KATHY LYNN COOK, JD

Kathy Lynn Cook, J.D., C.W.L.S. is the deputy general counsel for the Louisiana State Mental Health Advocacy Service and Child Advocacy Program. For the past 22 years she has worked as a mental health advocate, providing legal counsel to adults and minors who are voluntarily or involuntarily admitted for treatment pursuant to Louisiana mental health laws. Since August 2005, Ms. Cook has also represented abused and neglected children in the 16th Judicial District Court in Child in Need of Care proceedings. Prior to her present position, Ms. Cook was an instructor in the Criminal Justice Program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and continues as a guest lecturer on confidentiality and psychiatric medical records in their Health Information Management Program.