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In today's episode, I welcome Christina Alston, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who brings expertise and valuable insights on the subject of mental health awareness.   In addition to being a counselor, she is also  a writer, international speaker, owner of Eden River Counseling and is the founder of Awakening Retreats.  Christina is passionate about serving others and helping them achieve wellness holistically.

RESOURCES

Therapist Directories:

• Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
• Clear Path Counseling Network - https://clearpathcounseling.org/              *Clear Path will give you an assessment and help you find the counselor who is the best fit for you. 
• Therapy for Black Girls - https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
• Therapy for Black Men - https://therapyforblackmen.org/
• North Point Counseling Referral List -https://counselingreferrals.org/counselors

Lower Cost Therapy Options:

1. Sliding Scale--Search the therapist directories for a clinician offering a sliding scale. That means they offer reduced rates for clients with a financial need on a limited basis.
2. Open Path Collective--You pay a one-time membership fee of $65 and have access to a list of therapists who agree to charge between $40-70 per session as long as there is a financial need.  Visit  https://openpathcollective.org/ 
3. Hope Counseling Centers--Offers reduced fee therapy sessions in theMetro Atlanta Area.  Visit https://hopecounselingatlanta.com/
4. The Loveland Foundation--Provides scholarships for therapy to Black women in order to remove the financial barrier to care.  Applications open quarterly, but you can be added to their waitlist if it is not currently open.  Visit  https://thelovelandfoundation.org/therapy-fund/

Out of Network Insurance Benefits / Single Case Agreements

• If you find a therapist you like who does not accept your insurance, you can ask if your insurance has out of network mental health coverage. Sometimes you can pay out of pocket and ask the therapist for a superbill. You can use that to file with your insurance and they may reimburse you for a portion of what you paid.
• You can also ask your insurance if they will create a Single Case Agreement which would be a temporary agreement for your insurance to pay the therapist as if they were in network so you can still use your benefits. This option requires you to advocate for yourself with the insurance company. 

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