S2E2 | Mental Health in the Legal Profession

Haley and Jim sit down with Dr. Diana Uchiyama to discuss mental health struggles and substance abuse in the legal profession, what factors drive these issues within the field, and how law schools and firms can work to better aid those who need it. If you are an Illinois law student, attorney, or judge in need of help or resources, go to illinoislap.org or call 312.726.6607. Dr. Diana Uchiyama joined the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program in 2018. Prior to joining LAP, she was the Administrator of Psychological Services for DuPage County where she oversaw a DASA licensed substance use treatment program, including a MISA program, and DHS Domestic Batterer Intervention Program for a court mandated population of clients. Dr. Uchiyama has also worked for the Kane County Diagnostic Center, as both a Staff Psychologist and Juvenile Drug Court Coordinator, and has an extensive background doing court ordered psychological, sanity, fitness, and sex offender evaluations and therapy. She has implemented numerous changes to court ordered programs both in Kane and DuPage County and is a certified trauma informed care trainer. Prior to obtaining her masters and doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Uchiyama was an Assistant Public Defender in Cook County working in various felony courtrooms at 26th and California. She obtained her law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law.