Friend recommended this support group so first time just jumping in. Mental Health is not a covered benefit outside of Medi-Cal's system here in San Jose Ca. I was hoping that someone here might have experience or be able to point me to free or low cost therapy in San Jose Ca. I had a therapist, but due to unemployment, I could no longer afford the service. Finding the health care system in general is quite overwhelming.
Looking for free or low cost therapy ... - Anxiety and Depre...
Looking for free or low cost therapy options
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46 Replies
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Being on this site you will find a lot of support. Don't know anything about Ca. Have you tried looking on the internet to find something in your area?
• in reply to
thanks anxiety_59! have tried searching the ole internets, and thought I'd post that question here as well. also, the main ADAA site had a search option for my area and sent a couple emails out. thanks for the response and the words regarding support here.
• in reply to
No problem , we are all hear to help!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi skmo, with the internet available to us, there is always a way to get free info by searching different web sites. I refer to the Calm Clinic quite often, it is written in a way that is easy to understand and relate to regarding anxiety. Take everything you can and learn from what you read. Take notes just as you might in going to a therapist. The more we learn about anxiety and it's mind/body connection, the better able we are to help ourselves. It doesn't have to cost money, we just need to want to help ourselves and make a commitment in practicing what we learn.
Another option is YouTube. There are so many audio videos that can teach you how to cope with anxiety or calm you by listening to audio meditation/deep breathing videos. What ever you need and want is out there. Ask the group here for some suggestions. We all respond differently to what we need. Hopefully this will tied you over until you can see a therapist again. At least you will be one step ahead and not just stuck waiting for help. xx
• in reply toAgora1
thank you agora1! i agree there are many resources on the web and definitely helping one's self and learning about the mind/body connection. i do a lot of reading and note taking too and appreciate the Calm Clinic line. i'll look into that. the option of YouTube video is a good suggestion, i've seen many good TED talks and vids there as well. i have learned for myself that i'm more of a "show me" kind of learner in life and many times the anxiety makes it difficult to weed through a lot of the written concepts, but working through that process is probably good for moving through the anxiety.
• in reply to
If your depression and anxiety is severe, you might qualify for social security disability income(SSDI) which can help you pay for some treatment. Try a community health center, which usually offers services for low income people.
• in reply to
thank you Anxiety_Chick! appreciate the knowledge and insight. i'm currently waiting for an intake appt with my local community health center. just thought i'd seek advice, options and other knowledge while i'm in the queue so to speak.
• in reply to
My first step was I spoke to my nurse practitioner about my anxiety symptoms who is from my community health center. She referred me to speak to a social worker about my anxiety and then the social worker got me the appointment for the intake evaluation, which was as an in patient or out patient I think. U have to be patient and be willing to be honest during the evaluation, and explain all your symptoms and how long you’ve had them and also how you have coped with it. If you start a medication and it doesn’t work, don’t stay on it, try to change it ASAP and be honest if it is helping you or not.
• in reply to
I started out with my regular Dr, and had a therapist as well. I tried several medications that didn't work and am currently trying imipramine, 2.5 weeks in actually. Unfortunately, my job closed down and so did the medical insurance, hence the Medi-Cal insurance. It's definitely better than nothing as I work through this, but had to give up the therapist due to the cost. You are definitely right about being completely honest on all fronts. only YOU/ME know what is going on in our heads, and need to be very clear with our Dr's about what is going on when communicating our situations. Thank you for the response and words!
• in reply to
You’re welcome! I def understand that losing a job can make us have limited options but it’s good that you are seeking professional help.
• in reply to
My thoughts are always to try all possibilities in dealing with any issue, but definitely anxiety is something that one needs aid with. Going it alone only get's one so far. It isn't really an option as we need professional aid in dealing with this situation. Believe me, I thought I could just "tough this out" or "push through it". I'm definitely learning much about something I never thought I'd be dealing with in my life. Greatly appreciate your insight and thoughts!
• in reply to
I also thought that I would be able to just push through it, but the insomnia was making me not have any energy! The first medications I took really helped me sleep for the first time in a long time!
• in reply to
The insomnia was the worst part for me and the first attempts at meds just made me edgy and irritable. I'm on imipramine currently and that aids with the insomnia, but still waiting process of getting the meds fully into my system. However, just taking meds is difficult for me as I've never been a pop a pill person. I'm learning to be open about a lot of things in life currently! Definitely appreciate the dialog, and glad you are getting sleep!
• in reply to
I’ve been prescribed Vistaril to help me sleep since mid-October. Now I’m taking Zoloft 100mg when I wake up and Vistaril before bed and they seem to help the insomnia.
• in reply to
How have the side effects of the meds been for you? I think that's what surprised me so much, I encountered so many with my first attempts at meds which made me quite reluctant to try any others till the insomnia became too much to handle.
• in reply to
Vistaril side effects have only been drowsiness and Zoloft side effects just feeling more drowsy than usual and tired but I had nausea for like 10 days and I’ve thrown up a tiny bit like once or twice. I also don’t talk to anyone at work as much as I used to, it helps me focus on my work instead of my problems and get a lot more work done.
• in reply to
True that concentrating on other things than our problems is beneficial and work can definitely help that. I read something the other day that said "if you concentrate on the suffering you suffer, and if you concentrate on the lesson you learn." I'm definitely trying to wrangle this lesson! Hopefully we'll both work through this lesson.
• in reply to
The Zoloft helps you not have those negative/suicidal/hopeless thoughts which to me is amazing.
• in reply to
Very glad you are comforted with the meds. I'm looking forward to that amazing feeling!
That totally sucks! I thought that finally all insurance plans had to cover mental health issues like they do physical health issues. I guess not. Anyway, I haven't tried it, but I've been told you can go to the National Institute of Mental Health website and look for a support group in your area.
• in reply toMommyBro
They DO cover mental health issues. But, you must go through their providers specifically. They don't cover outside of their program hence, it taking quite sometime to get to someone. But, I'm still going to work through the system as best I can. I'll check out the NIMH site you've suggested! Appreciate the word.
• in reply to
Do u have a diagnosis from your GP yet? A social worker diagnosed me with anxiety and MDD.
• in reply to
GP diagnosed me with GAD (general anxiety disorder)
• in reply to
Sorry, social worker diagnosed me with mdd, gad, and ptsd. I don’t know if I have all of them or not.
• in reply to
Hopefully, you are seeing a therapist currently to aid with the meds as well?
• in reply to
Does the therapy help?
• in reply to
Good question. In my opinion, it really depends on the dynamic between one and the therapist. Much like the meds, you have to find the right combination. You have to find someone you feel comfortable talking to and you also have to find someone that sort of pushes you. You have to figure out the underlying issues of what is causing the anxiety/depression/trauma/issue. One maybe suppressing or denying or subjugating the real reason and the therapist is there to help you unearth what it is. Also, like the meds, it doesn't always work for each person, but it's worth a shot to see if a therapist can aid in the recovery. It's much like a two pronged attack, instead of approaching an issue from one side only. But that is only my personal experience, everyone is different.
• in reply to
Thanks for the info. My psych told me I would be an excellent candidate for psycho therapy but I currently can’t afford it. I believe each session is around $40-$55. I may or may not start therapy this coming Spring.
• in reply to
I completely understand. Maybe you could also try a community health center in your area. Ask your psych if they offer a free or low cost option or suggestion as to some place your psych could recommend. You might even try contacting your insurance (guessing you have insurance) as to possibilities there. All the best to you and thanks for the exchange of vowels and consonants!
MommyBro• in reply to
It sure can be tough to find a therapist who is "in network", is taking new patients, and with whom you can work well. I wish you all the best.
• in reply toMommyBro
That's a true statement! Determined however! Gotta keep at it! Appreciate your thoughts.
Gaylehh• in reply to
Sorry you are having a hard time. I wanted to add - if you look at NAMI.ORG you can find local support groups along with a help line. I've gotten alot for supprt from going to some NAMI groups and being able to share information and hearing others talk. You can pick which groups feel the best for you.
I forgot to add - you might be able to find other groups besides NAMI. I've gotten help from group therapy as well and some groups have a sliding scale to attend. Hope you are feeling better soon.
• in reply toGaylehh
Thank you Gaylehh! Another member just suggested NAMI to me as well and I really like the idea of the support groups too. Hope you have a great New Year!
HI Hidden here is a link for National Alliance for Mental Illness in your area- Santa Clara county (which includes San Jose i think), CA. NAMI can help you with resources as well as they always have depression support groups that meet weekly in different areas. they also have different programs and can assist in multiple ways. have a blessed new year namisantaclara.org/
• in reply toreinagrace
Hi reinagrace! Thank you for the link and knowledge. Yes, San Jose and Santa Clara are next to each other. I also appreciate the support group option. May your New Year be wondrous as well!
• in reply toreinagrace
Hello reinagrace! Not a Mental Health question, but how did you create the hyperlink with my screen name and the NAMI link? Would love to use that for future forum posts and responses!
reinagrace• in reply to
Hidden when i googled NAMI San Jose, that is what came up- so is San Jose not in Santa Clara county? well that NAMI should still be able to point you in right direction. for screen name link you just type "@" and start typing the name and it pops up, for website i just copied and pasted the site name on the title bar of the web page and pasted it here. 
• in reply toreinagrace
Ah! Thank you!
This is a tough one, we have stuff in UK, which is free but comes with long waiting lists, this group has been such a lifeline for me, and no one judges you, I find writing stuff down helps, as I live alone, and walking, that really helps me, as I am not creative, good luck x
• in reply toFlorida1959
Journaling is a good outlet I agree. Walking and all kinds of exercise are really beneficial. Thank you!
Florida1959• in reply to
You sound different already, tc x
• in reply toFlorida1959
One foot in front of the other ya know! Bell well Florida1959 .
Florida1959• in reply to
Happy new year hun x
If you have a religious inclination, most houses of worship offer free counseling.
I'd also try calling the crisis line in your county to ask about support groups and other kinds of counseling.
• in reply toWindy101
All excellent suggestions and much appreciated! Have a wonderful New Year.
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