So, as most of you know, my T is moving in October and I haven't exactly been handling it well But I'm doing much, much better -- no more SI, crying much less, etc. And now that I'm back to reality, I know that I need to know what's happening next. So, I need to search for a new T. Oh my gosh

I was going to try to see the T who works in the same office as my T, but her sliding scale did not go as low as I need it to. I don't have health insurance and I can only just barely afford T right now (at $50/session). I have to find another T who can do that for me.

Money is the MOST stressful thing. It brings up SO many feelings of shame to ask for low rates. It is really really overwhelming. And then being rejected by this other T because the rate I need is too low for her.. oh my gosh. I talked to T about this a little bit on Friday, but it is really hard to talk about because I get so ashamed about money. T said she will come up with a list of potential referrals and will have it next session, but I'll have to check their rates since she doesn't know. This is the HARDEST THING. This is a HUGE fear.

But I am facing it. I wrote an email to a T that I found on the Internet -- the Psychology Today website said she had a sliding scale. What do you guys think of this email? I've been reading it OVER and OVER and OVER again. I decided to make myself sound assertive and now I really wish I hadn't! I can't BELIEVE I told this stranger so much and it's really making me anxious and I can't stop thinking about it!!!!! I feel like I am going to throw up.

Hi Dr. A,

My name is J. M., and I am looking for a new therapist. My current therapist, Dr. H. K., is moving to another state in mid-October, and I'm trying to plan a smooth transition. I am a psychology student (well, post-bacc, and applying to clinical psychology PhD programs this December) struggling with a lot of anxiety-related issues and low self-esteem. And sometimes depression. I have a couple of questions for you.

1. Although mental health is a huge priority for me, I struggle a lot financially. What is the low end of your sliding scale? Are you able to take a client for $50/session or less? I know your time is worth a lot more than this, but this is really all I can afford. If this isn't possible, I'll continue my search.

2. Are you experienced with PTSD and sexual trauma? This isn't the thing I want to focus on necessarily, but it's a part of the struggle and something that needs to be addressed.

3. CBT didn't work so well for me when a previous therapist of mine was a bit rigid with the model. Would you consider yourself flexible, self-aware, and genuine?

I'd be happy to talk on the phone if it is more convenient. My cell phone number is XXX-XXX-XXXX.