Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Program

Are you or someone you know struggling with thoughts of suicide?

How We Must Stop Minding our own Business in the Legal World

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness on this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. In addition to shifting public perception, we use this month to spread hope and vital information to lawyers affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that lawyers, law students and judges have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

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A Special Message from Supreme Court of Kentucky Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr.

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Confidential Assistance for Kentucky Lawyers

Are you or someone you know struggling with thoughts of suicide?

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Confidential Assistance for Kentucky Law Students

Are you or someone you know struggling with thoughts of suicide?

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Covid 19 Resources

KYLAP Update on COVID-19

SCR 3.9 All communications to KYLAP, all information gathered, records maintained and actions taken by KYLAP, shall be kept confidential by KYLAP’s staff and volunteers; shall not be disclosed by KYLAP to any person or entity, including any agency of the Court and any department of the Association; and shall be excluded as evidence in any civil, criminal or administrative proceeding and in any proceeding before the Court, the Board of Governors or the Office of Bar Admissions.

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Lawyer Wellbeing Redux: On Demand

Mental Health First Aid

Mindful Meditation for Recovery

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Are you or someone you know having thoughts of suicide?

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Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

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Covid-19 Resources

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Know the Risk Factors

Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they’re important to be aware of.

Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
Alcohol and other substance use disorders
Hopelessness
Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
History of trauma or abuse
Major physical illnesses
Previous suicide attempt(s)
Family history of suicide
Job or financial loss
Loss of relationship(s)
Easy access to lethal mean
Local clusters of suicide
Lack of social support and sense of isolation
Stigma associated with asking for help
Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

Know the Warning Signs

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.

Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Extreme mood swings

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Suicide

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Substance Use

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Mental Health

Suicide

CALL THE SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE if you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support. The Suicide Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. 1-800-273-8255

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Substance Use

Addiction is a complex disease affecting the functioning of the brain and body. Studies suggest people diagnosed with mood or anxiety disorders are about twice as likely as the general population to also suffer from a substance use disorder. Help is available…

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Mental Health

Mental health is our emotional, psychological and social well-being that affects how we think, feel and act. Mental health determines how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.As a lawyer, you may develop mental health problems due to the demanding nature of the profession and the long hours you work. You do not have to navigate these issues alone. Help is available…

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Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Program

Kentucky Supreme Court Rules 3.900 through 3.995 establish and implement the Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Program (KYLAP). KYLAP is a broad-brush program involving assistance for impairment that may result from addiction to intoxication or drugs, chemical dependency, substance abuse, mental disease, mental disorder or defect, psychological or emotional illness that impairs, or may foreseeably impair, a person’s ability to practice law or serve on the bench. Services are available for law students, lawyers and judges.

The mission and purpose of KYLAP is to address impairment or potential impairment issues within the Kentucky legal community and to offer confidential assistance to those who are affected in a manner that serves to help insure a continuing high standard of professional competence.

Strict confidentiality is assured by SCR 3.990.

Contact us 24 hours a day at (502) 226-9373 to get help for any Kentucky lawyer in need.

Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 3.990, all communication with KYLAP is confidential.

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