TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Paul Burch on Sep 14, 2023

The American Psychological Association unanimously approved a new policy last month that people seeking to be licensed attorneys should not be required to reveal their mental health history or if they have ever had a mental health diagnosis. The APA’s governing Council of Representatives pledged to work alongside the American Bar Association and state bars to remove questions regarding mental health diagnoses or treatment history from character and fitness questionnaires. The U.S. Department of Justice has stated that such questions tend “to screen out individuals with disabilities based on stereotypes and assumptions” and recommended removal of applicant questions about diagnoses. In July, Reuters reported on a recent study of law student well-being and found 44% of respondents said the potential threat to their bar admission might deter them from getting help for a mental health issue.