A Local Approach to Lawyers’ Assistance
The practice of law is incredibly demanding, requiring immense time, energy, and focus. As an attorney, you bear significant burdens on behalf of your clients, often at the expense of your own well-being. These sacrifices, while often viewed as essential for success, can take a heavy toll on both your mental and physical health.
Consequently, many legal professionals face challenges with stress, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Recent studies show that attorneys experience higher rates of mental health issues and addiction compared to the general population and other professions. However, help is available—the Topeka Bar Association Lawyers’ Assistance Committee is here to support you!
The Topeka Bar Association Lawyers’ Assistance Committee is dedicated to providing confidential and meaningful support to lawyers and law students dealing with alcohol or drug addictions, mental health issues, or any other personal or professional crises. The committee, now chaired by Bryan Smith of Smith Law Firm, includes The Honorable Teresa Watson, District Court Judge of The Third Judicial District Court of Shawnee County, Kansas, Jonathan M. Snyder of Cook & Associates, LLC, Kerry Gasper of Wiechman & Gasper, P.A., John Harper of Harper Law Office, Whitney Casement of Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, LLP, and James “Jeb” E. Benfer, III of McCullough, Wareheim, & LaBunker, P.A.
The mission of the Topeka Bar Association Lawyers’ Assistance Committee is to offer confidential and meaningful support to any attorney or law student in need due to addiction, mental or physical illness, or any other disorder. This free, confidential program provides consultation, referral, and intervention services for those struggling with substance abuse, stress, or emotional health issues. While the Kansas Lawyers’ Assistance Program (KALAP) remains a valuable resource, the Topeka Bar Association Lawyers’ Assistance Committee offers a more localized, friendly approach to assistance and support for our colleagues.
Discussing personal problems can be challenging, especially for attorneys. The Topeka Bar Association Lawyers’ Assistance Committee treats every request for help with the utmost confidentiality, akin to the lawyer-client relationship. With substantial expertise and experience in addressing the complex issues faced by legal professionals, the committee has a proven track record of helping attorneys and law students overcome their struggles and maintain ongoing wellness.
If you need help, contact a member of the Topeka Bar Association Lawyers’ Assistance Committee today. Confidential and free.
Bryan Smith: 785-234-2453
James “Jeb” E. Benfer, III: 785-233-2323
Honorable Teresa Watson: 785-251-6320
Jonathan M. Snyder: 785-235-5500
Whitney Casement: 785-233-0511
In addition to contacting a committee member, below are helpful resources for attorneys:
Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program
1-785-368-8275
Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Family Support
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) 310-534-1815
Al-Anon/Alateen 888-4AL-anon
Nar-Anon Family Groups
Mental Health Sites
American Psychiatric Publishing
MDadvice.com
Archives of the Journal of General Psychiatry (AMA)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIDA)
Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity
Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) 800-477-8191
Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) 781-255-8825
Sexaholics Anonymous (SA) 615-331-6230
Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa & Associated (Eating) Disorders
Overeaters Anonymous 505-891-2664
Chemical Dependency & Self Help Sites
Addiction Recovery Resources for Professionals
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 212-870-3400
American Medical Association
Cocaine Anonymous (CA) 800-347-8998
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) 213-488-4455
Dual Diagnosis Website
Dual Recovery Anonymous
Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Nicotine Anonymous (NA) 415-750-0328
Compulsive Gambling
Debtors Anonymous (DA) 781-453-2743
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) 231-386-8789
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION’S NATIONAL TASK FORCE ON LAWYER WELL-BEING
Creating a Movement To Improve Well-Being in the Legal Profession
HAZELDEN BETTY FORD PRESS RELEASE ON JOINT ABA STUDY ON ATTORNEY SUBSTANCE ABUSE, MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS
LINK TO HAZELDEN BETTY FORD/ABA STUDY ON ATTORNEY SUBSTANCE ABUSE, MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS