Help Me Afford Therapy
Donation protected
As you probably know, I'm suffering from a disability due to childhood trauma and the resulting PTSD, anxiety, and migraines. It negatively impacts every part of my life - my ability to work, take care of myself, have friends, date, etc. And it's a huge time suck, spending hours a week in bed, in pain, with a migraine.The good news is, I've found therapy that works! The bad news is, it's not covered by insurance. None of it is.
I tried 5 therapists covered by my insurance with no luck before trying a 6th one who is NOT covered by insurance who is working wonders.
Here are the costs:
Somatic Experiencing therapy: $130/week
Massage therapy: $75/week
Total: $205/week, or $10,660 per year.
Add health insurance and that's another $2160 per year, with high copays (~$75) for any visit that isn't preventative.
My teaching job covers my rent but nothing more. I have another writing gig that covers the rest of my living expenses, but not the therapy.
Plainly put, I need help.
There are some options. I could move back to Wisconsin where I am deeply unhappy, but then I'd probably kill myself. I could quit therapy, but I'm making progress in a problem I've had my entire life, and I don't think that's a good idea. I could try to get a higher paying job, but that means having a migraine every single weekday, all day long, and I don't think one should have to have a migraine in order to earn a living.
My hope is that what I am doing will lead to my being a healthy, productive member of society in the long run. I've just completed my masters degree and I'm working on my PhD. I'm putting as much effort as I can put into my own healing. I've made more progress in therapy in the last 3 years than in the rest of my life combined. After two decades with migraines and a lifetime of trauma, I've finally found the therapies that help me heal. I just can't afford them without help.
One more request: Do not give unless you can afford to. If you're struggling financially yourself, I know your pain, and I'd rather you keep your money. Thanks.
I tried 5 therapists covered by my insurance with no luck before trying a 6th one who is NOT covered by insurance who is working wonders.
Here are the costs:
Somatic Experiencing therapy: $130/week
Massage therapy: $75/week
Total: $205/week, or $10,660 per year.
Add health insurance and that's another $2160 per year, with high copays (~$75) for any visit that isn't preventative.
My teaching job covers my rent but nothing more. I have another writing gig that covers the rest of my living expenses, but not the therapy.
Plainly put, I need help.
There are some options. I could move back to Wisconsin where I am deeply unhappy, but then I'd probably kill myself. I could quit therapy, but I'm making progress in a problem I've had my entire life, and I don't think that's a good idea. I could try to get a higher paying job, but that means having a migraine every single weekday, all day long, and I don't think one should have to have a migraine in order to earn a living.
My hope is that what I am doing will lead to my being a healthy, productive member of society in the long run. I've just completed my masters degree and I'm working on my PhD. I'm putting as much effort as I can put into my own healing. I've made more progress in therapy in the last 3 years than in the rest of my life combined. After two decades with migraines and a lifetime of trauma, I've finally found the therapies that help me heal. I just can't afford them without help.
One more request: Do not give unless you can afford to. If you're struggling financially yourself, I know your pain, and I'd rather you keep your money. Thanks.
Organizer
Jill Richardson
Organizer
San Diego, CA
