Philadelphia counseling sliding scale

The National Interview on Drug Use and Health tells us that about 15 percent of American adults received any type of mental health services in the previous 12 months, with less than eight percent treated in the outpatient settings we typically associate with talk therapy. In reality, that statistic should be way higher — but the hassle of finding a therapist as well as the high cost and limited availability of many means that millions of Americans go without the services they need.

We at Be Well Philly are here to help. Read on to get your pressing questions answered. Note: This guide is intended for navigating psychological services. If you are in need of a psychiatrist to prescribe medication, you should consult your primary care physician or the American Psychiatric Association APA.

Many of our experts agree that you should begin with knowing what your budget is. Knowing your budget will impact the options you have in the process of finding a therapist. Therapists can receive certifications in some subspecialties, like anger management, trauma, and certain phobias, that give them added expertise in certain areas — but not everything.

A grief counselor, for instance, should be able to help you navigate loss but might not be as confident managing bipolar disorder. After all, a therapist is there to help you pinpoint as well as manage your issues. Instead, you should contact any of the following organizations, all of which can point you toward finding professionals in your area: American Counseling Association, American Psychological Association , National Association of Social Workers , National Board of Certified Counselors , or American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

You can also consult free online directories and resources. Psychology Today advertises therapists, psychiatrists, support groups, and treatment centers in and around your area and allows you to sort by insurance, demographic, your particular issue, and type of therapy. The Mental Health Hotline includes numbers for everything from alcohol treatment to panic disorders, including suicide prevention, eating disorders, domestic and child abuse, and drug and alcohol problems.

So, how can you find qualified, affordable queer-friendly mental health resources in Philadelphia? Here are some places to start, and advice for finding the right fit for you. That could include why you need help, says Judy Morrissey, a licensed clinical social worker, who is also the director of behavioral health at the Mazzoni Center , an LGBTQ-focused health provider in Center City.

While that certainly may be true sometimes, Morrissey said plenty of queer folks are also just dealing with the everyday challenges that would bring anyone into therapy. Finding mental health care is both personal and individual. Have a clear idea of what you need to feel comfortable.

That might be a certain counseling style more guiding versus more directive or specific environment individual versus group therapy. Ask questions. Keep an open mind. When money is a concern , be direct about costs, and ask about any discounts or sliding scale rates. There might be a list of therapists who can help make a connection. Many of the queer-positive mental health resources in Philadelphia are located in Center City, which make them inconvenient or inaccessible depending on where you live and how easy it is for you to travel.

But most services are now available via telehealth because of the pandemic. That eliminates the need to travel for therapy or support groups, since some are available virtually or by phone. She expects that even after the pandemic, The Attic will offer some virtual services, especially with its support groups.

What they offer : Outpatient mental health services, individual therapy and substance abuse recovery counseling for youth and adults who identify as LGBTQ. How much it costs : Mazzoni accepts private as well as public health insurance plans. Support groups tailored to various needs within the queer community, such as healthy relationships, self-esteem, and gender identity. COVID Support — We have seen the demand for therapy increase due to COVID and are currently offering video conferencing and telephone sessions for a limited time to deliver safe and quality care.

Some insurance companies are waiving co pays and deductibles and we are offering reduced fees for people without insurance. At Professional Psychology Services PPS , our licensed and experienced psychologists, social workers and counselors have been helping our clients for over 35 years. Founded in as a woman-owned business, PPS has established its main office in the historic district of Rittenhouse Square with adjunct offices in the Delaware Valley.

Professional counseling to employees and families. Supervisory training. Employee education and orientation programs.