Having trouble finding a therapist or psychiatrist? You are not alone. There is currently a severe shortage of behavioral health professionals in California. It was a challenge before the pandemic, and now it is a crisis. 

Enter Elizabeth Morrison and Alli Moreno of EM Consulting. In 2021, this team launched the Lay Counselor Academy, a training program to help alleviate the crisis. Elizabeth and Alli are focused on training non-licensed professionals who are already helping people, like case managers, teachers and community health workers. The students don’t become licensed therapists but walk away with a personal toolkit to address potential mental health needs. About 60 people have gone through the academy since its launch.