Counseling and Support

Life does not stop during law school. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule, extracurricular activities, and one's personal life can be overwhelming at times. Some issues that might arise include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety or fear of being called on in class (which affects class attendance)
  • Problems related to alcohol or drug use
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Compulsive gambling
  • Family issues, such as an ill parent or child
  • Juggling school and one's personal or family life
  • Concern about the impact of a prior problem on possible bar admission
  • Uncertainty about whether law school is the right choice for you
  • Issues related to grades and academic performance
  • Disrupted sleep or eating

Fortunately, Boston University and the Boston area provide several resources that can help:

  • BU Law Office of Student Affairs: meets with J.D. students with questions or concerns, or who need information about counseling or disability services and other educational and community resources.
  • Boston University Educational Resource Center: provides academic support programs to the B.U. community, helping them excel in their studies.
  • Student Health Services, Behavioral Medicine Clinic : includes a walk-in medical clinic, in-house laboratory, infirmary, and a behavioral medicine clinic which includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and a licensed social worker who serves as a crisis intervention counselor. The counseling resources are confidential (with very limited exceptions).
  • Danielsen Institute: Boston University’s confidential mental health care clinic licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
  • Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders: provides comprehensive cognitive-behavioral treatments in individual and group formats, as well as in-depth assessments of psychological functioning. Works with students on anxiety issues, agoraphobia, panic disorder, eating issues, etc. Special programs include a one week iintensive treatment program on panic disorder with agoraphobia, and a one week intensive treatment program for specific phobias.
  • Lawyers Concerned For Lawyers, Inc.: provides confidential counseling services for a wide variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, work/family balance issues, relationship issues, gambling issues, alcohol or drug issues, addiction to on-line games, and questions related to information that must be reported to the bar authorities.
  • International Students and Scholars Office: provides essential services and support to students, faculty and staff to ensure student, scholar and institutional compliance with federal regulations. The ISSO office provides professional expertise on immigration and employment issues.
  • Center for English Language and Orientation Programs: ensures that students receive the most advanced methods of intensive English instruction from professionals.
    Current BU Support Groups/Workshops:
    Behavioral Medicine Clinic Groups:   881 Commonwealth Ave; please call 617-353-3569:
    Bipolar Support Group- Mondays       
    Grief Group- Mondays
    Family Challenges Group-Mondays
    Chronic Illness Group- Wednesdays
    Students Making Changes (students who identified alcohol or other substance use as problematic)- Tuesdays
    Time/Stress Management Workshops-Mondays (can come to one or more)
    Cognitive Behavioral Skills Workshops (change thinking and behaviors that get in the way of success)-Wednesdays
    Mindful Relaxation Workshops (helps with relaxation and stress)-Tuesdays

            Other resources: