Who will know about my application?

Whether or not your application is successful, it will be treated in strict confidence.

Is this counselling just for freelancers working abroad in conflict zones?

No. Freelance journalists can encounter mental health challenges in many different working situations, in Canada or abroad.

What kinds of freelancers are eligible to apply?

The fund is open to applications from freelancers working in any form of journalism who fit one of these categories:

• Canadian citizens, wherever they live, provided that they are fluent in English or French.

• Foreign nationals legally resident in Canada, whose work is published or broadcast anywhere in English or French.

• Foreign nationals resident abroad whose work is published or broadcast in Canada in English or French.

Why do applicants have to be fluent in English or French?

Mutual understanding is vital. At this stage the fund can provide psychological counselling in English or French only. Success in counselling journalists also depends to some extent on the familiarity of the counsellor with how they work, just as success in treating veterans requires an understanding of military culture. A roster of counsellors is being developed with that in mind. Dr. Feinstein will take your circumstances into consideration in finding a good match, and may be open to considering additions to the list where appropriate.

Why does the stressor have to be recent, and how is that defined?

By recent, we generally mean that the trigger of your distress has occurred in your work within the past few years. Longer-term distress usually requires more counselling than this fund can currently support. But no two cases are the same. Applying and explaining your situation is better than just assuming this isn't for you. All decisions will be made by Dr. Anthony Feinstein, who has a great deal of experience with journalists and the complexity of problems they can face.

What does time-limited counselling mean in practice?

Typically, around six to eight sessions with an appropriate counsellor. That is often enough to help significantly, when the counsellor is familiar with journalistic life and culture. In some cases we may be able to provide longer treatment based on a clinical assessment after the initial sessions. We just can't commit to paying for long-term care at the outset.

Will counselling be provided in person, or by a remote link? 

In-person counselling is always preferred, but in many cases it may not be practical, given the importance of choosing a counsellor with the right experience to help expeditiously.