Low cost counseling/therapy in New York

[gertiecummings]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 12:26am

I'm moving across the country to New York in early September. While I'm very excited, I have a history of anxiety and panic attacks and with making such a big life change they're starting to resurface again. I have done therapy for them in the past and was wondering if anyone could recommend some places in NY that may offer low-cost/sliding scale therapy or counseling. Any help would be great. Thank you.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 1:00am

Check the medical schools. My roommate has seen a therapist through either Columbia or NYU (I think it's one of those schools) for almost 5 years now and pays $5 a session.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 8:32am

Gertie, you may want to consider anti-anxiety medications or benzos. And if you DO consider them, you may want to make sure you get them before you arrive. As someone who battles anxiety, too, this city is extremely challenging. From getting stuck underground on the subway train, to being trapped in a sea of tourists who've never seen a neon sign before.... this city is tough on anxious folk like ourself.

If medication is not your thing, which I get -- it took a long time for me to finally decide to go through with it -- I would make sure you have a counselor lined up before you get here.

Good luck!

[Taryn]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 10:27am

The Blanton-Peale Institute in Chelsea has a sliding scale. I've been seeing a counselor there for about half a year now.

http://www.blantonpeale.org/counseling.html

[gertiecummings]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 1:36pm

iluvtheatertrash I do have medication (Lorazapam) I take when it gets really bad and I'll definitely make sure I have a good supply of it before I go. I just don't want to be reliant on it.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 8:17pm

gertie, if you struggle with anxiety and dont want to rely on meds, you may wish to research any low cost yoga or meditation groups in the city. I have found meditation, guided relaxations on my ipod and yoga as good ways to deal with anxiety.

[ahhrealmonsters]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 9:01pm

The New York Psychoanalytic Institute. You can see psychoanalytic students (who already have their PhD, LMSW, or even MD) and are training to become analysts. If you're not into analysis/analytic-based treatment, I'd second Jordan's recommendation for NYU and Columbia students. Check out Weill-Cornell and Einstein, both hospitals with psychiatric trainees.