Talk to a Therapist

Share what happened with a trained professional in a safe and confidential space.

What are the benefits?

  • Therapy is a tool to find relief for the personal effects of the incident.

  • Some therapists specialize in sexual violence, coercion, or consent violations.

  • Therapy can help you process what happened and think through your goals and options.

  • Therapy provides a non-judgemental and confidential environment to be listened to and supported.

  • Therapy can help you explore other perspectives about what happened.

  • Your information is protected by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and will be kept private unless your consent is given.

What are the potential risks?

  • Not every therapist understands or is sensitive to the issues of sex work or race. It is important to find a therapist who will not stigmatize or shame you for your work and also has experience understanding the mental health challenges posed by racism.

  • If you have any confidentiality concerns about what you want to share, ask. Therapists may disclose information without your consent if they believe there to be planned attempts to harm yourself or another individual, or reports of current child or elder abuse. Suicidal ideations will be kept confidential unless the therapist believes you are an immediate threat to yourself.

  • Your information could be subpoenaed for a relevant criminal case if it is believed that your mental health is in question.

  • Therapists are mandated reporters. While making your initial appointment, you may want to ask if the potential therapist believes they are required to report a patient who acknowledges participating in adult sex work.

What else should I know?

  • Group therapy may be a way for you to talk with others in similar situations or with similar experiences.

  • While free and low-cost options are available, ask directly about the amount of clinical experience any low-cost or free professional has.

  • Standard rates for therapists are anywhere from $60-120 per session. However, depending on insurance and payment scales, the cost could be free or much less.

  • The first person you talk to is sometimes not the right fit. For whatever reason, sometimes it is a better option to speak to a different therapist. The first person you speak to can provide referrals and will not take this personally.

  • Free Speech Coalition may be able to help direct you to resources.

How do I proceed when I'm ready?

More resources: