"We shouldn’t lose good people from the bench because of a lack of help."
— King County District Court Judge Charles Delaurenti II
The purpose of the Judicial Assistance Service Program (JASP) is to prevent or alleviate problems before they jeopardize a judicial officer’s career. This program was founded by judges, for judges. We provide open-minded confidential support for judges struggling with stress, mental health issues, addiction, medical illness, grief, retirement, or any other issues that impacts your work. If you are a judge or work with a judge and have concerns for yourself or them, you are encouraged to contact the Judicial Assistance Service Program for a confidential phone consultation.
- We can educate you about mental health symptoms or signs of addiction.
- Our peer counselors are judges who have been trained to provide supportive, confidential communication with the judge in need of support.
- Our clinical consultant can provide referrals for psychologists and mental health therapists, throughout the state of Washington and can help you determine whether psychiatric care may be a consideration.
- We can give you advice about communicating with the judge and handling the situation.
- When you call JASP, you call our clinical consultant's confidential practice line. If you call to initiate help for a judge in need, your identity is protected. We do not name the initial caller, and the peer counselor also does not know who made the initial call.
- We are not connected to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. We do not share our information with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
The program is comprised of compassionate judges and exists to help and problem solve with you. If you are a judge interested in serving the mental health needs of judges in Washington and want to join JASP, we encourage you to contact us!. Please note that JASP does not use email ot preserve the confidentiality of referrals.
When you reach out to the Judicial Assistance Service Program, you will first talk directly with our clinical consultant, Dr. Susanna N. Kanther, a licensed clinical health psychologist practicing in Bellevue. Her clinic can be reached at 415-572-3803. This number is intended for all inquiries, referrals, administrative needs, and general questions. Please Call Dr. Kanther and JASP directly.
