Empower Next Talk · Free one-on-one therapy

Talk to a therapist. One-on-one. Free.

Empower Next Talk connects California residents in or around recovery with a licensed marriage and family therapist for private, one-on-one sessions over Zoom — at no cost, funded by donors who believe nobody should have to choose between rent and their mental health.

What it offers

Real therapy, with a real clinician, from wherever you are in California

Sessions are led by our licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. You meet privately over Zoom from your phone or laptop — no commute, no waiting room, no bill.

We built Empower Next Talk because the weeks and months after treatment are when support matters most and is hardest to afford. Recovery is more than staying sober; it's rebuilding a healthy mind. This program is how we help with the second half.

Who it's for

California residents, 18 and older, in or around recovery

You don't need a diagnosis, a referral, or insurance. If you live in California and want a steady, confidential place to talk — about staying well, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, or simply what comes next — this is for you.

People in early recovery Sober-living residents Recently discharged from treatment Family members & loved ones People without insurance Anyone rebuilding after a hard year

Why California only? Therapists are licensed state by state, and telehealth follows the client's location. Our LMFT holds a California license, so you need to be physically in California during your sessions. Outside California? Our Recovery Warmline is open to everyone.

How it works

Three steps from "interested" to your first session

Spots are limited and offered in the order interest comes in. Sharing your interest takes about two minutes and doesn't commit you to anything.

1

Share your interest

Fill out the short form below — just your name, how to reach you, and a little about what you're hoping to work on. No detailed medical history is needed.

2

A quick intro call

Our team reaches out within a few business days to confirm you're in California, answer your questions, and match you with the therapist's openings.

3

Meet on Zoom

You get a private Zoom link for one-on-one sessions with the LMFT. Bring a quiet spot and a phone or laptop — we handle the rest.

Why it matters

Untreated mental health is how relapse starts

Most people we house through Empower Next Steps are carrying more than a substance-use history — anxiety, depression, and trauma travel with it. When those go unaddressed, the isolation and stress behind relapse creep back in. Counseling is the piece that treatment programs often can't continue once someone is discharged, and the piece that insurance and cost put out of reach first.

Empower Next Talk removes the cost. Every session is funded by donations, and every donation is tax deductible.

Fund a session
Share your interest

Get on the list for Empower Next Talk

Two minutes, no obligation. We'll reach out by phone or email to talk through next steps. Everything you share is kept confidential and reviewed only by our team.

This is not a crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide or need to talk to someone right now, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), free and 24/7.
💚 Thank you — we've received your interest in Empower Next Talk. Our team will reach out within a few business days to set up an intro call. Need someone now? Call our Recovery Warmline at (916) 877-6237, or call or text 988 in a crisis.

Questions? Call 248.912.8523 or email info@empowernextproject.org. EIN 39-3580172 · Sessions funded entirely by tax-deductible donations.