How can I see a psychiatric counselor?

Question

Is it expensive. I dont have health insurance.

I live in northern california. How do I find one?

a therapist?

Answer 1

I live in Australia, and we have something called the Medicare levy and a percentage of your wage goes into Medicare when you file your tax return. This makes it a lot cheaper when anyone goes to a medical professional and that includes a psychiatrist. Everyone is covered under the Medicare Levy and unemployed and/or the disadvantaged sometimes dont pay a thing..it is all covered under Medicare and the doctor will bill them direct.

However, psychologists and counsellors are not covered under this levy. But dont get disallusioned in every Country there are Welfare Organisations who have qualified counsellors on staff who are paid by the organisation. This can be done because they get a susidy from the Government because they are classed as a charity organisation. Dont let that put you off because I worked for the Salvation Army as a qualified counsellor, yet I didnt follow their religion...so you wont get religion shoved down your throat if you seek out a counsellor with one of your local charity organisations. Find out what is available in your area, give them a call and find out about their facilities. Dont stop there either. Ring around a few psychiatrists or psychologists and ask if there are any organisations that will give profesional counselling free of charge...they would know. Most private Psychologists are very expensive and if any counselling is to be successful one visit wouldnt do it, so it would probably cost you a lot of money, and if its money you havent got, then probably considering my suggestion may be your best option.

There are so many organisations....all you have to do is ring one of your choice, eg, the Salvation Army...if they cant help you then they will give you the number of the people who can. Or look in your yellow pages under Mental Health, you will find something, just make a phonecall and you will get all the information you are needing. If they cant help you they will know who can.

Good luck

Answer 2

Call your local mental health. They have a sliding fee scale. If they can't see you ask for a refferal. If nothing helps walk in to an emergency room at a hospital and tell them you need help. You can always pay a hospital a little bit at a time. But try the mental health first.

Answer 3

There are many counseling centers that have therapists or counselors who will see you on a sliding scale payment. Where do you live?

Answer 4

Some Psychiatrist will see you without a referal, for those it is as simple as making an appointment by calling there office. Remember..a psychologist helps talk through problems, A psychiatrist uses medications to treat symptoms..i.e...Depression, Obssesive compulsive Disorder, anxiety...Lennon

Answer 5

Call your local Human Service department and see if they can help. Also call around to different clinics and you local hospital and ask them how you can get help. Good luck!

Here is a site for depression and other issues.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/

If you are thinking of hurting yourself in any way, DO NOT DO IT! Please call this number if needed .

National Hotline
1-800-448-3000
.
TTY - National Hotline
1-800-448-1833

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/

Answer 6

I always start with yellow pages, crisis centers, suicide centers ( you don't have to be suicidal, just in distress) outpatient services can help there are other things that are age related and also depend on where you live. insurance etc. good luck

Answer 7

you can go to your local mental health agency and the can give you either individual counselings or group. they can help with the no insurance part to good luck and god bless.

Answer 8

you can ask your regular doctor to refer you to one, or you can look one up in the phone book call him and make an apointment

Answer 9

negotiate with the counselors they will all work with you