Clearly, and we at LCL (where any lawyer, judge, or law student is eligible for free, confidential consultation, though we do not provide ongoing therapy) have seen a significant shift in more recent entrants into the field of law, which probably reflects a corresponding shift that has occurred broadly in the American population. We are pleased that lawyers are now less likely to avoid acknowledging human vulnerabilities.
One can now find, through many attorney-oriented organizations (including LCL) plenty of well-being guidance and programs in, for example, meditation, nutrition, self-care, and so forth. But an unfortunate irony is that it has become more difficult to find a well-trained and well-matched therapist/counselor for more of an individual focus. As the acceptance of this kind of treatment has made for increased demand, the supply of the most trained/experienced therapists has actually declined, especially those who are contracted with HMO health insurance plans (the kind that most Americans have, but that essentially cut clinicians’ fees in half). Many of the mental health professionals to which we once referred no longer take insurance and/or rarely have open slots in their practice schedules. More than ever, the job of finding the “right” therapist is in the hands of the individual lawyer (or other consumer).
Our role at LCL nowadays is usually not to zero in on a therapist for you, but to orient you in developing your own search, and to be there for you during the process. We can guide you as you explore your insurance plan’s provider network, tailor a filtered online search, check out potential connections through your primary care physician, and develop a sense of what kind of therapist would be a good match. Therapists vary across many dimensions, including licensure, experience, theoretical orientation, therapeutic techniques, and of course personality. Our staff can continue to consult with you if you decide to interview more than one potential therapist, or as you assess how it’s going with the one you have found. We can also assist you in considering potentially beneficial support groups (through LCL or elsewhere) as adjuncts to your individual (or couple/family) therapy.
Of course, there is not just one ideal therapist in the world for you, but many clinicians, no two quite alike, who could make a positive difference for you. There are also some who would make for a poor match. In further commentary, we will consider in greater depth issues of license, technique, therapeutic relationship, etc., as well as when to consider medications. But for starters, and to keep it simple, you want to see someone who is licensed, who has experience with the kinds of issues you face (such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc.), and by whom you feel heard, respected, and understood.
Dr. Fortgang and the other LCL clinicians are available for free and confidential consultation. If you would like to arrange an initial discussion, click here or call us at 617-482-9600.
