Texas Bar Journal • May 2025

Mental Health and Substance Use in the Legal Profession

A journey from attorney to therapist.

Written by Eric Robertson

The legal profession, known for its prestige, intellect, and influence, often conceals a darker side—a pervasive mental health and substance use crisis that many attorneys silently endure. As an attorney-turned-therapist, I have witnessed firsthand how the demands of the legal field can push even the most resilient individuals to their breaking point. Behind the polished veneer of success lie chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction, which plague attorneys at alarming rates.

This dual perspective—having lived the experience as a lawyer and now guiding others as a therapist—has provided me with unique insight into the emotional and psychological toll the profession takes. Understanding these struggles is crucial, not only for individual well-being but also for addressing systemic issues within the legal industry that contribute to this hidden epidemic.

The Pressure Cooker: High Stakes and Perfectionism
The legal profession is notorious for its relentless pressure. Long hours, high-stakes cases, billable hour requirements, and the expectation of perfection can be overwhelming. The adversarial nature of the work, coupled with the pressure to meet client demands and win cases, leaves little room for mistakes or vulnerability. Attorneys are trained to maintain composure, even in the most stressful situations, leading many to internalize their emotions rather than seek help.

From my own experience, I know that the legal profession rewards resilience and toughness. As a young attorney, I remember feeling as though admitting to any sort of emotional struggle would be perceived as weakness. Like many of my colleagues, I powered through grueling days and sleepless nights, hoping that success would be the antidote to the stress I felt. But success alone could not alleviate the emotional burden I carried, and I began to see that my colleagues were similarly struggling. I was fortunate to have a mentor who modeled putting good mental health before work and career success and who would frequently give me the reminder to “be kind to yourself.” Most attorneys are not so lucky to have such guidance.

Research has consistently shown that lawyers are more likely than the general population to experience mental health issues. A 2016 study conducted by the American Bar Association and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation found that 28% of attorneys suffer from depression, 19% exhibit symptoms of anxiety, and between 21% and 36% are problem drinkers.¹ These numbers far exceed those seen in other professions, indicating that the very nature of legal work contributes significantly to mental health challenges.

Substance Use: A Common Coping Mechanism
For many attorneys, substance use becomes an unhealthy coping mechanism to manage the immense stress and pressure they face daily. Alcohol, in particular, is deeply ingrained in the culture of the legal profession. Social events, client meetings, and even after-hours celebrations often involve alcohol, making it an easy and socially acceptable way to unwind. Unfortunately, this often evolves into dependency.

In my practice as a therapist, I have worked with clients who turned to alcohol or drugs to numb the anxiety and overwhelm that comes with their work and the struggles of everyday life. What starts as a glass of wine after work can escalate into binge drinking, and soon, addiction takes root. Substance use, in turn, exacerbates mental health issues, creating a destructive cycle that can be difficult to break without intervention.

The legal profession’s demanding lifestyle—marked by high expectations and little room for self-care—leaves many attorneys vulnerable to addiction. The combination of high stress and easy access to alcohol (or other substances) can make it difficult for lawyers to recognize when their coping mechanisms have crossed into dangerous territory. The stigma associated with admitting to substance use often prevents them from seeking help, fearing that it will jeopardize their reputation or career.

The Culture Of Silence: Why Attorneys Don’t Seek Help
One of the biggest obstacles in addressing mental health and substance use within the legal profession is the culture of silence. Attorneys are expected to be problem solvers, yet when it comes to their own struggles, many feel unable to ask for support. The fear of being perceived as weak or incompetent keeps countless lawyers from seeking the help they need.

Confidentiality concerns also play a significant role. Attorneys may worry that seeking therapy or rehab could lead to professional repercussions, either by being viewed as less capable or even facing disciplinary action. This fear is compounded by the competitive nature of the field, where vulnerability can be seen as a disadvantage.

As a therapist who once practiced law, I understand the unique pressures attorneys face and the internal conflict that arises when considering seeking help. Attorneys are trained to be self-reliant and solutions-oriented, but this very mindset can become a barrier to addressing their mental health needs.

Healing From Within: Breaking the Stigma and Finding Support
Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use in the legal profession is critical for fostering a healthier, more supportive environment. Attorneys need to recognize that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a courageous step toward healing.

As a therapist, I work with attorneys to help them untangle the mental and emotional burdens they carry. There are many therapeutic interventions that are particularly effective in helping lawyers manage their anxiety, depression, and addiction. But beyond individual therapy, systemic changes are necessary to support attorneys in the long term.

Law firms and legal institutions must prioritize mental health by offering wellness programs, reducing the stigma associated with seeking help, and creating a work culture that encourages self-care. The legal industry’s “work hard, play hard” mentality needs to shift toward one that recognizes the value of mental well-being and promotes work-life balance.

Additionally, legal associations should continue to expand confidential resources, such as lawyer assistance programs, that provide attorneys with access to counseling, peer support, and substance use treatment. Attorneys who feel safe to seek help without fear of repercussions are more likely to take proactive steps toward recovery.

Moving Forward: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Having transitioned from attorney to therapist, I now see that the challenges lawyers face are not insurmountable, but they require a holistic approach to wellness. Attorneys need both individual support and systemic changes to break the cycle of mental health struggles and substance use that plague the profession.

For those in the legal field, my message is simple: You are not alone, and there is no shame in seeking help. By acknowledging the mental health crisis within the profession and taking steps to address it, we can create a legal industry that values not only success but also the well-being of those who work within it.

ERIC ROBERTSON is a licensed professional counselor-associate under the supervision of Lisa Blackwood and practices with his wife, Deborah, at Robertson Counseling & Therapy in Austin, where he focuses on working with working professionals and men. He is a partner in the Austin office of Goranson Bain Ausley, has practiced family law for over 32 years, and has successfully transitioned from the full-time practice of law.