4-22-2020 Behind The Scenes

We work with many organizations which support the IATSE and the Entertainment Industry. We as a Local support many of them on a regular basis. Some of our favorites are Motion Picture Television Fund (MPTF), Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation and the Actors Fund. One that gets overlooked is “Behind the Scenes”.    
The Behind the Scenes charity issues grants to entertainment technology professionals in need due to serious illness or injury that may be used for basic living, medical or funeral expenses. It fully works closely with related industry charities and social service organizations to assist clients possible. The Foundation raises funds through events, programs and donations. The Foundation further encourages the entertainment industry to create their own events and programs in support of their charity.
Entertainment technology professionals deserve support during times of need due to serious illness or injury. The Behind the Scenes charity provides that safety net.
The Behind the Scenes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative, in partnership with HelpPRO, announces the launch of the Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder. The Finder only includes listings for mental health professionals who have previously worked with clients in the entertainment industry or who have personal professional experience in the industry themselves.
Users can search for a therapist using a simple search form which includes location, insurance accepted, what areas the therapist specializes in, and therapist availability such as whether they see clients remotely or on nights and weekends. An advanced search is available which also includes such criteria as theoretical approaches, credentials held by the therapist, specific populations they have experience with, and languages spoken. Both searches indicate whether the therapist is accepting new clients.
The Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder has been developed in response to an industry survey conducted last fall. The results revealed just how prevalent the problem of finding therapists who understand something about the unique culture and stresses of the entertainment industry is. Many respondents expressed frustration with therapists who consistently made suggestions that were unrealistic given the long working hours and employment challenges so many in our industry face. They also expressed the difficulty of scheduling appointments with therapists who kept only 9 to 5 office hours.
Behind the Scenes has come together with other concerned organizations and individuals to create the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative. A series of tools and resources has been developed to not only help you but also assist you in helping your colleagues. Find links to resources, the online self-assessment tool, and information about the initiative and programs at btshelp.org/mental health. Follow @BeScene_BTS for more information.