Where can I find faith based therapy that is free of charge online?

Hi Sally!

Thank you for reaching out and posing this question.  Single parenthood can be challenging, yet very rewarding.  After 16 years of attempting to conceive and finally experiencing this miracle of life, what a blessing, congratulations.  And as much as children are blessings, they can be a lot of work, particularly when you're the main provider. 

You mentioned you are trying to 'make ends meet'; Have you secured child support from your husband?  If not, is that something you can file for, and/or discuss with him to gain an agreed upon amount.  It's important for both you and your son that he is financially supported by both parents in this case considering you're the primary caregiver.  

It is not at all uncommon to experience an imbalance in emotions and mental health strain following the birth of a child, or a separation.  And if you have moved, or experienced a change in your household finances, that is another major life event to contend with.  The emotions which go along with these major life events are significant by themselves, let alone having them piled one on top of the other.  You should feel incredibly proud of yourself, providing for your son and accomplishing everything you are daily.  This tells me you have a great deal of strength and some coping skills you don't even realize you're tapping into.   

BetterHelp has counselors available to work with you through these psychological challenges.  Folks who are licensed, spiritual, faith-based (both Christian faith and beyond), and will see you through the challenges you're experiencing, if you are able to consider this option. You may also want to try group counseling sessions, such as marriage counseling or family therapy. 

Before I get into potential free resources for faith-based counseling, I was wondering if you have a church community which you are a part of?  If so, can you contact them for counseling?  Many churches will offer sessions with a pastor and their congregants, which often emphasize biblical teachings.  For both individuals and married couples, which might be of benefit to you and your husband. Whether your goal is for reunification or for an amicable divorce, the therapeutic process of family counseling can help you both heal and look forward.  If you are not a member of a church, are you able to join one?  The community might be a welcome support system for you and your son, even if it doesn’t offer Christian counseling directly.

Now onto the resources that could help with your healing journey: 

Three days ago, https://needencouragement.com posted an article on "Five Ways Available For Free Christian Counseling!" Not all of the resources offer therapy with licensed mental health professionals; however, it appears there are free consultations offered. 

• (Two of the five options were from) Focus On The Family: 1-855-771-HELP (4357) offers free consultations with licensed or pastoral specialists.  (Additional plans/assistance available). 
• https://chataboutjesus.com/  - offers text, phone and online chat about spiritual questions/life challenges.
• https://groundwire.echoglobal.org/chat/Groundwire?utm_source=website&utm_medium=direct&utm_campaign=groundwire  - un-licensed coaches offers spiritual advice, and provide prayer and resources. 
• needencouragement.com offers information, free counseling, encouragement, resources, effective prayer advice, chat, 24/7 conversation at 1-800-633-3446.  It is unclear if the Christian counselors are licensed to provide faith-based treatment.
• Chatnow -(application) Not all of the counselors are licensed Christian therapists; however, volunteers offer Bible-based help, answer questions and provide a listening ear to those struggling.  It is a free 'app' available, a UK based service, available to the US. 

I hope this information helps.  Please feel free to reach back out if you need anything.  BetterHelp is here for you and we have counselors who can meet your needs.  Please keep in mind, most of these resources above do not offer therapy with a licensed professional counselor or therapist.  Make sure you understand the type of help you're receiving and what types of concerns may be best addressed by licensed counselors. Many find the counseling process helpful when processing major life changes like the ones you’re going through. 

Wishing you the best,

Kimberly Bump, LCSW