To be listed in our directory, a U.S.-licensed therapist must already have prior expertise in trauma treatment and complete a six-month training program with JTSN, a project of the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma.

Designed and delivered by senior psychologists and journalism experts from the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma, this training ensures our therapists understand you before you ever set foot in a session. The curriculum includes:

Journalism Culture: Education on the unique occupational challenges, pressures, and professional culture of the newsroom and the field.

Trauma Impact: In-depth research and clinical strategies regarding trauma exposure and psychological outcomes specific to journalism professionals.

Digital Safety: Specialized training in data security for safe, confidential telehealth sessions.

Active Practice: Monthly continuing education, peer-learning and support groups facilitated by Global Center psychologists, and active casework with journalists.

PSYPACT is a compact among 42 states that allows 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.

No. JTSN does not provide funding for therapy. Please click here for information about low-cost therapy and therapy grants for U.S.-based journalists.

No. The JTSN-trained therapists linked on our website provide fee-for-service treatment. To explore current financial assistance options, click here.

Therapy fees are determined by individual therapists, according to industry rates and their sliding scale capacities. JTSN does not provide funding for therapy.

For information about current financial assistance options, click here.

It is up to each therapist to decide whether 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 that of 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 coverage 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.

No. U.S. therapists can only treat clients who are physically located in the state(s) where they are licensed—even for virtual sessions. To find a therapist, please search within the U.S. state where you currently reside.

JTSN, a project of the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma,  does not provide direct therapy treatment or psychological services. JTSN provides education and technical resources to therapists who work with the unique population of news professionals.

If you work with a psychotherapist linked on JTSN website, that therapist will be treating you within their private practice, under their own liability insurance. JTSN and the Global Center have no financial or legal relationship with therapists who have completed JTSN training, and assume no responsibility for psychotherapy services provided by JTSN-trained clinicians.

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.

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.  

Unfortunately, the resources provided by JTSN are for working professional journalists only.

Crisis & immediate support

• 988 Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.

• SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357 for 24/7 treatment referral and information.

Finding a therapist or treatment

• FindTreatment.gov: Use the SAMHSA Treatment Locator to find local mental health and substance use facilities.

• NAMI HelpLine: Call 1-800-950-6264 or visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness for peer support and resource referrals.

• Specialized directories: Platforms like The Loveland Foundation