JTSN training program for therapists
Free, evidence-based training on journalist occupational culture and mental health needs for experienced trauma therapists.
Please note: This program is currently only operating in the U.S. See FAQs for more information.
Training program schedule 2026-2027
Applications for the 2026-27 training year will open on September 1, 2026.
Training begins with a 9-CE, two-day, live, interactive webinar, “Treating Journalists in Distress”:
December 4, 2026 (12-4 ET / 9-1 PT) &
December 11, 2026 (12-5 ET / 9-2 PT)
Therapist qualifications
Therapists interested in applying for the JTSN training program must have the following qualifications:
U.S. state-licensed mental health clinician
A license to practice in a mental health field (e.g., clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical social work)
At least 5 years of relevant training and clinical experience treating trauma-related disorders
A current psychotherapy practice license in good standing
NO history of disciplinary action taken against you by a professional licensing board
Ability and willingness to practice time-limited therapy
An existing practice with the appropriate liability insurance
Competence in teletherapy (i.e., adequate training, experience, and technical preparedness to confidently use telehealth technology) and access to HIPAA-compliant telehealth technology
A professional website or page (e.g., Psychotherapy Today profile is acceptable) which highlights your experience working with trauma, PTSD, and/or occupational trauma
Please note: While not required, we may give preference to clinicians who take insurance and to those with PSYPACT credentialing or multi-state licensing.
Requirements & commitments
A leading resource on journalism ethics, safety in reporting, and press freedom, JTSN brings our extensive experience with journalists to offer specific, real-world competency training for mental health clinicians.
Trainees become full JTSN members once they complete the following requirements:
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JTSN membership begins with a mandatory two-part 9-CE* training.
“Treating Journalists in Distress”: This live, interactive webinar (9 CEs), delivered by senior journalism and psychology staff at the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma, will provide a primer on journalism cultural, clinical issues, and an introduction to the other core group members.
Video interviews with real journalists and interactive breakout exercises make this course an engaging and effective basic training for your specialization in journalist mental health.
Therapists in the JTSN training will learn:
Journalism profession & culture
Values, traditions, roles and power relationships in professional journalism
Unique demands of modern journalism jobs
Implications for coping styles and attitudes about therapy
Trauma exposure in journalism
Risks involved in crisis and community reporting
The latest research on trauma and resilience in journalists
Mediating factors: ethical dilemmas, moral injury, and organizational dynamics
Bias and harassment at work: risks and resilience for BIPOC and gender minority journalists
Tailored assessment & treatment approaches
Differential diagnosis in the context of a trauma-focused career
Client-centered care planning: balancing structure with flexibility
Psychoeducation tools specifically designed for journalists
Secure telehealth for digitally vulnerable clients
Minimum telehealth data security for working with journalist clients
How to determine if a higher level of security is needed, and where to get help
Tips for building a journalist-focused practice.
Training is only open to U.S.-licensed therapists.
*9 CEs recognized by APA, the NY State DoE, and most other U.S. mental health licensing bodies. Must complete both full days of training to receive CEs (no partial credit).
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Execute a training evaluation (15 minutes) and follow instructions to upgrade your telehealth technology digital security settings with detailed instructions from the Freedom of the Press Foundation (up to 1-2 hours if you need our assistance).
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Execute a 1-hour training on the protocol for handling case referrals and reporting data in the program.
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You will receive compensated referrals through our partner, the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF).
Referrals: Trainees must be available to receive a journalist therapy referral (“training case”) within one month of the initial training. Members will be expected to carry a minimum of one and a maximum of two (budget allowing) journalist cases, for up to 20 sessions or six months (whichever comes first). Members must dedicate at least one practice slot to a journalist client for a minimum of six months.
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Participate in at least 4 of 5 monthly 90-minute Peer Learning & Support Groups and present one case. Three groups are held at different times for scheduling flexibility, and therapists may jump into a different group as needed to make up a missed session.
A required aspect of JTSN training is participation in a monthly peer learning & support group, facilitated by a Global Center psychologist. These groups are designed to be supportive collaborations for members and facilitators, where members can make inspiring connections while sharpening their new specialization skills.
Group format and culture
Learning and support groups (maximum 6 members) meet monthly for 90 minutes on a HIPAA-compliant online platform.* At each meeting two group members briefly present on an aspect of journalism culture as it shows up in one of their therapy cases. Discussions integrate learning from our continuing education offerings. Members may also use group time to consult on career development issues related to taking journalist cases into your practice.
Our network and mission is strengthened by diversity in racial heritage, cultural and gender identity, religious and socioeconomic background. Our facilitators strive for a gentle balancing of “air time” so we can benefit from all member perspectives.
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The webinar training will get you ready to see your first journalist clients, but we have so much more to share with you! Want a deeper understanding of organizational dynamics in journalism? Need a roundup of the latest original research on journalists and trauma? Want to know more about topics like online trolling, sexual harassment, or peer community resources in journalism? We’ll provide continuous learning through specific subject articles, tip sheets, and high-quality short videos, delivered monthly to your email, as well as a searchable blog of topics related to journalism and trauma.
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Trainees must report essential data for quality assurance and program improvement to the JTSN Program Director. JTSN will provide training and documents for including data reporting in your informed consent for therapy procedures.
In total, you can expect to spend approximately 7-14 hours per month on your JTSN work during the 7-month program period, based on the following sample schedules:
1 journalist case
Weekly therapy + documentation = 5 hours
Monthly consultation group = 1.5 hours
Data reporting = 0.5 hours
Total: 8 hours/month
2 journalist cases
Weekly therapy + documentation = 10 hours
Monthly consultation group = 1.5 hours
Data reporting = 0.5 hours
Total: 14 hours/month
Please note: This program is currently only operating in the U.S. See FAQs for more information.
Trainee benefits
In addition to 9 CEs and a training certificate, you’ll receive:
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JTSN Staff has partnered with security experts at the Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) to ensure free one-to-one consultations for any core member who receives a referral for a client with heightened digital security concerns or who may be under digital surveillance.
FPF consultants teach you how to use fully encrypted software for telehealth contacts and documentation (HIPAA compliance does not ensure full encryption). -
Need more time and attention on an issue related to journalism profession or culture? Leading experts on journalism culture and trauma are made available to trainees for free one-on-one consultation within one week of an email request. In addition to monthly case consultation groups, trainees are encouraged to consult with JTSN staff psychologists on issues related to journalism occupational culture, and journalist trauma and resilience factors.
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You will receive compensated referrals through our partner, the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF).
Referrals: Trainees must be available to receive a journalist therapy referral (“training case”) within one month of the initial training. Members will be expected to carry a minimum of one and a maximum of two (budget allowing) journalist cases, for up to 20 sessions or six months (whichever comes first). Members must dedicate at least one practice slot to a journalist client for a minimum of six months.
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Trauma therapy is highly skilled and rigorous work. We understand that fair compensation for therapy hours is critical for sustaining services for journalists and ensuring diversity in our network membership.
JTSN Staff has raised the funds to pay trainees a reasonable rate for all therapy hours, on a monthly schedule.
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This is your network! Trainees who complete all aspects of the 6-month training phase will be invited to add their profile to the online JTSN National Therapist Directory. This is a tool to help journalists identify trustworthy, compatible, available therapists.
You will also have access to the JTSN Internal Directory—a secure list exclusively for JTSN providers with contact information that your colleagues may not wish to list publicly. As you develop your expertise in journalist mental health, your professional community will include providers from around the world who share your interests and can offer cross-cultural collaboration.
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To support our trainees and build our clinical community, JTSN provides:
Free online learning & support groups for the first six months of practice, facilitated by a Global Center staff psychologist
Individual consultation when you need a little more time and attention on a training case
Virtual and in-person reunions and free CE offerings
A continuing education newsletter updates to keep you in the loop
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It takes a community to support agents of truth and justice. JTSN members will receive invitations to annual reunion meetings and free live virtual CE offerings. Our 2028 in-person conference will feature inspiring speakers, forums to interface with news leaders, and time to support and learn from one another.
Have a question?
We’re here to help. Visit Therapist FAQs or contact us by completing the form below.
Contact JTSN
If you are a therapist interested in our program, you may find an immediate answer in our Therapist FAQs.
For journalists seeking support or for any other inquiries, please fill out the form below, and our team will be in touch shortly. Or, simply email us at info@jtsn.org.