You could start here: I think Psychology Today would be a reliable source of info, and if you don't want to pay for an answer you might find your question has already been asked and you can go from question to question from the "see what others have been asking " link. http://aot.psychologytoday.com/cms/intro.html Public Mental Health Services If you don't have insurance, you may be eligible to receive mental health services through a government agency. Depending on where you live, your state, county or city government may provide mental health care on a sliding-scale schedule. Fees are determined based on an assessment of your family size and income. No income: no fees. For more information, check with your state or county Department of Health and Human Services in the phone book. I've used one of these before. You could also check with the psychiatry department at your nearest big university, as many of them have programs where their post-graduates hold sessions that are monitored (usually from behind a two-way mirror) by professionally-qualified staff. Medicare or Medicaid Although most programs are fairly standardized and coverage is based on a system of reimbursement to providers, coverage varies in each state. EAP. I don't remember what it stands for, but most employers offer EAP, which is help for special circumstances not normally covered like broken bones are covered. You may not have EAP where you work, but your partner or covered family member might. My final piece of advice, for what it's worth, is do NOT answer any online questionaires or Kwik Kwiz things like "Are you depressed" or "Would counseling work for You." Questionnaires like this are usually sponsored by drug companies, and obviously they are tailored to make you say "Yes, I am depressed" so you will consume their product. THey are NOT written to really reveal anything about why you are feeling like you are, or what to do about it, other than rush to a doctor and demand Drug X.
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No, quality psychiatric care is never free nor online. The sites you get for free care are usually bogus and who you are talking to is normally not a licensed psychiatrist. Its always best to find a local psychiatrist with credentials you can see in person.