You’ve just been sued. Your mind is racing and your heart is pounding. You need to prepare for an upcoming lawsuit, but you are not sure what to do or who to call first. In such situations, many people instinctively call an attorney—which may be entirely appropriate. Attorneys can provide you with critical legal advice, offer guidance about how to respond to the legal claims, explore conflict resolution options such as mediation or negotiation (Barsky, 2017), and, if necessary, act as your representative in upcoming court hearings. Although attorneys can help with the legal aspects of your case, legal proceedings also involve emotional and interpersonal concerns that may be better addressed through the assistance of a psychologist, social worker, family counselor, or other licensed mental health professional (MHP). In this article, let’s consider various ways that MHPs can help people involved in legal processes, including civil lawsuits, criminal justice cases, and family law disputes.

Legal actions are rarely just about facts and law. They can be emotionally taxing and overwhelming. You may feel personally attacked. Your job, family, reputation, or home may be at risk depending on how you testify and the outcome of the case. You may already be experiencing high levels of anxiety, stress, or other challenging emotions from other aspects of your work, everyday life, and interpersonal relationships. Mental health professionals can offer various forms of counseling, therapy, and support to help you through these challenging times. Cognitive-behavior therapy, for instance, can help you manage anxious thoughts and think rationally about the risks or concerns that you are facing. Relaxation techniques such as guided breathing and mindfulness can reduce physical symptoms and help you cope with stress. Person-centered therapy offers a safe place to explore the sources of stress and build a stronger sense of self-efficacy and resilience.

When seeking counseling or therapy, make sure your........

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