Hollywood Therapists on Current Dispiritedness & Dissociation
- Los Angeles' entertainment industry is grappling with widespread anxiety and depression amid significant slowdowns and job insecurity.
- Dennis Palumbo, a psychotherapist with 31 years of experience, notes the current climate is unlike anything he has witnessed.A report by the Otis College of Art and Design...
- Kara Mayer Robinson, a therapist and on-set mental health consultant, emphasizes the importance of mindset in navigating the industry's volatility.
Hollywood therapists are witnessing a surge in anxiety and depression among entertainment professionals. This crisis is fueled by job losses and industry uncertainty, leaving many feeling dispirited and dissociated. The article dives into the struggles faced by those in the Los Angeles entertainment industry during major slowdowns and job insecurity, highlighting the impact of COVID-19 and industry strikes. Therapists like Dennis Palumbo and Kara Mayer Robinson share insights on navigating this volatile landscape,encouraging clients to focus on what they can control and find creative outlets. Some former entertainment professionals have transitioned into therapy roles, using their firsthand experience to support others, as detailed further by News Directory 3. learn how these professionals are assisting individuals in building resilience and adapting to the shifting industry dynamics. discover what’s next for the entertainment world.
Hollywood Faces Mental Health Crisis: Therapists Offer Support
Updated June 04,2025
Los Angeles’ entertainment industry is grappling with widespread anxiety and depression amid significant slowdowns and job insecurity. Therapists who work with entertainment professionals are reporting unprecedented levels of despair among their clients, citing teh combined impact of COVID-19, industry strikes, and corporate consolidation.
Dennis Palumbo, a psychotherapist with 31 years of experience, notes the current climate is unlike anything he has witnessed.A report by the Otis College of Art and Design revealed a 25% decrease in entertainment jobs compared to 2022, a year that was already challenging.
Kara Mayer Robinson, a therapist and on-set mental health consultant, emphasizes the importance of mindset in navigating the industry’s volatility. She encourages clients to accept what they cannot control and focus on actionable steps.
robinson also advises those affected to explore choice creative avenues,such as online platforms,while acknowledging the difficulty for established professionals to shift gears after decades in the industry.
“The new normal is that it’s not all going to bounce back.”
Kara Mayer Robinson, licensed therapist
Phil Stark, a former comedy writer for shows like “South Park” and “That ’70s Show,” transitioned to therapy after the 2008 strikes. He now uses his industry experience to help patients navigate the unique pressures of Hollywood. Stark understands the difficulty of career change, especially after years of identifying with a specific role.
jamie Rose, a former actor from “Falcon Crest,” became a life coach after facing personal and professional challenges. She draws on her own experiences to support clients facing similar struggles,emphasizing the importance of resilience.
Karen Jones, a former HBO executive, now coaches entertainment executives dealing with job loss and increased workloads. She addresses the identity crisis that can occur when professionals lose their positions and daily routines.
“It’s really about working through the identity loss that frequently enough happens the day that your email shuts down.”
Karen Jones, former HBO executive
What’s next
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, mental health professionals stress the importance of adapting to uncertainty and maintaining a sense of self-worth beyond professional achievements. Coping with the shifting landscape requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to explore new possibilities.