When your dog is not the only one with big feelings.

Jess Adam of Handlers & Humans LLC offers individual emotional support coaching, group support programs, educational courses, webinars, and resources for dog guardians and canine professionals.

The aim of Handlers & Humans is to support the mental health of dog people, by offering techniques, theories, and tools that support the human side of the leash. 

Nope! Although Jess Adam is also a licensed therapist in the state she resides, all services offered by Handlers & Humans LLC are coaching and/or educational in nature.

Unlike traditional therapy, this is not a space to explore anything and everything. Handlers & Humans educational and coaching services stay focused on the emotional challenges that relate to living with or working with complex dogs.

Also nope! Jess Adam is not a professional dog trainer. But with over a decade of lived experience navigating her own dog’s behavioral and emotional challenges, she’s been deeply immersed in the dog training world.

She’s well-versed in the language, concepts, and nuances of dog behavior—but her role is to support you, not to train your dog. Jess does not offer dog training or behavior modification advice.

Handlers & Humans LLC offers niche coaching focused on the emotional experience of living with or working with complex dogs.

That said, the emotions and challenges that come up around your dog are often deeply connected to other parts of your life. While we may touch on topics beyond dog behavior or training, our work will always circle back to how those experiences relate to dogs.

If, during our initial conversation, I believe your needs fall outside the scope of this coaching—or that therapy would be a better fit—I won’t move forward with services. If we’ve already started working together and it becomes clear that another type of support is more appropriate, I’ll end services and refund the unused portion of your package.

And if we uncover the need for deeper, broader, or longer-term support unrelated to your dog, I’ll recommend you connect with a licensed therapist to ensure you’re getting the care you deserve.

Handlers & Humans offers emotional support and coaching for dog guardians—but it’s not a substitute for therapy. If you’re experiencing significant mental health symptoms or challenges related to substance use, coaching may not be the right fit, even if some of your stressors are connected to your dog.

If you’re already working with a therapist and wondering whether this space could complement that work, I’m happy to explore that with you. This is often the case, as I have many clients who also work with a therapist and  a dog trainer. They tell me I feel like a blend between the two!

And if, during our work together, I believe your needs are better served in a therapeutic setting, I’ll let you know and refer you to appropriate care. If we've already started working together, I’ll refund the unused portion of your package.

If you’re in crisis, please call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for immediate support.

If you're looking to start (or restart!) your mental health journey with a professional but aren’t sure how to connect with someone, here are some ways to get started:

1. Use your health insurance.
   If you have insurance, reach out to your provider or log into your member portal to access a list of in-network therapists. You may need to contact several to see who is currently accepting new clients.

2. Ask for referrals.
   Reach out to trusted family, friends, or colleagues and ask if they’ve had a positive experience with a therapist they’d recommend.

3. Try listing websites.
   Search sites like Psychology Today or Therapist.com, where you can filter by specialty, location, insurance, and more.

4. Search by specialty.
   If you have a specific concern or diagnosis, look for professional associations related to that topic. These often host directories of qualified specialists.
   For example:

   • International OCD Foundation – OCD specialists

   • EMDRIA – EMDR-trained therapists

5. Contact local mental health services.
   Reach out to your county or region’s mental health department to ask for a list of providers accepting new clients.

6. Ask community organizations.
   Local nonprofits, advocacy groups, or faith-based organizations may partner with mental health professionals or offer referral resources.

7. Talk to your doctor.
   Ask your primary care provider if they can refer you to a trusted therapist or if their network includes behavioral health services.

8. Explore affordable therapy options.
   If cost is a concern, check out Open Path Collective, a nonprofit that connects people to therapists who offer sessions at reduced rates.

9. Check for Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
   Your workplace might offer an EAP, which often includes a limited number of free, confidential therapy sessions for employees—and sometimes family members.

10. Look into university programs.
    Colleges and universities with counseling or psychology training programs often provide low-cost services through closely supervised student therapists. Even if you’re not a student, they may be able to refer you to trusted local providers.

11. Try therapist-matching services.
    Some services help match you with therapists based on your needs, preferences, and insurance. Options include platforms like Zencare, Headway, or local mental health collectives.

12. Use identity-affirming directories.
    If you'd like to find a therapist who shares or affirms your identity, consider directories like:

• Inclusive Therapists

• Clinicians of Color

• Therapy for Black Girls

• LatinX Therapy

One last note: Finding a therapist can take time and persistence. It’s okay if the first person you meet isn’t the right fit. You deserve support that feels safe, affirming, and effective—so keep going.

Yes! The current coaching packages are already automatically split up into monthly payments to make the cost more approachable. Additionally, there is a sliding scale option for single sessions.

But! if finances are still a concern despite these options, we are happy to arrange a payment plan that fits your needs. Accessibility is important to us. Please let us know!