Maybe it's not available anymore, but I used to see a T at a religious center where I could pay what I could afford. Does the Salvation Army still do that? Church organizations? I don't think those Ts would necessarily be bad. Or, is that the public therapy route you're speaking of? My first T was a social worker and I paid a reduced fee. She was very good and saw me for over 3 years. When she needed help, she got it from a supervisor.

I'd be hesitant to ask a friend for money because therapy is so expensive. I like googley's idea of students in a psych dept.

I'm sorry you're still struggling with finding help for yourself.