FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 21, 2025
www.seculartherapy.org
travis@seculartherapy.org
646.543.6828
Secular Therapy Project Celebrates Milestone: 1,000 Vetted Therapists Worldwide
The Secular Therapy Project (STP), a global initiative dedicated to connecting clients with rigorously vetted, secular mental health professionals, proudly announces the significant milestone of onboarding its 1,000th therapist. Established in 2011 by Dr. Darrel Ray, as a program of Recovering from Religion International (RfR), the STP provides an invaluable resource for secular individuals seeking unbiased mental health care free from religious or spiritual influence.
The need for secular therapy emerged clearly as many clients struggled to find mental health professionals committed to evidence-based practices free of religious biases. STP maintains confidentiality for both therapists and clients until mutual engagement is agreed upon.
Initially spearheaded by Dr. Ray, the directorship passed to Dr. Caleb Lack, professor of psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma, who significantly advanced the project during his five-year tenure. Since 2020, the STP has been under the leadership of Dr. Travis McKie-Voerste, an associate professor of psychology at Dalton State College in Georgia. Alongside IT specialist David Klinge, who joined the team in 2015, STP underwent major software redevelopment, launching its fully re-engineered platform in 2017 and continuously updating it to adapt to evolving needs.
As of today, STP boasts over 36,800 registered clients and has expanded to include therapists across nine countries. Responding proactively to the shifting landscape of mental health care, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the STP adapted to support multi-state licensing and virtual therapy options. It also expanded its service offerings to improve service to communities such as LGBTQ+, polyamorous individuals, and others requiring specialized care.
"Reaching 1,000 therapists is an incredible milestone," says Dr. McKie-Voerste, current STP Director. "Yet, the work continues. There remains a critical need globally to increase awareness and participation among secular therapists, ensuring clients have high quality, accessible mental health care free from religious biases."
STP operates free of charge for both therapists and clients. The STP is supported by donations from therapists who donate a portion of their STP client revenues. Looking forward, STP is excited to co-sponsor, along with the UK Humanist Assn., the "Mental Health for Apostates" conference in London, UK, October 2025. Dr. Ray and Dr. McKie-Voerste will deliver keynote addresses, focussed on raising awareness around mental health challenges resulting from religious indoctrination and promoting the importance of secular therapy.
For more information about the Secular Therapy Project, to register as a therapist or client, or to support the initiative, visit www.seculartherapy.org.
Recovering from Religion is a 501(c)(3) based in Kansas, founded in 2009, and holds a Platinum rating from Guidestar, the highest rating possible, for its transparency and accountability.
Contact: Dr. Travis McKie-Voerste
Email: travis@seculartherapy.org
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