About therapy
Therapy provides a structured, confidential space to process difficult assignments and occupational stress. Journalists are trained to run toward crisis, but it takes a different kind of strength to ask for support. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being.
Tips for your therapist search:
1
Be patient with the process.
Finding the right therapist takes time. Try not to get discouraged if it takes a few conversations to find someone you trust.
2
Ask questions.
Ask providers what issues they specialize in and how they approach working with the types of problems you’re having, to ensure they fit your needs.
3
Prioritize evidence-based practices.
These clinically tested methods are the most effective way to treat PTSD, secondary trauma, burnout, and depression.
4
Confirm location.
Even for virtual appointments, state laws require you to be in the same state where the therapist holds their practice license.
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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 that even for telehealth sessions, your therapist must be licensed in the state where you are physically located at the time of your appointment.
For alternatives to the JTSN Therapist Directory, explore the options below:
ISTSS has a clinician locator for trauma-specific services.
KonTerra Counseling and Psychological Services includes clinicians in DC, VA, MD, and some international locations with “expertise in supporting culturally sensitive care to high-stakes professionals in fast-paced environments,” and some discounted services for financial need.
If your agency has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), they may be able to make a referral to a therapist in the community.
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.
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.
Contact your local (city or state) psychological association and ask for a therapist with specific expertise (trauma, stress, substance use problems, etc.)
Free therapy
All of our free therapy slots are currently full. Our next cycle of free therapy will begin in January 2027.
Financial assistance
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Several organizations make grants for time-limited therapy for journalists. This enables some journalists with financial constraints to afford care with JTSN-trained therapists, who specialize in delivering time-efficient treatments. Eligibility criteria for grants may vary.
U.S. based journalists, regardless of gender, can apply for financial assistance for therapy through the International Women’s Media Foundation’s U.S. Journalism Emergency Fund. For more information, click here.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also provides grants for journalism-related mental health and trauma support. Contact CPJ Emergencies at emergencies@CPJ.org.
To apply for financial assistance through the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Journalist Therapy Relief Fund, click here.
Freelance journalists who have been working within the past 12 months may be eligible for the Rory Peck Trust‘s Trauma Therapy Fund. To apply, click here.
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JTSN therapists do not provide free or low-fee therapy, though some have sliding scale options. If you don’t have mental health benefits and cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket, try searching the following community resources.
Keep in mind, your therapist must be licensed in the state where you are located when you 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.
Refugee and torture treatment clinics 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.
National hotlines can often connect you to free local clinics
Additional places to try:
Local universities or colleges that house training programs for therapists
Community mental health centers
State or county behavioral health services
Inclusive therapy support
Queer, trans-affirmative, & minority therapist search engines
Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity
LGBTQ Psychotherapists of Color (California only)
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) member directory
Self-help tools & resources
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Apps using material from evidence-based treatments can assist with self-management of distress, or augment therapy. Here are some recommended options:
CBT-i Coach for insomnia
Coping Coach tools for managing stress and moving toward goals
ACT Coach uses principles of “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” to help work with distress and move toward valued goals
The Safe Place: Designed for the Black community to increase awareness, provide education, and provide a space for discussion.
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Trauma Aware Journalism free instructional videos, guides, and tip sheets
Trauma-sensitive yoga sequences for journalists
Self-care toolkits: Created for BIPOC folx and aspiring allies
The Free Mindfulness Project based on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
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Making the World Hurt Less: Enhancing Wellbeing During a Time of Stress: IWMF self-care webinar by JTSN trainer Dr. Katherine Porterfield
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Please note: This is a selection of Global Center for Journalism and Trauma tip sheets. More available here.
Before the Storm: Preparing to Cover Federal Immigration Raids
Handling Traumatic Imagery: Developing Your Own Standard Operating Procedure
Online Abuse: A Self-Defense Guide
How to Safely Cover Riots and Civil Unrest
Maintaining Boundaries with Sources, Colleagues and Supervisors
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Immediate digital safety help
Support for online violence & harassment
Case management services and direct help for journalists targeted for online harassment, doxxing, or other abuse as a result of their work.
Includes emergency assistance in 9 languages (“Online Violence Response Hub”), as well as resources for journalists, newsrooms, and supporting others.
“Instant, personalized advice on digital security and harassment response.”
Support services for journalists.
Legal, digital, and trauma support for journalists facing harassment, abuse, and civil rights violations.
Find a therapist
Visit journalist FAQs
Have a question?
We’re here to help. Visit Journalist FAQs or contact us by completing the form below.
Contact JTSN
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.