how do I find some decent therapy on no $$$?

September 19, 2007 12:29 AM

I'd like to get some kind of psychotherapy for change-of-life adjustment issues. I live right near a major university and wondered about talking with a student intern... would it, mefites, be (a) possible and (b) prudent?

Following a bevy of career, financial, and romantic setbacks in the past six months, I've found that my motivation to get out of the house has grown a bit ... ehh... heh... suffice it to say that some avoidant-type disorder is creeping up on me like spanish moss on a hoary old cypress. That's me, sir hoary old cypress.

What I'm looking for is some sort of life-coaching, duck-sequencing-assistance, and preferably at a low price. Very low price: I've got big bad money troubles. I've nosed around websites, talked to friends, and think I could benefit from seeing a shrink. But how? Knowing that I have very little means to pay, and that only the most generous of sliding-scales would help? As mentioned above, I think a student would be great: easy to talk to, and given the (relatively) uncrucial nature of my problems, a good match.

Can this happen? How does one go about it? Is it weird or too-forward to call the school themselves? Your thoughts?

posted by mr. remy to health & fitness (9 comments total)

UCLA is highly likely to offer counselling mainly to students and staff, but it's worth asking. Call the switchboard and ask for the Mental Health program under the Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, & Health Sciences Department; even if they are just administration for that part of the university, they will probably be able to point you in the right direction - people probably ring them looking for counsellors all the time. MHALA may be able to help you find a suitable therapist, or support group. Also MHAC has a "Need Help?" section on their website that leads to hotlines, support groups, etc.
posted by aeschenkarnos at 2:23 AM on September 19, 2007

One tip--you might want to avoid the term "change-of-life." It means something very specific to many folks.
posted by MrMoonPie at 4:56 AM on September 19, 2007

I work for a large state university and we have 2 psychological clinics which accept non-student patients.

Look at the psychology department's webpage or give them a call - I think most programs have student-staffed clinics which are overseen by the licensed professors. Payment for services is usually a secondary consideration for these programs (i.e. they're cheap).
posted by CRS at 6:43 AM on September 19, 2007

I don't see anything on the UCLA website about a student clinic for the public (which doesn't mean it doesn't exist), but I just found this clinic at Cal State which describes what you're looking for. (I have no idea about LA geography, so if that doesn't work for you, it'll at least give you an overview of what you're looking for.)
posted by occhiblu at 7:33 AM on September 19, 2007

Oops, I lied. The UCLA Psychology Clinic.
posted by occhiblu at 7:35 AM on September 19, 2007

I was able to get therapy for next to nothing (or nothing) when I was living in Iowa City, from the Municipal Community Health Centre (I'm not 100% sure about the name being correct -- it's some years ago now), by proving my income (or lack thereof). You could check into the same kind of thing in your area. I did a very quick google and found this as a possible starting point: (here) Even if that doesn't work out, I think if you ask around, you can eventually find somebody with a sliding scale. Good luck.
posted by segatakai at 8:16 AM on September 19, 2007

Student Psychological Services

Center for Women and Men

I am not sure how they handle non-students, but there is probably just an increased fee. At Student Psychological Services, for example, students can see counselors for $10-$12.

Both have walk-in appointments.
posted by PinkButterfly at 11:30 AM on September 19, 2007

No doubt every university is different, but if it helps to hear from someone who -has- sought counseling with a university intern program I can say that I got regular counseling with an intern last semester and found it immensely helpful. The intern was of course supervised (the supervisor wasn't in our sessions, obviously, but would "debrief" with my counselor afterwards to offer advice for her -and- me; once our session was even videotaped - with my consent of course - so she could be critiqued on her technique). Another potential benefit is that what the interns lack in experience, they can often make up in familiarity with newer techniques as well as that "fresh on the job market" idealism - I always felt like my counselor was quite involved and eager to help. And in a weird way, there was something kind of appealing to me about the thought that she might be getting something out of the sessions, too, in terms of "skilling up" for once she was out of school - if you (like me) have any unease about "burdening" other people with your issues perhaps this aspect can help make the whole situation feel a little more "two-way."

Anyway, YMMV of course but if UCLA does offer community counseling and if the price is reasonable my vote would be to give it a go! You're not locked in forever if it doesn't work, and who knows, you might end up getting quite a bargain.
posted by zeph at 8:35 PM on September 19, 2007

After reading this thread earlier today, I called the UCLA Psychological Clinic linked by occhiblu; thought I'd post what I found out:

- intake appointments can be set up over the phone, last 1.5 hours, and cost $40, payable in cash or by check (this is a flat rate; no sliding scale or discount available)

- sliding scale ranges from $30-$105/session; this is discounted by %10 for UCLA students/faculty/staff

- to qualify for the sliding scale fee: "Bring proof of income (i.e. check stub, W-2 form, copy of recent tax return).
ATTENTION: $105.00 per hour fee will be charged for clients who do not provide proof of income."

- "The total cost of the sessions will be determined at the appointment and will be based on your total household income."

- "Our clients' concerns commonly include, but are not limited to: anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, school problems, parenting difficulties, divorce and separation adjustment, career and personal decisions, childhood abuse, bereavement, and life transitions."

- a "staff psychiatrist is available for medication consultation and medication management for clinic clients."

Even the bottom end of the sliding scale isn't what I'd call inexpensive (I'm in grad school...everything is expensive right now!). However, in comparison with what psychiatrists and other mental health providers in this neighborhood charge, I'd say it's definitely worth trying.
posted by splendid animal at 11:14 PM on September 19, 2007