Is there any other option I have to be able to see a therapist at a lower cost.

Hi Mom,

Thank you for reaching out to BetterHelp.  I admire your motivation to seek help to address your stressors and to improve your life.  I applaud you for taking this step to prioritize your mental health and be willing to share your situation with me.  I know it is not an easy thing to do. I hope the information and resources below offer you a good starting point. 

I would like to make several suggestions to address issues related to cost.  Please try to pace yourself in terms of exploring your options.  This process can be overwhelming.

-In terms of cost of therapy, try to reach out to BetterHelp for financial assistance.  You can email contact@betterhelp.com to discuss financial aid options. 

-Contact your county mental health office.  There may be affordable payment options, low income, or free of cost services available through them.  

-A lot of counties have a social services referral line.  I encourage you to look on the internet to find your county’s referral line or even a county social services website.  You may be able to search for the closest location to your residence.  Sometimes, if you call the referral line, the operator may connect you directly to the resource you need on the same phone call.

-Are there any local universities in your area?  If there are, the university may have a masters in social work, psychology, and or marriage and family therapist school.  The students in those programs tend to need to accrue practice hours working with clients.  Services with these students tend to be low cost, sliding scale, or even at no cost.  Do not rule out working with them because of their lack of experience.  The students are all supervised by an experienced therapist and students are required to do supervision/consultation frequently.  

-If you are involved in a faith based organization, you might consider reaching out to them.  There may be counseling services available or referrals that may assist you with therapy.

-NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a great resource if you just want someone to talk to.  They provide telephone based non-crisis support of anyone struggling with mental health or substance use issues.  Their number is 877-910-9276.  Crisis textline to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 741-741  You can connect with crisis trained counselor 24/7.

-If you are feeling suicidal, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.  You many consider reaching out to the 24 hour Suicide Prevention Hotline at 877-727-4747.  

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  I do hope you find the information provided to be helpful and you can find the help that you need.  Take care and be kind to yourself.

Sincerely,

Jeannie Meyers, LCSW