Have something to say?
We want to hear it.
At Breaking Barriers, we believe in amplifying the voices of lived experience.
Whether you’re a first-time writer, a seasoned peer advocate, or someone with a story that the world needs to hear – this is your platform.
We publish articles, recovery success stories, op-eds, interviews, personal narratives, and creative content that reflect the complexity of neurodiversity, able-ism, mental health stigma, identity, justice, and recovery.
Beyond Awareness: What Autism Acceptance Really Means
April is widely recognized as Autism Awareness Month. For years, awareness has helped bring visibility to autism in schools, workplaces, and communities. It opened the door to conversations that once did not exist. Most people already know what autism is. Awareness...
How the Self-Determination Program Empowers Choice and Independence
What Is the Self-Determination Program? California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a groundbreaking way for people with disabilities to direct their own services and supports. Unlike traditional Regional Center services, where options may be limited to existing...
How Breaking Barriers Differs from (and Improves on) Traditional Autism Support Groups
Action-Based, Not Talk-Based Most autism support groups focus on discussion and shared experience - which can be helpful, but often stop there. Breaking Barriers turns support into action. Every program is built around skill-building, social integration, and...
What We’re Looking For
- First-person essays about mental health, disability, or recovery
- Investigative or reported pieces (with support from our editorial team)
- Opinion articles on systems, culture, and current events
Submission Guidelines
- Word count: 800–1500 words (or equivalent in other formats)
- Your story must be original, not previously published
- We encourage submissions from peers, students, creatives, activists, and community members
- Include a short bio and whether you’d like to publish anonymously or with your name
Submit Your Work Now
Send your draft or pitch to submissions@mentalhealthtimes.com
Or upload it via our Submission Form below
Our editorial team will review your work and respond within 1–2 weeks.
If selected, we’ll work with you to polish your story for publication.
Questions?
Reach out to our editorial team at editor@mentalhealthtimes.com
Partners
