I know I have depression and I should be on medication, but as a single parent with no insurance I can't afford the medication or therapy. Is there any place I can go for treatment that would charge by what I can afford? I don't want to wait until my depression is on the verge of suicide again before I get help.

B.J.

If you live in the United States, particularly in or near a city, you probably have access to a nonprofit community mental health center or other agency that offers treatment on a sliding scale, according to individuals' ability to pay. Check your phone book or directory assistance for the community mental health center that serves your area. If you have trouble finding a listing, contact your nearest hospital -- they'd probably know. The psychology department of a nearby college or university might also be able to refer you to an agency.

Some private-practice therapists also offer services on a sliding scale. It wouldn't hurt to ask, as long as you're prepared that they might say no. Even if the person you contact doesn't offer reduced-fee services, he or she might be able to refer you to an agency or individual that does. Most psychologists and therapists are more knowledgeable about the psychotherapy and support resources in their community than is the general public. (Social workers, by the way, may be more attuned to community resources than are psychologists because their training is usually -- although not always -- more community-oriented.)

Some churches offer low-cost counseling clinics that may be open to non-church members. Your best bet if pursuing that avenue would be to make sure the clinic staff and supervisors are licensed mental health professionals (or graduate students in advanced training in mental health disciplines), rather than lay people who are trying to promote their religion.

Until you're able to find affordable therapy, you might want to read some self-help books to see if there are any strategies from which you can benefit on your own. One I often recommend is Dr. David Burns's Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. If money is really tight, you may be able to find Burns' book and others in your local library. I hope this provides you with some options and avenues to explore. Good luck.