Let's talk about some resources for therapy. I have been seeing the post go around talking about how expensive it is, and yes! It is! I want to provide some help on what you can do when broke! Disclaimer: I am no pro, just someone who has struggled too! #MentalHealthMatters

1. If you have insurance, call your insurance to see what they cover. Find people within your network. Even if your insurance covers most of it and you still have to pay, ask about a sliding scale. Some therapist have spots open for lower paying clients, which brings us to...

2. Pro bono! Ask therapists/psychs if they have room for a pro bono client, meaning they can also accept some clients for free, at no cost. You might get a lot of no's but that does not mean there arent any.There is no harm in sending out lots of emails, but don't be discouraged!

3. If you have a job, you might be eligible for the Employment Assistance Program. Some jobs offer free counseling (my old one offered 6 free sessions PER topic so I could chat about anxiety, money stress, etc 6 times each). Ask your employer!

4. If you are a student, your school may also provide a free counselor, therapist, or psych. Even if they don't offer it, you may be entitled to discounts. Even just telling them you are a student w/ proof can also help in general. Therapist get it. School is $$$. They wanna help

5. Reach out to graudate school/training hospitals/universities. They will have trainees at extremely reduced rates or even free. If you are nervous of seeing a trainee, all trainees are supervised by someone who is licensed!

6. Group therapy/support groups. It can be nerve wracking to open up to a bunch of people at once but if you sre in the right group for you, try to reassure yourself that everyone is there for the same reason/struggle & that you *aren't* alone. They tend to be cheaper and/or free

7. Https://www.needymeds.org/free-clinics  can help locate free/lower cost/sliding scale in your area. Calling 211 for support groups or clinics too.

8. Need help paying for prescriptions? https://www.mhanational.org/how-can-i-get-help-paying-my-prescriptions - There are places like Partnership for Prescription Assistance, Together RX, and much more listed in the link to help!

9. Need help immediately?
Suicide Prevention hotline: 800-273-8255
Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQIA+): 866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
Nami Hotline: 800-650-NAMI
Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233
Family Violence Hotline: (800) 996-6228

10. More resources:
Black Girl Smile: https://www.blackgirlssmile.org/resources 
LGBTQIA+ recources: https://ostem.org/page/crisis-hotlines
International List of Suicide Hotline: https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines

I know there are more so please feel free to add to the thread!

Just remember: you have to give a therapist a chance but if you feel uncomfortable, unappreciated, disrespected, see red flags, or just not clicking well over time, then keep going to find another one. The first one most likely won't be the perfect fit, but you HAVE to keep going

Please remember that everyone's mental health journey is different, tough, & that no one can go on that journey but yourself. Your support group of friends, family, partners can be cheerleaders & help on the tougher days, but you have to be willing to do it.