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Counseling
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Finding low-cost counseling
Originally Published: June 06, 1997
~ Last Updated / Reviewed on: July 27, 1998
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Alice, For a long time, I have managed to persevere through some really messed up situations with family, friends, and life without seeing a counselor. It is not that I hold a negative opinion of counseling; it is that I can't afford it. I've hung tough; I'm a little proud of that. I've survived. I am a recent college graduate relocating to Chicago. I would like to seek counseling when there to work through a lot of these issues, but I frankly do not see how I would be able to afford it. Would you have any recommendation as to where I (or anyone in general who might have this problem) could locate free or low-cost counseling? Also, while I understand many jobs include counseling as part of a health plan, this may or may not be an option for me (and others), so I would appreciate any alternatives to that you might suggest. Thank you for providing such a service to the Internet at large. You're really a godsend. Signed,
Dear A Bit Tired of Going It Alone, Bravo for making this decision. Finding a counselor will take some legwork, but it is definitely doable. (1) Check with nearby universities to see if they have graduate programs in psychology or social work. Find out if they have a clinic affiliated with their school, or if they know of community clinics that may be appropriate for you to call. Some major teaching hospitals may also have mental health clinics where they see people at low cost. (2) Many major cities have training institutes for postgraduates in psychology and social work. These therapists-in-training see individuals and couples, usually at low cost. Students are supervised, which helps assure quality care. In addition, call the American Psychological Association at 800.374.2721, or the National Association of Social Workers at 800.638.8799, to see what or whom they may recommend. (3) Not-for-profit organizations can help you find a therapist who sees people on a sliding scale. Check the phone book, or ask someone at the above agencies. (4) Your health care provider can make a referral for you.
Once you select a counselor, call her/him to meet for "an initial assessment" -- a one-session meeting where you can determine how you might feel about working with her/him. As a rule, it is useful to learn the background, education, training, and philosophy of the counselor you may choose to see. Plus, you need to feel trust, respect, and a sense that this is someone from whom you can learn. If you feel otherwise, Alice encourages you to find a more compatible professional. Alice wishes you the best.
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