Let's Talk About... Financial Stress
Each month, we’re taking a deeper dive into a topic related to trauma-informed or gender-responsive care.
This month, we’re addressing financial stress.
Financial stress can have a major impact on mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. Research shows that financial worry is strongly linked with psychological distress, meaning that clinicians benefit from asking about money concerns as part of assessment and treatment planning, and integrating coping skills and stress-management strategies when appropriate. Addressing financial stress in a therapeutic setting can help clients make sense of how money-related pressures affect their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
For mental health workers, financial stress is also a personal and professional challenge. Economic pressures like student debt, variable income in private practices, or low wages in community settings can contribute to burnout and workforce turnover. Acknowledging and managing your own financial stress—through budgeting, professional development on financial well-being, or peer support—can help sustain your capacity to be present and effective for clients.
Featured Clinical Resources
Financial Support for Clinicians
Insights & Resources
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Since 2010, National Human Trafficking Prevention Month has been a presidentially designated observance, held annually in January. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery; it is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to make someone perform labor or commercial sex acts. In 2022, approximately 27.6 million people were being trafficked.
Human trafficking victims can be any age, race, gender, ethnicity, immigration status, or socioeconomic class, but some groups are more vulnerable than others. Women and girls account for 54% of victims worldwide (Hope for Justice), and women and girls of color are disproportionately vulnerable. Other risk factors include recent migration or relocation, a history of substance use disorder, disability, poverty, involvement with the child welfare system, youth homelessness, and being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community (University of Michigan Human Trafficking Collaborative, Polaris Project).
The theme for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2026 is Stronger Connections, Stronger Futures, reminding us that everyday connections play a vital role in preventing human trafficking. Research shows that strong relationships at home, in our communities, and in our workplaces are protective factors against human trafficking and other forms of abuse (US Department of Health and Human Services).
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What's Happening at The Consortium
Each December, we slow down with intention and lean into community, connection, and care for ourselves and each other. It’s our season to strengthen relationships, rest deeply, and recharge before stepping back into the work that lies ahead.
Grateful for another year of healing, learning, and showing up together!