[PsychNitrous]

I feel like I'm starting to lose my control over everything going on, and I need someone to talk to. My problem though: no insurance, no money. I've tried searching Google for "free counseling", and the best I could find in my area was an agency that will offer therapy for as low as $15 a session. I can't afford that, I can't even afford to pay my bills right now. How do you find free services when you are in need? Does anyone use a hotline or online service that's free? I don't know what to do anymore, and posting here just isn't enough anymore. Though I can't deny that I have great appreciation for everyone who replies to my posts and talks to me here. I just need something more, and I don't know how to find it. Help!

I should clarify, I live in south-central Wisconsin, if that helps with any suggestions.

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by PsychNitrous

I feel like I'm starting to lose my control over everything going on, and I need someone to talk to. My problem though: no insurance, no money. I've tried searching Google for "free counseling", and the best I could find in my area was an agency that will offer therapy for as low as $15 a session. I can't afford that, I can't even afford to pay my bills right now. How do you find free services when you are in need? Does anyone use a hotline or online service that's free? I don't know what to do anymore, and posting here just isn't enough anymore. Though I can't deny that I have great appreciation for everyone who replies to my posts and talks to me here. I just need something more, and I don't know how to find it. Help!

Hi PN, in the meantime, try calling Samaritans in NYC. Most of the people on there are good, and it's almost like 10 minutes or so of therapy. I'm rooting for you.

[PsychNitrous]

Originally Posted by Angelique67

Hi PN, in the meantime, try calling Samaritans in NYC. Most of the people on there are good, and it's almost like 10 minutes or so of therapy. I'm rooting for you.

Thanks for the suggestion They will talk to you even if you aren't in NY?

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by PsychNitrous

Thanks for the suggestion They will talk to you even if you aren't in NY?

Yes. That's been my experience.

[mccarrolmike]

Wishing you the best

[SummerTime12]

If you text HOME to 741741 you can text with a crisis counselor for free (as long as you have verizon, sprint, T-Mobile or at&t). I've used it before and found it helpful. It's 24/7 and for people of all ages with all issues.

[PsychNitrous]

Originally Posted by SummerTime12

If you text HOME to 741741 you can text with a crisis counselor for free (as long as you have verizon, sprint, T-Mobile or at&t). I've used it before and found it helpful. It's 24/7 and for people of all ages with all issues.

Thanks, that'll be a good idea to keep in mind. Unfortunately right now I use us cellular.

You don't mention what your challenges are, but there are many free peer support groups for many issues. For example, I struggled with addiction and used different kinds of meetings - I found them much more helpful than therapy for that particular problem as the groups were people who dealt with the same and were at different phases of their struggle/recovery. I could also find people to connect and work with one-on-one. I liked that these peer groups were not structured and limited, I could find something daily if I wanted. Maybe look on meetup.com, you can even initiate your own group for free.

[slbest]

Originally Posted by PsychNitrous

Thanks, that'll be a good idea to keep in mind. Unfortunately right now I use us cellular.

It will work for any cell phone carrier

[PsychNitrous]

Originally Posted by Xynesthesia

You don't mention what your challenges are, but there are many free peer support groups for many issues. For example, I struggled with addiction and used different kinds of meetings - I found them much more helpful than therapy for that particular problem as the groups were people who dealt with the same and were at different phases of their struggle/recovery. I could also find people to connect and work with one-on-one. I liked that these peer groups were not structured and limited, I could find something daily if I wanted. Maybe look on meetup.com, you can even initiate your own group for free.

Mostly I struggle with depression and anxiety, some with stress and anger as well. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll have to check in to that.

[PsychNitrous]

Originally Posted by slbest

It will work for any cell phone carrier

Thanks!!

[itisnt]

Not all towns and cities in the U.S. have a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) organization, but if you check and where you live has an office, they are great. They do one-on-one support and advocacy (might be able to help you find a therapist who will provide sessions for free as some therapists donate so much time to financially strapped people). They also have a variety of peer support groups lead by trained individuals. A number of years ago, the city I lived in had an office and they had a DBT trained individual who lead a group in DBT skills for free. They also provide support groups for teens struggling with MI and other groups for siblings of individuals with MI. At the time I lived near an office, they assisted myself and my son in finding a GREAT supportive living apartment for him. He had a lovely two bedroom apartment for a very low rent and someone visited him weekly to help him focus on accomplishing his goals. Good luck and hang in there!

[*Laurie*]

A NAMI support group would be helpful, I think.

I know someone who uses the website 7 Cups of Tea and really likes it.

[Ididitmyway]

Are you eligible for Medicaid in your state? If you were, it'd expand your options because there are agencies and therapists in private practice who accept Medicaid.

Meanwhile you can try "warm lines" (just google them and you'll the website with all the info). They pretty much operate as free phone conseling/support. Also, try free support groups in your area through MeetUps or just google them. I am sure there are some. If you are feeling really bad, call crisis lines. Any of those initial points of reference can guide you further and suggest other resources. It's been my experience that you just need to start somewhere and then you'll get more information about other resources available.

Good luck!

[PsychNitrous]

Originally Posted by Ididitmyway

Are you eligible for Medicaid in your state? If you were, it'd expand your options because there are agencies and therapists in private practice who accept Medicaid.

Meanwhile you can try "warm lines" (just google them and you'll the website with all the info). They pretty much operate as free phone conseling/support. Also, try free support groups in your area through MeetUps or just google them. I am sure there are some. If you are feeling really bad, call crisis lines. Any of those initial points of reference can guide you further and suggest other resources. It's been my experience that you just need to start somewhere and then you'll get more information about other resources available.

Good luck!

Thanks! I have just applied for Medicaid, so that should definitely help. I'm definitely below the poverty line in Wisconsin, so I should get it soon.