MBWR – Mental Health Resources

Trying to address life’s challenges when you are suffering a mental health crisis can be like “rearranging the furniture in a burning house”.  The fire needs to be put out first, then the mind can see potential solutions that simply weren’t available before. Having the opportunity to talk things out with a therapist and get a professional perspective on things can be essential in moving forward.  If your health insurance covers mental health wellness, check with your provider for more resources.  Visiting your physician for a check-up is a good first action that we recommend.

1) Counseling/Talk Therapy

        • Low fee/free –Mental Health Association of East Bay http://mhaac.org/mental-health-services
        • Low cost/free therapy resources list on USF site – https://myusf.usfca.edu/dean-of-students/ocrs/sliding
        • San Francisco Well Clinic – https://www.wellsanfrancisco.com/ Offers in-person and online therapy. They have sliding scale fees based on income as well as lower fees for associates.
        • CalState Eastbay Community Counseling Clinic – free counseling services https://www.csueastbay.edu/ccc/index.html 510-885-3504
        • Wright Institute in Berkeley – Student Practicum Clinic https://www.wi.edu/training-cbt   510-548-9716 (currently not taking new clients but check. Their fees are $20-70).
        •  Berkeley Christian Counselors – https://berkeleychristiancounselors.org/ 510-548-5858. (fees vary from $65 for trainees, $85 for associates up to $165 for most experienced counselors.)
        • Christian Counseling Centers – http://christiancounselingcenters.org/ are located in Fremont, Hayward, Los Altos, Morgan Hill, Pacifica, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo, San Ramon, Scotts Valley and Sunnyvale. Contact information as well as counselor bios for specific offices are available on the website. Fees range from $40-$80 for Trainees, $85-$135 for Associates and $140-$225 for Licensed Clinicians.
        • Christian Psychotherapy Services – http://sfchristiancounseling.com/ 415-764-0252. Located at 1100 Sanchez Street, San Francisco. Call or see website for information. Fees vary. Each clinician reserves some space for low-fee clients. Associate therapists may also offer reduced fees.

        2) Mental Health Counseling via Teleheath

        Often more affordable than one-on-one traditional counseling. Note – these are just a few of the many online therapy companies.

        • Better Help – https://www.betterhelp.com/ – $60-90 per week. Therapists available via video, phone, messaging and chat.
        • Talk Space – https://www.talkspace.com/ – Therapists available via video, phone and text. Check their page for pricing as there are different plans.
        • Brightside – https://www.brightside.com/ – $300 a month for four video sessions, unlimited messaging and $59 per additional session if needed with a licensed therapist.

        3) Mental Health Peer Support Groups

        Free and Varied including:

        4) Peer-Based Non-Crisis One-on-One Support

        If you or somebody you know is not in crisis but in need of mental health support, the Warm Line is a great, free option. It can be accessed by phone: 1-855-845-7415 or online chat: https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/peer-run-warmline/. Hours are M-F 7am-11pm, Sat 7am-3pm, Sun 7am-9pm. You can leave a message for return calls on off hours

        5) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)


        Excellent support for families and those suffering from mental health disorders. https://namieastbay.org/ There is a monthly meeting in Albany.

        6) Retreat Centers for Directed or Private Retreats

        Retreats are a great way to get some much needed downtime. We are blessed with many excellent retreat centers in the area. Here is a short list:

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        7) Spiritual Direction

        >For non-crisis self-exploration. Spiritual direction focuses on deepening a relationship with God. We have three Spiritual Directors working with our parish. Fees range from $25-75. Visit the website (under ministries) for more information on the directors and the practice. http://marymagdalen.org/spiritualdirection/