(Nov. 8, 2008) In an effort to provide the best services possible to OBA members, the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program has entered into a contract with CABA Inc. to provide services for its existing crisis intervention program.

The program will continue to provide up to six hours of crisis counseling at no cost to bar members. The toll-free number (800) 364-7886 for the program remains the same. Calls will be answered 24 hours a day 365 days a year by a licensed or certified counselor.

“The OBA added crisis counseling as a member benefit in 2006 in response to a high number of its bar members taking their own lives,” LHLAP Chairperson Tom Riesen said.  “We’ve had a committee for a much longer time that reaches out to members with substance abuse problems, but the counseling has expanded help to OBA members experiencing emotional or stress-related problems.”

Referrals for further counseling by trained professionals or to the committee for peer assistance will remain unchanged. Callers need to identify themselves as OBA members to access services of counselors across the state. As has always been the case, all calls and communications are strictly confidential and no identifying information will be provided to the OBA or anyone else without a release from the member requesting services.

Lawyers and judges who wish to make third-party referrals are also encouraged to utilize the toll-free number. Third-party referrals are also assured strict confidentiality.

CABA Inc., in business for more than 20 years, is located in Oklahoma City and has a client base in 27 states throughout the southwest.