Therapists Unchained
Therapists Unchained is about opening a dialogue about the state of mental health in the United States as seen through the eyes of the clinicians and the role of tech platforms in shaping access to care, the consequences of VC-backed therapy models, the intentional complexities of dealing with insurance companies, and building a community of mental health providers to support, mentor, educate, and empower each other. You’ll hear real talk about what’s happening behind the scenes in our field and what it means for providers and clients alike.
Why It Matters:
As the mental health field becomes increasingly shaped by corporate interests and algorithm-driven care, clinicians are being left out of critical conversations — and often critical decisions. This podcast is our space to educate, connect, and organize.
Join the Movement:
If this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to subscribe, share with your networks, and start the conversation in your communities. Together, we can unchain the future of mental health care.
Connect With Us:
If you'd like to be on the show or collaborate with Therapists Unchained, please get in touch with Sivie Suckerman, MA, LMHC, ACS, at sivie@therapistsunchained.com
THANK YOU!
Therapists Unchained
If it Sucks, Fix it: Taking Back our Professional Associations with Shannon Thompson, LMHC
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In this episode, Sivie sits down with Shannon Thompson, LMHC, Executive Director of the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA), the state chapter of the American Mental Health Counselors Association, to explore and dismantle the typical narrative around professional organizations. Shannon explains how the WMHCA has evolved into a "unicorn" in the field by employing a paid leader who is also a licensed clinician. They discuss the role of professional associations for clinicians, limitations and challenges of state advocacy, the myth of the workforce shortage, how to be more engaged in your local chapter, and why "neutrality" is no longer an option for organizations committed to equity.
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Shannon is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and a child and adolescent mental health specialist (CMHS). Shannon graduated from Argosy University with a Master's in Mental Health Counseling in 2006. She spent many years in community mental health before opening a private practice in 2013. Her career has primarily been focused on serving children, adolescents, and their families. Shannon has been part of the WMHCA board since 2016. She joined originally as a volunteer and was the workshop chair. In 2018 she became the Education and Advocacy Director and more recently has been promoted to Executive Director of the WMHCA board.
Learn more about the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA) by visiting their website:
This episode was produced and edited by Sivie Suckerman, MA, LMHC, ACS
