March 24, 2025

Reacting to Regime Change: How Therapists Can Advocate for our Clients and Communities

35 minutes

Curt and Katie chat about how the United States has shifted since the inauguration of President Trump. We look at how therapists can advocate for their clients and the communities they serve and/or live in. We look at strategies for therapists to stay informed, provide vetted resources, and be present for clients who may be struggling with the changes.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode we talk about the impact of political shifts on mental health care

With ongoing changes in healthcare policy, therapists must navigate how legislative decisions impact their clients and their own practice. In this episode, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy discuss the Trump administration’s influence on mental health care, the importance of accurate information and advocacy, and strategies for balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities.

What do therapists need to know about political changes in healthcare?

The Trump administration’s policies and their impact on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid.

The role of therapists in ensuring clients receive accurate healthcare information.

How legislative decisions affect funding for mental health services.

Why advocacy and political awareness are essential for protecting mental health access.

The ethical considerations of discussing politics with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.

How Therapists Can Take Action to Protect Healthcare Access

Educate yourself and your clients on state-specific programs and available resources.

Provide information in your practice on how clients can contact their legislators.

Spend 15 minutes a day making calls to representatives to advocate for mental health care.

Encourage, but don’t pressure, clients to take action in ways that align with their own values.

Share neutral, fact-based sources to help clients stay informed without unnecessary anxiety.

The Emotional Toll of Advocacy and How to Manage It

Navigating personal feelings while supporting clients through political uncertainty.

Avoiding doom-scrolling and setting boundaries around media consumption.

Finding support within the therapist community to prevent burnout.

Understanding personal capacity and choosing advocacy efforts that are sustainable.

The Role of Therapists in Community Support

Helping clients feel empowered rather than helpless in the face of policy changes.

Creating space in sessions for conversations about uncertainty and anxiety related to healthcare access.

Challenging therapists to step outside their comfort zone and take meaningful action.

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

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By Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT

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