[Average_Goth]

Hey ya'll, I'm Angie and I'm 18. I just recently found out it's a huge possibility I am severely depressed but I'm not sure how to approach this to my Mom. She keep telling me how expensive counseling is and then focuses on herself. I don't have my own health insurance or else I wouldn't worry much about price but since that's not the case I have no choice but to sit here and allow my situation to become worse. I talk to my Guidance Counselor at school once in a while but he doesn't help me that much, should I ask my physician about medical treatment or should I just go straight to a psychologist?

[rrr1]

you can ask your physician and there is also places you can go if you dont have any insurance.why not talk to your physician he or she may know of a place or your physician can help you....god bless

[Average_Goth]

Well my problem is my doctor requires a 20 dollar co-pay and I don't have a job so I'm broke!

My guidance counselor mentioned keeping an online journal so I can rant and rave ... would this help or make it worse? (The thing that makes me think it would be worse is I would probably go through re-read old entries and start feeling bad again)

[hopestheory]

actually a lot of therapists and counselors i know encourage journaling, it helps sort out your thoughts and feelings. i journal a lot and i do go back and read what i have written and with the help of meds and venting and organizing my thoughts i do start to feel better. thats just a suggestion but rrr1 is also right theres places like childeren and family services that do wonderful counsleing for like 5 dollars here in texas. you should research it in you area as well and see if that may be a possibility for you. good luck and let me know what you find out!
-nicole!

[MontanaKimberly]

It's good that you recognize that you need help. Since you are here and looking for help, you are already headed in the right direction. You should definitely check with your MD before proceeding in other directions, though if you decide to seek a Therapist on your own, you might want to check out "http://americantherapyassociation.org/" they offer free psychologist and counseling referals. You can also reach them at 1-800-234-2821. They should be able to help you find someone that has a sliding scale. You might also look into your state's Mental Health Dept. as they usually offer services to underpriveliged families and those that cannot afford services otherwise. Good luck in your quest to healing.