Stacy Parmer: creating a supportive environment and reducing stigma
Stacy Parmer, director of The Missouri Bar’s Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program, wants others to know that well-being doesn’t just impact lawyers, it also affects clients, firms, and the justice system as a whole.
“One big misconception is that seeking help to improve overall well-being is a sign of weakness, whether through counseling or peer support,” Parmer said. “However, seeking assistance is a powerful step toward maintaining mental health and balance.”
Parmer has been the MOLAP director since Oct. 30, 2023, and is a licensed professional counselor, licensed marital and family therapist, and a certified alcohol and drug counselor. She has more than 16 years of experience working in the mental health and substance use field.
She enjoys creating a supportive environment that allows lawyers to thrive personally and professionally by reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in the legal field.
MOLAP offers professional, confidential counseling for members of The Missouri Bar, immediate family members who reside with them, and law students. Through a variety of free services, MOLAP helps individuals overcome personal concerns such as substance use, depression, stress, and burnout.
One of the most significant advantages of MOLAP is its commitment to confidentiality, she said. Lawyers can seek help without fear of judgment or professional repercussions.
MOLAP offers a wide range of services, from counseling to educational resources and referrals.
“We understand the unique pressures lawyers face and we tailor our support to meet those needs,” Parmer said. “Imagine the difference it would make if more legal professionals felt empowered to prioritize their mental health.”
Her job is ever-changing, Parmer said. She often juggles multiple responsibilities, from organizing, developing, and presenting CLEs and trainings, to traveling to the law schools in Missouri. She also meets with stakeholders and addresses urgent client needs. She engages in one-on-one therapy sessions, offering guidance and resources.
Her favorite part of the job is engaging with lawyers facing stress, burnout, ethical dilemmas, or mental health or substance use challenges who are willing to do the work necessary to improve their well-being by exploring the areas of their lives in which they are not satisfied.
Parmer described herself as a firm believer in the power of self-reflection and growth, intrinsically motivated to challenge herself. She values genuine and mutually rewarding one-on-one relationships, and her authenticity allows her to build close, long-lasting connections that foster trust and confidence.
“I strive to be a supportive presence for those around me,” Parmer said.
Parmer highlighted that recently, MOLAP implemented a comprehensive Electronic Health Record management system, which provides powerful encryption methods to keep crucial client information secure. The EHR increases client participation by allowing them to access their client portal, schedule appointments, and communicate with their clinician through secure messaging.
MOLAP’s referral network also grew from 21 contract providers to 60 to ensure prompt services for clients, and the volunteer application process was updated and digitized, allowing for easy organization and structure for specific volunteers by experience and interest.
Her goal is for MOLAP to continue to be a resource that lawyers feel comfortable, empowered, and encouraged to utilize when they need it most, leading to better outcomes for the individuals and the clients they serve.
Parmer also wants to increase the visibility of MOLAP among law students, legal professionals, and organizations.
Outside of work, she loves traveling and has been to every state except Hawaii. She’s also been to Mexico and Canada and plans to begin exploring overseas destinations next year. Parmer enjoys hiking, walking or biking the Katy trail, creating stained glass, reading psychological thrillers, drawing, and painting.
Call 1-800-688-7859 or visit MoBar.org/MOLAP for more information about MOLAP and its services.