[MyFathersGirl]

I'm disillusioned with she suppposed counseling department of the local sexual abuse survivors resource center. The intake coordinator called and took the basic information and a little bit of my history. She said that since I don't have any clear memories I probably won't qualify for the grant for free counseling of abuse survivors but that she could put me on a waiting list for an assessment and give me a call when an appointment is available. Like Dr. Drew said, I don't have to have a clear memory to get help. They are making it sound that even though it has affected me I'm not as worthy of help. At least I'll have an art therapy group to go to soon but it is really frustrating to reach out and be told that they might not be able to help with private counseling because I don't know exactly what happened. It doesn't help an already low self esteem because I'm again being told again I don't deserve to get help.

[PurpleFlyingMonkeys]

Ugh, that really stinks! I am so sorry! Have you looked around for low income centers? On my third er visit last month (2 due to anxiety) they sent the mental health doctor to talk to me and she referred me to a clinic that was very affordable. Set me up with a therapist and psychiatrist and its only $2 per visit. We live in a small town, so if we have a clinic like that, im sure your town will too. Try talking to someone at your local hospital to see if they can recommend a place for low income maybe? Someone there knows where you should go

[shezbut]

I agree with PFM.

There was a time when I was uninsured, but I needed to see a T and a psychiatrist to help me.

I went to my county's mental health clinic nearby and was put on a sliding fee scale. I went there for 3 years ~ sometimes twice a week ~ working with the same psychologist. It was very affordable and reassuring to me.

Take care!

[MyFathersGirl]

Thanks guys. I wish I could. I have looked in to the community mental health center before but because of all the budget cuts the stupid governor has brough upon them they only take people on medicaid now. I can't get medicaid because according to DSHS I'm not disabled (although I'm in the process of fighting that) and I don't have a child. It's another reason that I wish I hadn't miscarried although a very small one. It's not like I want my child back just to get help but it would be a lot easier. Of course right now I probably wouldn't be a very good mother. As far as sliding fee clinics the cheapest one around here is $40 a session. I can't even afford that because I only get $120 a month. I wish there were counselors around who would take on patients for free. Yes I know that they have bills to pay but counselors make enough that they can take a few a week that really need help. It almost seems like a lot of them are in it for the money. I wish more counselors were like Dr. Drew. When I've talked to him I can tell that he genuinely cares. When I can get myself fixed I'm going to go back to college and get my chemical dependency counselor degree and will see some people even if they can't pay. Lawyers have to do a certain amount of pro bono work a year. Why don't they do something like that with therapists? Mental health is more important than a lawsuit.

I've emailed Dr. Drew about possibly getting on Lifechangers so that I can get help through them and the aftercare budget so it we'll see what happens. Dr. Drew has already helped me so much it would be nice to finally get to meet him, give him a big hug and get the chance to thank him in person.

[Butterflies Are Free]

I am so sorry - hugs! You should be able to receive therapy whether you have "mind" memories - your body remembers it all and you are not making it up.

[BrokenNBeautiful]

I have been thru so many rejections to get abuse help that it's not even funny.

I was in a support group for s. abuse when I was in my 20's and got kicked out just because my memories were "dim".

I did not even touch a s. abuse group for years after that. I was so gd discouraged. And even doubted what happened to me again.

I know it hurts.

I got a hold of the book Courgage to Heal by Laura Davis and Ellen Bass and they talked about not remembering and still knowing or having a feeling we were abused.

That helped me get back to it. And I am better. I doubted my abuse again until I got hold of that book.

Billi