RESOURCES FOR JOURNALISTS SEEKING THERAPY

FOR EMERGENCIES:

If you are feeling suicidal or otherwise in need of immediate help, dial 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline, text HOME to 741741 for the 24/7 Crisis Text Line, or go to the nearest emergency room. To reach the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline call 1-800-985-5990.

NOW AVAILABLE:
Free specialized therapy for U.S. based journalists

The Journalist Trauma Support Network (JTSN) is offering free, time-limited therapy to U.S. journalists experiencing work-related distress. JTSN trains experienced trauma therapists in the occupational culture and clinical needs of journalists, and connects journalists with therapists during the training period (January-May 2026).

Free therapy is available via telehealth in most U.S. states.* Space is limited.

JTSN is a program of the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma, with 2026 funding from Press Forward and the Driehaus Foundation.

How to Request Services:

Contact JTSN’s partner, the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF), at support@iwmf.org. IWMF will schedule a brief screening call to assess your needs and help connect you with appropriate resources.

If no slots are available, IWMF may help eligible individuals apply for a therapy grant. Guidance on finding a therapist in your community is posted below.

*Free therapy via JTSN is NOT currently available in Alaska, Guam, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (See our Directory for all states served by JTSN fee-for-service therapists.)

FAQ

Who is eligible for free therapy?
Professional journalists who have worked within the past 12 months and are experiencing distress related to their journalistic work. Clients must be physically present in a JTSN service state at least twice per month for treatment.

What is “time-limited” therapy?
An evaluation and up to 20 free sessions, to be used within 6 months.

Can I receive therapy while outside the U.S. or traveling between states?
Generally, no. Therapists can only practice where they are licensed, based on the client’s physical location at the time of each session. Some therapists can practice in multiple states under “PSYPACT.” IWMF screening staff can help assess whether travel may be a barrier.

What if I’m not currently working as a journalist?
If you experienced journalistic trauma or occupational stress within the past 12 months, you are generally eligible. If more time has passed, contact support@iwmf.org to discuss your situation.

Is this crisis care?
No, JTSN does not provide emergency or crisis services. If you are suicidal or otherwise in need of immediate help, call 988 or text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 live support, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

What information is collected?
JTSN collects limited data for program evaluation, quality assurance, and advocacy. Privacy and security are prioritized. See JTSN’s Program Evaluation and Data Collection Disclosure for details.

Other questions? Contact info@jtsn.org.

In solidarity,

The JTSN Team and Trainees.

JTSN programs are currently operating in the U.S. only. For assistance in other regions, please contact the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Directory of Therapists Trained to Work with Journalists

Therapists listed in the JTSN Therapist Directory are experienced trauma clinicians who have previously completed a 6-month Global Center training program on treating journalists with occupation-related stress and trauma.

THERAPIST DIRECTORY

Therapists in the Directory provide fee-for-service treatment. Check therapist websites (linked in their JTSN profiles) for current fee and insurance information.

Other Resources for U.S.-Based Journalists Seeking Therapy

Funding for Journalist Mental Health Services

U.S. based journalists, regardless of gender, can apply for financial assistance for their mental health services through The International Women’s Media Foundation’s U.S. Journalism Emergency Fund. Click here for more information.
To apply for financial assistance through the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Journalist Therapy Relief Fund, click here.
Freelancer journalists who have been actively working freelance for the past 12 months may be eligible for the Rory Peck Trust‘s Trauma Therapy Fund (Click here to apply).
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also provides grants for journalism-related mental health and trauma support. For more information, and to apply for a grant, contact CPJ Emergencies at Emergencies@CPJ.org.

Finding a Therapist if you Have Insurance or Can Pay Out-of-Pocket

Before connecting with a therapist, you may want to contact your insurance company to learn about any mental health benefits you might have. Your insurer may recommend certain therapists who are considered “in network” with your insurance. Or, you may have benefits that cover “out of network” therapists.

Keep in mind, your therapist must be licensed in the state where you are located when you are receiving services, even if you see them by “telehealth.”

To locate a therapist near you, explore the links below:

ISTSS has a clinician locator for trauma-specific services.

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies also has a therapist referral service with the capacity to search for specialists in trauma treatment.

The American Psychological Association has an extensive collection of clinical psychologists searchable by geographic area.

Psychology Today and Alma: Both have a database of psychologists and other mental health professionals that can be searched by specialty, insurance accepted, and zip code. With Alma you can additionally search by setting an out-of-pocket price that you can afford.

Additional suggestions:

Contact your local (city or state) psychological association and ask for a therapist with specific expertise (trauma, stress, substance use problems, etc.)

If there is a local Veterans Affairs Hospital or Clinic in your area, determine if any of the therapists who know about post-traumatic stress disorder and deployment have a private practice where they might be able to see you.

If your agency has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), they may be able to make a referral to a therapist in the community.

Finding a Low-Cost or Free Therapist

If you don’t have mental health benefits and you cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket, try searching for the following places in your community that likely offer free or low-cost virtual therapy.

Keep in mind, your therapist must be licensed in the state where you are located when will be receiving services, even if you see them by “telehealth.”

The Open Path Collective is a nonprofit nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing mental health care—at a steeply reduced rate ($30-$70)—to clients in need.
Alma is searchable by price you can afford, as well as by specialty (eg, trauma) and location.
Community mental health centers
Local universities or colleges that house training programs for therapists
National hotlines can often connect you to free local clinics
State or county behavioral health services
Refugee and torture treatment clinics will often accept other patients who have emotional or physical injuries from work related to defense of democracy (such as journalism). To see if there is such a clinic near you, check the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Centers member centers page.
Federally funded health centers can also be a good resource for those without health insurance or with a limited budget. Many of these centers include mental health services. Find a federally funded health center near you.

Queer & Trans-Affirmative Therapist Search Engines

Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity
LGBTQ Psychotherapists of Color
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Member Directory

A note on therapy and therapy resources

Many people find therapy helpful for coping with a difficult period in their life. Asking for help takes courage—which journalists have a lot of! We encourage you to use it now in the service of your own wellbeing.

A few tips if you’re looking for therapy:

It can take time to find the right therapist. This can be frustrating, but try to be persistent. It’s usually well worth it. (JTSN is working to make this process easier in the future!)
Ask the therapist what kinds of issues they specialize in, and what their approach is.
“Evidence-based practice” is effective for anxiety, traumatic stress, and depression.
Many mental health providers are now offering remote video or telephone sessions, so people can participate in therapy from their own homes.
However, most therapists are not legally permitted to work with you when you are physically outside the state they are licensed in.

Direct Help for Online Violence/Harassment

Expert Voices Together - Case management services and direct help for journalists and other experts targeted for online harassment, doxxing, or other abuse as a result of their work.
Coalition Against Online Violence - Includes emergency assistance in 9 languages (“Online Violence Response Hub”), as well as resources for journalists, newsrooms, and supporting others. Associated with the International Women’s Media Foundation.

The Cyber Helpline - “Instant, personalized advice on digital security and harassment response.”
“TrollBusters” support services for journalists (see PEN America)

Committee to Protect Journalists - Legal, digital, and trauma support for journalists facing harassment, abuse, and civil rights violations (Safety & Emergencies page)