Counseling/therapy with no insurance?

[tjdee]

A friend of mine sounds like she's depressed for a while now. I finally asked her if she thought it was more than just feeling bad/stress and she said I don't know.

Asked if she thought about going to a therapist, she reminded me she has no health insurance. Does that mean she's SOL? Even if she got on a state health insurance program, do they have mental counseling services available?

[Droopy]

1. There are clinics

That work based on your ability to pay. She can get counseling through one of them cheaper than going to a private shrink and paying outright. If she doesn't make a lot of money then the sliding scale clinic might be a good deal for her. If they think she needs meds she can also get good deals on them through the clinic. Free samples, discounts, possibly free meds from the manufacturer if she qualifies.

[EFerrari]

2. That's right, and also, clinical trials.

You have to be a careful to make sure you chose one that is well supervised.

About 15 years ago, I had a panic disorder. It resolved after therapy and with meds. The first step was being in a clinical trial at Stanford with a great supervising doc. I still remember what a revelation it was to me that someone understood what I was dealing with. :)

[Sgent]

3. Your best bet

Is to look for a Community Mental Health Center -- call your state board of mental health for locations.

The counseling and psychiatric provisions are based on your ability to pay, and they will see you even if you can't pay that. They usually have psychiatrists and psychologists on staff, as well as counselors, to do testing and work with medication issues.

[tjdee]

4. Thank you everyone.

I will pass on the information. She just seems so sad...I wish she were herself again. She probably feels the same way, LOL.

[latebloomer]

5. low-cost counseling

Hi tjdee-

Just saw your post re friend who needs counseling. Is she in Essex County? If so, she could go to the Mental Health Resource Association on So. Fullerton in Montclair--they have a low-cost psychotherapy program and they don't turn anyone away.

Other counties have mental health clinics with sliding scales as well.

Best-

Melinda

on edit-- oops, I meant to PM you. Didn't have enough coffee this AM yet.

[Nikia]

6. I recently ran out of insurance coverage for counseling

My counselor agreed that it would be good for me to continue therapy. I told her that there was no way that I could pay the $125/hour fee. She agreed to see me for $30/hour per session. I don't know if I just got lucky or if she would have done that if I were a new patient. I feel greatful. I don't know if your friend would have such luck or if even that would be too much for he, especially on a regular basis.