Crisis in Well-being: Law Schools Adopt Program to Respond to Student Mental Health Struggles

A growing focus in recent years—especially after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—has highlighted the mental health challenges people face daily. Law school students experience especially high rates of mental health struggles. In a recent survey, over 75% of law students reported anxiety due to issues with law school. Over 50% of respondents also reported depression [1].

Many law schools have announced initiatives to improve mental health among their student body. At least five law schools have recently adopted a promising program called Early Alert [2]. Every week, students receive a question asking them to rate their well-being on a specific topic. Topics vary and often surround academics, personal relationships, sleep quality, and financial stability. Students who report a low rating receive a list of resources, outreach by a staff member, or an automatic call with a crisis counselor [2].

Chalak Richards, the Dean of Students at Pepperdine Law, which uses Early Alert, reports that the program “has had substantive impact” and that “every single student I’ve reached out to has been exceptionally grateful for the contact” [2].

Rates of reported mental health challenges and medical diagnoses of depression and anxiety have risen starkly in recent years, especially for law students undertaking demanding programs. One survey reported that in 2021, about 69% of respondents from 39 law schools reported needing help for emotional and mental health struggles. This was a large rise from 2014 when 42% of students answered similarly [3].

While the cause of the current crisis is unknown, there are some likely factors. First, the COVID-19 pandemic has added stress and anxiety to many people’s lives. Additionally, while mental health has long been stigmatized, there are signs that the culture around reaching out is shifting. For example, some professionals report that law students are more open to seeking assistance than previously [4].

While the Early Alert system will not solve the mental health crisis many law students confront, it is an important tool. Law students face stressful course loads and a competitive culture while preparing for a legal career. Rather than ignore the issue, staff should continue to increase outreach and counseling efforts to ensure the well-being of their students while also preparing them to care for themselves after graduation.