Therapist Ended Therapy Due To Lack Of Funds.

[Lizzie Bell]

Several years ago my husband lost his job. I was not working at that point due to emotional difficulties, etc. My counseling was going great until I ran out of money. My T was kind about it, but said he never reduced his fee. I was just to the point of dealing with the sexual abuse when this happened. I realized he needed to make a living, but I was devastated! What is the responsibility of a T in this sort of situation?

I did find another source of help, however they were lay counselors, not formally educated in psychology. I guess if it was me, I would set up a fund for people who could literally not afford therapy. That would be an alternative for T's who need to make a living and want their patients to continue with much needed therapy. Any thoughts on this subject?

 

[Lucycat]

Lizzie, I am not unsympathetic but I think this is a real tough one.

Here in the UK, I have free therapy provided by the NHS as often as I need for as long as I need ( 2 years so far). However that is not universal even within the UK, and I know others pay for therapy or access it via specific charities.

From the perspective of the therapist, however, if they are charging for a service, then they are running a business. As harsh as it is they need to pay their bills and maintain their preferred standard of living. I don't see they have a moral obligation to reduce fees etc. Just like I don't think my electricity supplier has an obligation to reduce the charges if I get into financial hardship.

I can understand your frustration that you had already formed a relationship with the T when this all changed, and clearly you would have preferred to stay with the same T. But have you looked at alternatives? Did you try the 'lay counselors'? I know some people on here have posted about getting reduced/free therapy if they access a psychology training establishment. Others get it through support groups/ charities.

I guess if it was me, I would set up a fund for people who could literally not afford therapy.

That is such an honourable wish, but it is sadly unrealistic. There are so many people needing free counseling that I think you would need a bottomless pot of gold!

 

[Lizzie Bell]

I agree. I know they have a business to run and have families to support. I did go to the lay counselors and they did help. I just wanted to continue with my T where I first remembered the abuse. I guess if I can afford it, someday, maybe I can help one person who needs therapy.

Actually, there are ways of getting counceling here in the US if you are below a certain income. I just didn't access those alternatives. I didn't want to explain everything all over again to anoter T. It was like starting over with the lay councelors, which was difficult.

Anyway, I have healed much, and am able to financially see the T again when I feel like I need to go. It was just hard at the time with all the stress of losing a job and T at the same time.

Thanks for you response!

Lizzie

 

[Sun_Ray]

I'm currently earning my Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling and this topic has come up in our assignments and discussion. I am also a client (sounds like "Hair Club for Men."), so I understand what you're asking better than a person who doesn't need therapy.

I plan to open a private practice and wouldn't be able to survive if I provided no-fee counseling. But, at the same time, believe that the lack of funds can very often be a result of PTSD. I plan to set aside at least some of my time to helping those who cannot afford therapy...though I can't be sure it'll be feasible.

I'm in the process of getting divorced and may very well find myself in the "can't afford it" category soon.

 

[Lizzie Bell]

Sun_Ray,

I think that is a wonderful idea! I always wondered if it would be possible to collect donations from private sources who understand the importance of this issue.