Are there any free resources?

[AsterixSocialanxiety]

I go to therapy and really like my therapist but its expensive. Inpay $240/session so i can only afford one session a month. However, i need more. Are there any free therapy or group therapy available for social anxiety, suicidal thoughts, to talk about difficulty in marriage etc?

[AsterixSocialanxiety]

Thank you for your response! I was actually looking to continue with my current therapist and then add on top which is why i was looking for free resources. I like my therapist and don't want to discontinue her. But at her rate one session per month is all i can afford.

[Marysblue]

I'm looking for some free resources or inexpensive ones myself. Sometimes colleges that have a master's program in psychology have students that will work with you as part of their studies. Also check out Nami in your state. They're also free phone lines crisis lines but you never get the same person twice. Check and see if your employer has employee assistance program that offers counseling. Good luck let me know if you find anything I might could use.

[Agora1 in reply to Marysblue]

This is true Marysblue...when I was Agoraphobic, I got 2 psychology students

to come to my home as part of their academic program. They were wonderful.

I paid about $20 for each session (for both) 3x a week for 6 weeks until they

graduated with their Masters. Great idea Mary. xx

[Marysblue in reply to Agora1]

I had a few counseling students 300 miles away that I did phone therapy with during covid. Two of them were really good and it really helped me cuz I was sitting here by myself.

[AsterixSocialanxiety in reply to Marysblue]

how did you’ll find these syidents i the past?

[Marysblue in reply to AsterixSocialanxiety]

If there's a college near you with a counseling degree/ program you have to call them and see if they do that.

[AsterixSocialanxiety in reply to Marysblue]

got it! Thank you. Ill try this out.

[Hidden in reply to AsterixSocialanxiety]

One caveat I think I should mention is years ago I tried to get this kind of therapy from a local university. I was told that my sessions would be recorded, and that later on the recordings would be destroyed. That didn’t sit well with me so I didn’t do it. But don’t let what I experienced keep you from looking into this.

[designguy]

Some therapists offer a sliding scale and/or a discount for those who don't have insurance, it pays to ask. You might also check out the local NAMI Chapter in your area for free or affordable therapy they also have support groups, etc.. available.

[Hidden]

Also check out DBSA- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. And there are groups called Emotions Anonymous and Codependents Anonymous based on 12 step programs.

[bethelbee]

Yes, definitely check out NAMI, but there is also Live-Well Foundation. They have free online peer support groups that meet weekly. I joined them for several months and really liked them. It was really organized and the moderators were great. Live-WellFoundation.org

[Stippler]

In my city there is a nonprofit "activity center" for people with psychiatric conditions. They offer free group therapy, and you can have one-on-one counseling on a sliding scale basis (I used to pay 20 dollars a session). They also have an art room and other therapeutic services. If you could look up your county mental health clinic, they could refer you if there is such a place in your county. Best of luck to you.

[Toddzen]

I am going to LiveWell online Zoom groups almost everyday. It's free. It's a Program based on Ten Strategies for managing Depression.