Business Details
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services
Trusted Mental Health Support for Alberta Legal Professionals
Founded to address the unique mental health challenges faced by legal professionals, Alberta Lawyers' Assistance has been a trusted resource since its incorporation under Alberta's Societies Act. Our organization specializes in providing confidential psychological assistance, peer support, and educational programs tailored to Alberta lawyers, articling students, law students, and their families. With a team of registered psychologists and trained peer volunteers, we offer 24/7 crisis counseling services and evidence-based interventions to combat stress, burnout, and mental health issues prevalent in the legal profession.Our commitment to confidentiality and non-judgmental support has established us as a critical pillar of the Alberta legal community, with over 350 peer support matches made since 2010. Through proactive initiatives like wellness walks and yoga classes, we foster community connections that prevent isolation and promote long-term well-being in the legal profession.
Services
Professional Counselling
Peer Support Program
Mental Health Education
Community Building
Crisis Intervention
Wellness Workshops
Law Student Support
Addiction Resources
Stress Management
Confidential Consultations
Highlights and features
- 24/7 crisis counseling services available via dedicated hotline
- Specialized peer support program with 130+ trained volunteers
- Free professional counseling sessions with registered psychologists
- Proactive community-building initiatives to prevent professional burnout
- Strict confidentiality protocols aligned with legal profession standards
Associations and certifications
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Services
Professional Counselling
Free confidential counseling services provided by registered psychologists and clinical social workers. Eligible individuals receive up to four sessions per issue annually. Services address anxiety, depression, substance use, and work-related stress through evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to legal professionals' unique challenges.
Peer Support Program
Confidential peer matching connecting legal professionals with trained volunteer lawyers who share similar experiences. Available 24/7 through crisis lines and informal coffee circle meetings. Focuses on preventing stress escalation through empathetic listening and resource sharing while maintaining strict confidentiality protocols.
Mental Health Education
Preventative education initiatives including workplace wellness workshops, public speaking engagements, and resource libraries. Programs address stigma reduction, resilience building, and mental health awareness specifically tailored to legal professionals' needs through partnerships with law schools and professional associations.
Community Building
Proactive community initiatives combating isolation through yoga classes, parenting support groups, and law student base camps. Programs create safe spaces for connection and mutual support among legal professionals at all career stages while promoting work-life balance strategies.
Crisis Intervention
24/7 crisis counseling available through dedicated hotlines. Immediate telephone support for urgent mental health concerns with direct connection to trained professionals. Services include suicide prevention, trauma response, and emergency resource coordination while maintaining client confidentiality.
People
Loraine Champion
Executive Director
KC-designated legal professional with 35+ years experience in corporate law and mental health advocacy. Former Law Society of Alberta staff member who has led Assist since 2018. Specializes in work-life balance initiatives and early intervention programs for legal professionals.
Eileen Lesko
Communications and Program Coordinator
40-year legal industry veteran with expertise in mental health support systems. Manages all communications and program logistics while providing empathetic first-contact support for individuals seeking assistance through direct outreach and event coordination.
Dr. Brian Forbes
Psychological Services Provider
Clinical psychologist with extensive experience in organizational mental health. Leads Forbes Psychological Services Ltd., which has provided counseling services to Alberta's legal community since 2008. Specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders among professionals.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer for Alberta lawyers?
We provide free professional counseling (4 sessions/issue/year), 24/7 crisis support, peer mentoring, and mental health education programs specifically tailored to Alberta legal professionals.
How do I access counseling services?
Call 1-877-498-6898 during business hours to speak with intake staff who will match you with an appropriate registered psychologist or social worker in our network.
Are services confidential?
All services maintain strict confidentiality aligned with legal profession standards. Counselors follow professional confidentiality protocols, and peer volunteers sign confidentiality agreements.
Do you support law students and articling students?
Yes, we offer specialized programs including peer support, mental health resources, and career transition assistance for law students and articling students across Alberta.
What community initiatives do you organize?
We host wellness walks, yoga classes, parenting support groups, and law student base camps to build professional connections and prevent isolation among legal professionals.
How is your organization funded?
We receive partial funding through the Law Society of Alberta's third-party program and rely on donations from law firms, bar associations, and individual supporters.
