NOVEMBER 2025 | 51 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff. learned. About 10 years ago, I sought help through the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program Committee, which paid for six therapy sessions. With skepticism, I called the mental health service provider, A Chance to Change in Oklahoma City, and found that it helped immensely. Discussing my fears, family struggles and emotions with a therapist allowed me to avoid repeating mistakes. CLOSING THOUGHTS Attorneys must look out for each other. This profession allows us to help people in unique and powerful ways, but it also exposes us to unique dangers. Trial attorneys, especially public defenders and prosecutors, must remember that acknowledging and asking for help is not a weakness; it is survival. As the saying goes, “No man is an island.” We are stronger when we recognize our limits and support one another. I’ll take a person who has been broken, accepted it and put themselves back together any day of the week. Those cracks are how the light gets in. That’s courage. “Courage is the most important attribute of a Lawyer. It is more important than competence or vision ... and it should pervade the heart, the halls of justice and the chambers of the mind.” – Robert F. Kennedy If you or anyone else would like to receive your free therapy sessions provided to you through your bar membership and the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program Committee, you can contact A Chance to Change at 405-840-9000. Simply state you are a member of the OBA and would like to begin using your free therapy sessions. Also, if you or any other lawyer needs any assistance of any kind, please contact the 24-hour Lawyers Helping Lawyers hotline at 1-800-364-7886. Calls do not go to the bar association and are completely confidential. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scott Goode is a partner with the Military Law Group in Tulsa, which focuses on family law for active-duty, reserve, retired and disabled veterans. He has served as chair of Lawyers Helping Lawyers since 2022 and was appointed as the at-large member on the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors in 2024. He is the district/trial court judge for the Miami and Ottawa tribes and the municipal judge for Hulbert. A U.S. Navy veteran, Mr. Goode earned his J.D. and Indian law certificate from TU in 2005. I lost a colleague to depression. I wish I had known how much he was hurting. Don’t give yourself the additional burden of trying to deal with this alone. Just talking releases a lot of pressure, and it might be the resource you need to regain your balance. It is okay to ask for help. — Ann E. Murray, Oklahoma Bar Association Member Get help addressing stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationships, burnout, health and other personal issues through counseling, monthly support groups and mentoring or peer support. Call 800-364-7886 for a free counselor referral. If you are in crisis or need immediate assistance, call or text 988, Oklahoma's Mental Health Lifeline. www.okbar.org/LHL Free Confidential Assistance
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