The Assist Program is operated by the Alberta Lawyers Assistance Society, an autonomous, non-profit volunteer organization of Alberta lawyers. Assist is available to all members of the Law Society of Alberta, students-at-law and their immediate families. Services are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a firm of professional psychologists and counselors. A lawyer or family member can contact Assist directly for immediate confidential assistance with all manner of personal problems including stress, burnout, depression, marital difficulties and chemical dependency. Emergency counseling and intervention for people in extreme distress is available, along with initial diagnostic evaluation services, treatment referral assistance, information about and contact with self-help programs and limited counseling services. There is no charge to the member or the member’s family for contact with the Program and generally, 4 hours of professional services are available per contact. Treatment costs, which may result from referral to other sources, are generally covered through Alberta Health Care or will be the personal responsibility of the lawyer or family member.

The numbers to call are as follows: