cincidak offers a great suggestion in contacting NAMI. I very briefly volunteered for their Help Line, and know they have information on lower cost options. A local office should have the options available in your local area. In my local area options included ones through the YMCA, Catholic Charities, Jewish Mental Health Services, and a Trinity Counseling Service (through an Episcopal church). The religious sponsored counseling services did not limit their services based on religion.

I have found that some mental healthcare service groups, where numerous therapists and sometimes one or more psychiatrists practice, offer lower rates than private providers. Some require you see both a psychiatrist and therapist from the group, others do not. I'm seeing a psychologist (therapist) in a group like that. She allows me to see my private psychiatrist.

I went through about 9 therapists before I found one I really benefited from. Some I only saw one to a few times because I knew they weren't a good match. A couple I saw for much longer. I recently had to switch therapists because my last one of 4.5 years closed her practice. She was the best one up until that time. I felt discouraged because I thought I'd have to start to frustrating search all over again. But oh my, I am sure I found the best match so far in my newest therapist. She's great! I look forward to seeing her so much! I feel confident that she's going to help me get off of disability someday in the near future.

www.psychologytoday.com is where I found my newest therapist. They usually list the insurance they accept and/or mention if they charge on a sliding scale. You can sort through the listings according to their specialties, and reading their introductions can be very helpful in getting an idea if you might click. I also felt my now current therapist's picture showed a compassionate woman. I could just see it in her picture. It's also easier to know how old they are, if that's helpful. I remember seeing a photo of what looked like an obnoxious looking guy therapist on his cell phone. I immediately had a bad feeling about him, so I eliminated him from my options. I just HATE when therapists look at text messages or take calls during my sessions. That's a big red X mark in my book.