Recognizing the importance of emotions. Developing the ability to identify and manage our own emotions to support mental health, achieve goals, and inform decision-making. Seeking help for mental health when needed.
American Bar Association (ABA) Mental Health Toolkit
The Mental Health Toolkit is the product of collaboration between the ABA Law Student Division and the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP). The purpose of the Toolkit is to provide caring pre-law advisors, law school administrators, counseling personnel, faculty, students, student leaders, and lawyer assistance programs with a user-friendly resource to deal with mental health and substance use within your school.
Conveying a Concern About a Student
If you are concerned that a student is in immediate danger to their safety or the safety of others, call the police.
All other types of concern related to the physical, mental and/or emotional health of a student may be reported by filling out this form. This form may be submitted anonymously. When a concern about a law student is reported using this form, it is routed to the Associate Dean of Students for the Law School, Alex Sklut. Concerns may also be reported directly to Dean Sklut.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the University of Richmond offers a wide range of services. CAPS takes a goal-focused and collaborative approach to mental health services and provides immediate, meaningful help.
If you are interested in receiving services through CAPS, please complete the registration forms on the CAPS website, which are available during business hours. You will receive an email or phone call following completion prompting you to schedule a Brief Consultation appointment.
CAPS offers a variety of services in addition to individual counseling. Online self-help options, well-being seminars, group counseling, psychiatric services, and off-campus referrals may all be accessed through CAPS.
Dr. Mary Ann Messer, a CAPS counselor, provides psychological services exclusively to Law Students on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Dr. Messer is available to provide individual therapy sessions for in a private room in the Law Library, in the Well-being Center, or remotely.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI provides free, nationwide support services to those seeking help. Services include 24/7 crisis support via text, online chat, and call-in options.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. SAMHSA’s “Find Treatment” website allows users to easily search for licensed behavioral health and substance abuse professionals by zip code.
The University of Richmond has partnered with TimelyCare to provide virtual mental health and well-being services for free to all full-time students. Students do not need insurance and do not need to visit Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to access TimelyCare. Through this partnership, students have access to multiple services including on-demand access to a mental health professional to talk about anything at any time (i.e. anxiety, relationships, depression, school-related stressors, etc.) as well as regular scheduled counseling sessions.
Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (VJLAP)
The Virginia Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program offers tailored counseling services and support groups to law students who are suffering from mental health disorders and addiction. Their services are 100% free, confidential and non-disciplinary. Seeking help from VJLAP, whether for a current substance abuse or mental health issue or for dealing with a past legal infraction, can allow you to create a positive record of mature and responsible behavior in the face of situations that might otherwise seem to create obstacles to bar admissions.
