Christina,

It sounds like you know what you want to do, and I agree about seeing someone you already trust (how much more would you spend if you started with someone else and it took a long time to get to where you could talk about what you need to?). I know that money can make it hard though. What I wonder is why it is so important to you that your parents don't find out? What would happen if they did know you were in therapy? They would not have any right to any of the particulars since you are of age. And I do understand about it being scary - I never told my parents I was in therapy either (and know I'd rather like to open up communication in that area, but I don't know how to bring it up). It certainly is your right not to let them know, but since you have the insurance coverage it is also your right to have that funding. And what are your objections with getting help from a church or someone else? How is that different from getting a lower rate from a therapist? Either way, there is financial support offered from somewhere. And it is there for a reason. Some day you won't be a student anymore, and you will have a job, and you can give to someone else who needs support to get treatment. Or, would working part-time be an option for you? You wouldn't have to work a lot in order to earn $50/week.

So, my advice to you would be to go to the therapist you are most comfortable with, and maybe use part of a session to talk about your financial concerns and what stops you from accepting help from sources that might be available. You can still decide to budget and pay for the sessions yourself, but it might be beneficial to you to talk about why you don't see the other sources as options. Either way, if it's right I am sure that you will work it out.

Rap