Program Services

Substance abuse assessments are offered to law students and all members of the Bar and Bench. Each assessment typically involves a single two-hour session. To schedule an appointment, please call 505-797-6003 or email nmlap@sbnm@sbnm.org.

If an assessment indicates a need for counseling or treatment, NM LAP will provide the person with information regarding the most appropriate resource(s). NM LAP maintains referral resources across the state and country that include private therapists, physicians, and private and state-funded treatment facilities. Call 505-228-1948 or 505-797-6003.

NM LAP volunteers are lawyers and judges committed to providing peer assistance to their colleagues. Most volunteers are individuals who, having received help for their own substance abuse and/or mental health problems, are interested in sharing their experiences with colleagues who face similar challenges.
Our volunteers know how important confidentiality is to a legal professional in crisis and are trained to help in a variety of ways: providing one-to-one peer assistance, participating in interventions, introducing others to local support groups and to other lawyers in recovery, making presentations, etc.

Whether you’re concerned about a colleague, a family member, or yourself, a professional counselor and peer assistants are available to listen, share experiences, and discuss options. Don’t worry if you don’t know what’s causing the problem, or even if you’re unsure whether a problem exists; We will explore options with you and initiate an action plan appropriate to the circumstances and the individual in need. Consultations are available by telephone or in person and may even be done anonymously. Call 505-420-8179 or 505-228-1948.

Sadly, many individuals don’t seek help for themselves even when they are suffering emotionally and losing control of their lives. Brushing aside concerns or waiting and hoping the person will independently seek help usually guarantees that the problem and its associated consequences will progressively worsen. The earlier an individual receives treatment for a mental health or substance abuse problem, the better their prognosis. Sometimes it takes only a concerned person willing to speak up to break through the inertia or denial of the impaired professional; other situations require a formal intervention involving several concerned persons (colleagues, friends, relatives). In either scenario, NM LAP is ready to assist. Call 505-228-1948 or 505-797-6003.

Legal professionals are required to inform the appropriate professional authority of violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct when the conduct raises a substantial question as to the individual’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness. When substance abuse or mental health is believed to be involved, making a report directly to the NM LAP may be an appropriate alternative to the Disciplinary Board. Doing so provides an important opportunity for professional assistance that might not otherwise occur and may avert civil liability for the reporting professional. Call 505-228-1948 or 505-797-6003.

NM LAP staff and peers offer presentations for State Bar associations and sections, private firms, and legal governmental departments on a variety of topics including, stress reduction, substance abuse, and depression. Call NM LAP at 505-797-6003 for more information. Call 505-228-1948 or 505-797-6003.

In situations where an individual’s impairment has resulted in ethical, disciplinary, or employment problems, NM LAP can provide a monitoring function to assist the recovering impaired professional demonstrate to the court or employer that he or she is maintaining recovery appropriately. Call 505-228-1948 or 505-797-6003.

New Mexico Crisis and Access Line is toll free and is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 1 (855) NMCRISIS (622-7474). www.nmcrisisline.com