Practicing law was stressful enough before COVID-19 exacerbated the anxiety and depression that can come from worrying about finances, job security, or the health of loved ones. In response, The Florida Bar fast tracked the debut of the free, 24/7/365 mental health helpline. The Florida Lawyers Helpline is exclusively for Bar members to call and speak to mental health professionals, and if needed, receive up to three free in-person therapy sessions with licensed mental health counselors. Members can also call the helpline to receive financial consults or get assistance from caseworkers to locate eldercare and childcare providers, all at no charge. 

In this episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt speak with CorpCare Vice President, Lisa Hardy, to discuss the Helpline and its confidentiality and independence from The Bar and to explain what members can expect when they call. 

Lisa Hardy is VP of Clinical Operations at CorpCare. She has over 35 years of experience in mental health, substance abuse and human resources and has been with CorpCare EAP since 2000 where she oversees all aspects of the program delivery systems and quality control. As a certified leadership coach, Lisa is a recognized international speaker on leadership development, corporate team building, resiliency and emotional health, employee wellness, substance abuse/addiction, workplace issues and anti-bullying. 

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

The Florida Bar’s Mental Health and Wellness Center 

• Florida Lawyers Helpline 

The Florida Lawyers Helpline (1-833-FL1-WELL) is a 24/7/365 confidential service that connects Florida Bar members with mental health counselors and provides up to three in-person or telehealth counseling sessions per year at no cost to the member to help develop strategies to better deal with professional pressures and personal life challenges. 

The Florida Board of Bar Examiners 

The Florida Bar YLD’s Supervised Practice Program WebpageThis podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1 hour of General CLE Credit and 1 hour of Mental Illness Awareness Credit. Course #4260.