Frequently Asked Questions
How do therapists qualify to be listed in the JTSN Directory?
To be included in the Directory, a therapist must be a US-licensed therapist with prior expertise in trauma treatment, and complete six months in training with the Dart Center/JTSN program. Training includes a three-part live webinar-based didactics, monthly continuing education study, and monthly Peer Learning and Support Groups facilitated by Dart-affiliated psychologists, while carrying a minimum of one journalist case in the trainee’s private practice. The JTSN training is designed and delivered by senior staff of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma and Dart-affiliated psychologists. Training includes education on journalism professional culture and occupational challenges, research on trauma exposure and psychological outcomes among journalists, clinical tips from psychologists experienced in working with journalists, and training in data security for telehealth. The training also includes direct advice from working journalists, in the form of a Dart Center training video and journalist panel Q&A.
What are “PSYPACT” states?
PSYPACT is a compact among 38+ states that psychologists to obtain “E-Passports,” which permit them to work with clients in any “PSYPACT” state via virtual therapy. If you reside in a PSYPACT state, you can arrange remote therapy with a psychologist from any other PSYPACT state, if that therapist has obtained an E-Passport. You can find JTSN-trained psychologists with PSYPACT E-Passports to practice in your state by searching under your state in the JTSN U.S. Directory.
How much does therapy with a therapist in the JTSN Directory cost?
Therapy fees are determined by individual therapists, according to industry rates and their sliding scale capacities. JTSN does not provide funding for therapy. Please see our Other Therapy Resources page for information about therapy grants for journalists.
Can I use my insurance with a JTSN-trained therapist?
It is up to every therapist to decide whether or not to accept direct payment from insurance plans or be part of insurance networks. Most JTSN therapists are “out-of-network” providers, meaning they bill clients directly and do not take insurance or handle insurance claims. (If they do take insurance, you can find out which insurance companies they are “in-network” with on their business website.) Out-of-network providers usually collect payment at each session and generate a monthly statement that you can forward to your insurance company with a claim form to seek reimbursement.
Many U.S. health insurance plans will reimburse for treatment provided by an out-of-network psychologist. Depending on your insurance coverage, your-out-of-pocket cost may be comparable to an in-network provider, since out-of-network therapists do not charge copays. However, plans vary widely, and you are responsible for determining what insurance benefits you have and obtaining reimbursement. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session for an out-of-network provider?
(If they give you a percentage, keep in mind that some insurance companies say they pay, for example, “70% of the allowable cost,” meaning the base cost they determine the service is worth. So ask them, “What is the allowable cost?” so you can accurately calculate the fee per session.)
If you need or prefer to use a therapist that is in-network for your insurance, the best thing to do is call your insurance company and request a list of mental health providers in your state.
Can JTSN-trained therapists work with journalists who are living or working outside the U.S.?
JTSN-trained therapists currently only provide services within the U.S. For assistance connecting with support services in other geographic regions, please contact the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Can journalism students access free services with therapists in the JTSN training program?
Unfortunately the free therapy provided by JTSN trainees is for working professional journalists only, and journalism students generally do not qualify. However, other resources listed on our site may be appropriate for students, including advice on finding a low-cost therapist in the community, and the Directory of JTSN graduates who provide fee-for-service therapy.
Have other questions?
Contact our Program Director by completing the form at the bottom of this page.