My friend(male) is going through depression. He is willing to get counseling, but he does not have a lot of money to spend on sessions. Any suggestions, websites, phone numbers would be great help.Where can I receive free depression counseling in Tallahassee,FL?
LOW INCOME MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING: Contact your county/local mental health agency, and find out what help they can offer. Psychological counselling, with a sliding scale, based on income, is available through many religious organisations, such as Catholic counselling, the Methodist church, the Unitarian Universalists, and sometimes the United Way. You don't have to be a member. (U.S.A.) Google: "clinics; mhmr; (your city); (your state)" I have been variously informed that the phone numbers 211, and 411, are appropriate. Counselling, while helpful, at least in the early stages of treatment, is insufficient in many cases. St. John's wort helps most people; tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe (neither they, nor antidepressants should be relied on as a sole treatment).
It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I have noticed no effect in this area). A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.
(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or its FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://www.mercola.com/ SEARCHBAR: enter: "vitamin D3", %26amp; Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don’t follow the typical “normal” reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you’re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels.
(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes of exercise, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly in daytime, outside. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). (4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi*.(5.) Initially, at least, some form of psychotherapy or counselling; later, perhaps either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, (a free E course in it is at: http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome ) or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy for, say, 6 months. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Perika, and Kira brands have been recommended as being effective. Take with a meal) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).
There is a law in Florida called the Baker Act. Anyone who needs mental health treatment and might be a threat to themselves or someone else, will be taken in and accessed by a emergency room hospital. They must be willing to admit they need help and willing to sign themselves in or, you must be willing to take them to the hospital and report the problem they are having (threatening to hurt themselves or someone else). They can be held for up to three days for evaluation in a treatment center. If it is they do need intervention, they will be helped or sent to someone who can help. Many times this is free help or on a sliding pay scale. Your friend would be told all the payment options and treatment options after the hospital has their evaluation.
If the problem is not that severe, call the Department of Human Resources in your area and ask who provides mental health counseling for people who do not have the money to pay for sessions. Request names of offices who use a sliding pay scale. You can just go down the phone book and ask offices in your area.
Self help websites are another option. There are thousands! I like "My Inner World". It is free an anonymous if he would like an alternative method of help.Where can I receive free depression counseling in Tallahassee,FL?
Contact your local county health and human services FL has a great program that works on a sliding scale which means you pay only by how much your income is, If you don`t have a income it is only about $20 a month for counseling and medication.
Do it and you will be happy You did the more you procrastinate the worse your friend will get ast fast and feel better soon.
Many counties in the united states offer free or low-cost mental health services. Your friend can call the Health Dept in your area to ask if your county has a mental health clinic.
If so, he can call and make an appointment to talk with the business office about getting financial assistance.
http://www.hopeatsunrise.co.uk/
Therapy forum ,it does not provide therapy,but can give you support and resources
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