Sliding scale counselling in Bangkok?

[MadelineSH]

This might be a long shot, but I wanted to see if anyone knew of sliding scale counseling services in BKK. I came here to teach English in October and was planning on staying for a whole year or longer, but found out a few weeks ago that my mom has stage IV cancer. I'm going home at the end of January, so I need to be saving up as much as possible for reentry into the western world-

However, I've always struggled with anxiety and it's starting to get out of control, to the point where I'm afraid of being alone in my house because I know I'll just end up worrying about some aspect of my life- be it health, finances, social, whether I'm doing this experience right, etc. I've been treated before and I eat healthy, exercise regularly, and pursue lots of social interests to get myself out of it. My normal coping mechanisms aren't working and I think I need professional help again.

I've read the stickied topic but I'm not sure if I can afford their services.

[tonray]

Might it make sense to return home earlier than planned to take care of your health, which is far more important than your job right now. Also give you time to see mom. Book a flight and get home...you will feel better soon. Prayers and good wishes to you and your family.

[Singerman]

If you mean a service whose charges are scaled according to an individuals ability to pay I very much doubt such a service will be found in BKK or anywhere else in Thailand.

[Rob13]

Maybe get a xanax prescription to help out til you can get home and get some real help. If you;re mom's stage 4, you ought to make returning home a priority.

Edited December 27, 2015 by Rob13

[Sheryl]

I'd avoid xanax -- highly addictive and will multiply your problems many fold. There are better, nonaddictive medications for anxiety if medication is indicated at all.

I do not know what the fees are at PSI and NCS theses days. As neither receives any sort of grant to support their work, they are not really in a position to offer reduced rates, but you may find the costs less than you expect (will certainly be less than back home). In addition, since cost is based on number of sessions, you can always adjust that to what you can afford. May mean less frequency than you'd ideally want but anything is better than nothing. I suggest you contact both places re their rates and set up an appointment then take it from there. Even 1 or 2 sessions are likely to help.

Also - having your head together and reasonably calm may do more to ease your re-entry back home and ability to support your Mother than having more money would. First things first.

[wotsdermatter]

Hi Madeline SH - Just read your post and it is with regret that it is nearly January as I am preparing to head back to Toronto in a few days. I am a retired Psychological Counsellor and have done extensive work here in BKK, in relief of anxiety. No meds. First, It is very difficult to obtain assistance on a sliding fee scale. Second, stay away from Xanax for a number of reasons. As one person mentioned, it is very addictive and also has many negative side effects. They alone are good reason to not use it. Third, only take advice from a qualified medical practitioner. The person who recommended Xanax should be removed from the rolls as not being qualified to recommend any medication. Fourth, you may find that Xanax is only available by prescription, due to its nature, and then only at a hospital. Fifth, There are six different types of anxiety, and this is a point nobody else mentioned, and they do vary. As such a medication for one type is usually not recommended for another. So, the person who made the original comment about Xanax, if followed, could lead you down a dangerous pathway. Sixth, without more information, it is impossible for anybody to provide medical assistance, but it appears that you are suffering from generalised anxiety disorder, a common but an easily treated problem, although it does have a habit of returning under stressful conditions. My recommendation is for you to return to U.K., as others mentioned, and obtain the service of an anxiety therapist, preferably a Ph.D., like myself, who specialises in that type of disorder. Do not use the service of a lesser qualified person unless that person is being mentored by a Registered Clinical Psychologist or a Registered Psychologist Counsellor, or of similar ilk. You will probably either become involved with cognitive-behaviour therapy which focuses on thoughts as well as behaviours. Alternatively, exposure therapy which allows you to face your fears in a safe and controlled atmosphere. That is my conclusion from reading what you described. Finally, it is always best to seek professional help and not use a public forum to air your problems as that can lead to further anxiety as the comments can be, and usually are, either conflicting, confusing, completely off or offered by unqualified persons. Good luck and keep on truckin'. Nuf sed.

Edited December 28, 2015 by wotsdermatter