Location-independent therapy?

February 21, 2010 5:22 PM

Is there anywhere I can find some sort of free/inexpensive counseling online?

I'm going through a bit of an uncertain period (unemployment, death in family, sort of had my world upended this past year but am handling it pretty well) and am looking not so much for therapy as for someone to talk to. I suffered from depression in college and this isn't nearly as bad - I don't feel that deep pit of despair, just some loneliness and a certain degree of uncertainty for the future.

I'm interested in something location-independent due to my unique situation. I am in the middle of interviewing with several non-local companies scattered across the country, and am making plans to move overseas if those fail. Either way I will most likely be leaving this area in another 1-2 months. I did look into doing a therapy consult with the local university's counseling service, but the wait was at least a few weeks; I'd rather not wait that long.

I'm not really looking for full-blown therapy at this point, although I'm considering doing so once things (hopefully) settle down in the next few months. I feel like this is one of those situations where talking to a significant other or a close friend would help immensely; unfortunately I don't have either in my life (the main reason I want therapy - I really want to address this) and I'd rather not get my family involved.

I already put off therapy once due to my unstable living/work situation, but am starting to think I shouldn't put this off anymore. Any advice or suggestions?

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

There are definitely anonymous helplines based in many places, mostly cities, that you can call for someone who'll listen. A good one that I know of is the Sexual Assault Centre of McGill Student Society. They're trained in active listening and such. I know that sexual assault isn't what you asked for in the question, but just thought I'd point them out as a model to look at when evaluating potential organizations - being non-judgmental is a huge and essential part of their services. Not sure of anything similar on a national level, but when you said "looking for someone to talk to" my trigger reaction was "SACOMSS! They're lovely!"

I'm guessing most of these local helplines could also care less where you're calling, hence hopefully fulfilling the non-location specific aspect.
posted by Devika at 5:37 PM on February 21, 2010

Oh, and another thing - I think I'd be careful about thinking about this as a replacement for therapy or counseling. Most of the people staffing the sort of service I'm recommending to you are volunteers, not counselors or therapists. They're trained in a specific skill set, but this does NOT make them substitutes for either of the former. Think of it as a temporary salve, perhaps. I get the feeling you understand this, but the "Location-independent therapy?" question gave me pause.
posted by Devika at 5:39 PM on February 21, 2010

The quality of the conversation is hit-or-miss, but there are some good people to talk to here.
posted by jbickers at 4:19 AM on February 22, 2010

Have you ever considered talking to a personal coach? I've had one for several years and she's been a wonderful ally and objective voice for me during some serious life challenges. It's all done by phone and it was (for me) the next logical step after therapy. I could talk about my issues until the cows come home but my coach assists me with integrating the things I've learned into my life and holding me accountable for those choices.

Memail me if you want to talk more about it. Good luck!
posted by Mysticalchick at 6:32 AM on February 22, 2010

Have you considered looking for a therapist who would be willing to meet with you in person at first and then do phone sessions? That would probably be the best you can get.

Otherwise I'd recommend looking through online self-help resources. I've done most of the program at Depression Center and it is a pretty damn good introduction to CBT.
posted by saveyoursanity at 5:14 PM on February 22, 2010