Hi fakethislife, I've never submitted an Ask the Therapist question before, but I'll try to help you out.

Yes, the service is free. You don't have to pay to get an answer, but they won't answer every single question that has been submitted. This entire website is free EXCEPT we also offer a service that you can connect with therapists online for therapy, and that's a paid service.

It's my understanding that you will just have to keep viewing that section of the site for an answer, that it won't be emailed to you or you won't be notified if your question is answered.

One service you may not be aware of is the "Answers" section of the PsychCentral website. http://answers.psychcentral.com/ It's similar to getting support here as a member and it's peer support advice.