[Lexiealea]

These are for an online friend, who is in an abusive situation, and has an extensive history of mental health issues. She want's to try therapy/ counselling but does not have health insurance. Does anyone know of any resources that I can inform her of. If you need the city she lives in please Private message me as I do not feel comfortable sharing that detail here.

[Skeezyks]

One thing I could suggest would be PsychCentral's "Find a Therapist" function:

https://psychcentral.com/find-help/

If you're in the U.S., & since you indicate your friend is in an abusive situation, perhaps the National Domestic Violence Hotline might be able to be of help:

1 (800) 799-7233

The National Domestic Violence Hotline ? The Hotline

Where I live, I would also place a call to our local mental health association. So if there is such an organization where you are, you might try that as well. Also consider calling any women's advocacy programs that may exist in your area.

Beyond that, a call to whatever crisis intervention hotlines serve your area might be another option. Here's a links to PsychCentral's listings of telephone hotlines & help lines:

https://psychcentral.com/lib/telepho...nd-help-lines/

https://psychcentral.com/lib/common-...phone-numbers/

I've had occasion to do some of this sort of thing in the past. My experience has been it's a matter of calling, calling, calling. Ask if the organization offers the type of service you're looking for or if they know who does. If not, ask whom they would suggest you call. And then call that place. Keep going until you've either found what you need or until you've exhausted the possibilities. To some extent, it becomes a matter of how important this is to you & how much time & effort you're willing to put into it.

To add to Skeezyks' post...

There are community mental health centers that can help your friend. There are also training clinics where therapists train themselves before entering practice. You can get low cost help from those clinics, which is a great option.

Also, you have the option to negotiate price for services. Not everyone will negotiate, but some places do have sliding scales. You'll just have to call a bunch of places and ask. However, the good thing is that community mental health centers can help you find that information if you want to go through them first.

[ElectricManatee]

Some time back, the Captain Awkward website compiled an excellent list of avenues for tracking down free or low-cost mental health care. Hopefully there is an option there that might help your friend.

1. Does she have an EAP at work? An Employee Assistance Plan is not a benefits plan. Rather it is an access to a wealth of resources. They will set the individual up with those resources.

2. In the USA I am guessing there must be some sort of Mental Health Association with branches all over. Get her in touch with it. It will again have access to numerous resources.

3. Does the City have an Intake?

4. Her family doctor should be able to advise her of resources available to her.

5. Have her contact the local mobile crisis.

6. The hospital.