Check our list of the global networks and non-governmental organisations that provide resources for journalists experiencing stress and psychological trauma.This site, Media Helping Media, has a section Managing trauma and stress in journalism which is displays free resources for journalists, educators and managers, which can be downloaded and adapted. Below is a list of other organisations offering support networks and tools.
- The Global Center for Journalism & Trauma – An independent, U.S.-based non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing ethical, trauma-informed news coverage of conflict and tragedy while actively protecting the mental health of media professionals worldwide. Established as the direct successor to Columbia University’s legacy Dart Center, the GCJT maintains the original leadership, mission, and extensive resource archive to address occupational distress, moral injury, and newsroom burnout. https://gcjt.org/
- The Journalist Trauma Support Network (JTSN) – Pioneered by the Dart Center in collaboration with major press freedom groups, JTSN addresses the gap in traditional therapy options by training a registry of qualified, trauma-informed psychotherapists who understand the distinct occupational culture, ethical demands, and safety risks of journalism. https://www.jtsn.org/
Press freedom & safety organisations with mental health support
- Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) – Beyond documenting press freedom violations and physical safety risks, CPJ integrates psychological well-being into its safety protocols. They partner with networks such as JTSN to screen and refer journalists to free, time-limited specialised therapy sessions. https://cpj.org/
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF / Reporters Sans Frontières) – RSF monitors structural threats worldwide and provides direct safety assistance. Their support includes emergency financial grants that exiled or threatened journalists can use to access psychological care, alongside physical safety equipment and legal aid. https://rsf.org/en
- International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) – Recognising the unique online and offline harassment faced by women and non-binary journalists, IWMF acts as a core referral partner for mental health programmes. They provide specialised safety funds, trauma resources, and peer-support networks tailored to gender-based threats. https://www.iwmf.org/
- International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) – As the world’s largest federation of journalists’ trade unions, the IFJ advocates for the inclusion of psychosocial support within news organisations. They provide safety handbooks and support local unions in establishing peer-support structures for local reporters, who frequently absorb the highest burden of local trauma. https://www.ifj.org/
Emergency assistance & exile support
- Rory Peck Trust – Dedicated entirely to freelance journalists worldwide, the Rory Peck Trust recognises that freelancers lack corporate Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). They provide targeted therapy grants to cover the cost of professional psychological support for freelancers who have covered traumatic events or are living in exile. https://rorypecktrust.org/
- The Refugee Journalism Project – For media professionals forced to flee their home countries due to persecution, this initiative addresses the intersection of trauma, displacement, and professional identity. It uses structured reflective practice groups to build long-term psychological resilience and community support during resettlement. https://www.refugeejournalismproject.org/
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