1. Who can access these services?

The Whale Foundation seeks to respectfully and thoughtfully engage and support the community of those guiding on the Colorado River within Grand Canyon. This includes: current or former professional Grand Canyon river guides (commercial or science), Grand Canyon river outfitter support staff (warehouse and office personnel), or an immediate family member of an individual in one of the above categories.

2. What happens when I call?

You'll leave your name and phone number on a recording with a call service. That service then passes that information to our case manager, who will be in touch with you, usually within a few hours. After a simple conversation around what challenges you are facing, the case manager will put you in touch with the counselor best suited to assist you.

3. Will anyone know I called for help?

Only the case manager. Your information is not shared with the Whale Foundation. Your case will be assigned a number (the date you call the Helpline, mmddyy) and that date is used by counselors and case managers to keep things confidential. This is to ensure those seeking assistance from the Whale Foundation are not known by those who volunteer for the foundation (board members, executive director, etc).

4. How much will it cost me?

In general, the service is free--the Whale Foundation is usually able to cover the entire cost of counseling. In some cases, we work out a co-pay arrangement where the Whale Foundation pays a share of the cost and the client covers the rest.

5. I'm a baggage boater. Can I use these services?

If you have worked on a river trip in Grand Canyon with a commercial company, our services are available to you.

6. Can I call in to help a friend?

You can call the helpline for advice on how you might help a friend, but an individual must ask for help themselves before being contacted by a case manager from the Whale Foundation.

7. I don't live in Flagstaff. Can I still access the counseling services?

No matter where you live, simply call the Helpline -- 1.877.44WHALE -- to begin the process. If we don't already have a counselor in your area, you'll neeed to find one. Our case manager will be happy to provide advice on how to find someone and what to look for. You then put that counselor in touch with the Whale Foundation, we work out the administrative details, and we'll take care of the rest.

8. I already have a therapist. Will the Whale Foundation reimburse me for use of my own therapist?

Have your therapist be in touch through the Helpline. It’s likely arrangements can be made to assist you.

9. Do I have to be suicidal to use the counseling services? Do I have to be really depressed to use the services?

Absolutely not. Our counselors see clients for an array of challenges: family and relationship concerns, trauma, grief or loss, anxiety and depression, or for concerns around substance abuse.

10. I don't think my issues are necessarily related to guiding. Can I still use these services?

Yes. We serve the guide population, no matter the need.

11. I'm intimidated and unsure about calling the Helpline.

We understand. No one would say asking for assistance is easy. You can turn away our assistance at anytime, but at least take the first step. Be heard, and see where things go from there. It’s completely confidential. And check out our Testimonials page to hear from others who were also daunted by the thought of making that first call.

12. What should I expect when I call the Helpline? What will the case workers ask me? What are we going to talk about?

A simple conversation around the challenges you're dealing with. The case manager's hope is to match you with the counselor best equipped to assist you.

13. If I call the Helpline, how quickly will I get into therapy?

Depending on the availability of the counselor you are matched with, it could be as quickly as a day or two, but maybe as long of a wait as a week or more. It depends on that counselor's availability.

14. Do I have an opportunity to provide feedback about my counseling experience with the Whale Foundation?

You WILL have the opportunity to confidentially submit feedback about any part of your experience, both early on and at the end. We encourage you to do so. You can also provide feedback through our Join the Conversation page.

15. What kind of therapy do you offer? Do you offer couples therapy?

We have counselors who can see you (and/or your family) for any and all concerns you may have.

1. I don't have Health Insurance. Can the Whale Foundation still help?

Yes. Our services are available even if you don't have insurance.

2. I want Health Insurance. Can the Whale Foundation help?

Yes. We have resources in town who can help with walking you through that process, and our own Health Insurance Assistance Program can ease the discomfort of that new financial responsibility.

3. When should I apply for the Health Insurance Assistance Program?

The process opens February 15th and closes May 15th.

4. When should I apply for the Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship?

The process opens December 1st and closes May 15th.

5. Can the Whale Foundation help me find winter work?

We are continually building our network of support for the guiding community, and that includes building a resource list around off-season work. Until it’s posted on the website, be in touch with our Executive Director at 928.774.9440.

6. Is there someone I can talk to about continuing career opportunities?

We are currently rebuilding this program. Pleae check back with us.

7. Will the Whale Foundation help me pay for medical treatments?

No, but we CAN work with getting you assistance on a sliding scale.

8. How can I donate to the Whale Foundation?

Directly through our donate page or by mail, or during our Year End Appeal campaign, by attending our Wing Ding fundraiser event in February, or by purchasing a calendar in the fall.