A new grassroots group is offering free therapy for federal workers
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Losing your job can be traumatic — which is why a group of therapists is offering free mental health services to federal employees, current or former, in need.
Why it matters: There's growing concern that the Trump administration's slashing of the federal government may cause an unemployment crisis in Washington — and a mental health crisis to match.
State of play: The Therapist Recruitment Project is a network of two dozen (and growing) licensed therapists offering free consultations — largely virtual — for federal workers in need.
- Rosalyn Beroza, a Silver Spring-based therapist with over 40 years of experience, launched the initiative a few weeks ago. Beroza tells Axios she recognized an urgent need after specializing in trauma-related therapy and difficult life transitions.
What they're saying: "Your survival is threatened, it's high panic," says Beroza.
- "In natural disasters, they have mental health services to help deal with the trauma. This is a man-made disaster, and we should have people on the line to help."
Plus, her dad was a fed. "It was such a point of pride," says Beroza.
The big picture: Thousands of federal employees have been shown the door by DOGE. Adding to the chaos, more than 24,000 terminated workers at 18 agencies are in the process of being rehired, according to CBS News, after a federal judge ruled their firing was unlawful.
- The whiplash has many feds on edge. As one reinstated employee at the Department of Transportation told Axios, "There's always a feeling it's going to be taken away again."
- A veteran who's struggled with PTSD, the worker says "My mental health has taken a major hit."
How it works: Individuals can email Beroza ([email protected]), who'll refer them to her network of providers and vet therapists interested in joining the group.
- The organization is in the early, word-of-mouth phase, but Beroza is growing it — not just in D.C., but nationally. The therapists come from all over and are licensed for virtual services.
Between the lines: Beroza says she was inspired to action by Justice Connection, a new organization founded by former Department of Justice employees to help DOJ civil servants. They're now helping spread the word about free therapy.
- Justice Connection is part of a growing group offering services for federal workers, large (legal help) and small (a free lunch).