Seeking Help: Doubts and Fears Before Starting Therapy

[Jennifer G]

I’ve been wanting to start therapy for over a year now, but I haven’t been able to take that first step. I feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start:

1. I’m struggling financially and am worried about being able to afford therapy, even though I know it’s something I really need. How much does a session typically cost these days?
2. Although I speak Spanish fluently, I think I’d feel more comfortable expressing myself in English.
3. I’d love to find someone who specializes in working with expats or people dealing with the challenges of living abroad, as this is something that’s been affecting me lately after living abroad for more than 10 years.
4. I’m feeling very anxious and possibly dealing with depression, though I’m still not entirely sure.
5. Ideally, I’m looking for in-person sessions, as I spend way too much time working online.

I feel really stuck, and all these concerns are holding me back from searching for the right therapist. But I know I can’t keep procrastinating. I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations, especially regarding costs and how to get started. Most days, I feel lost and lonely, and I know it’s affecting my relationship too, which only makes me feel worse. If anyone has any insight, it would mean a lot to me. Please be gentle, I’m feeling really sensitive about all of this. 🥺

 

[Kira]

Try Liz, she’s amazing. Big hugs to you. It’s perfectly okay to ask for help when you need it, don’t feel bad about it. Sometimes we all need a little support, and there’s no shame in that.

 

[Kirsten G]

I’m sorry for what you're going through, but I’m glad you’re reaching out for help. I found this site helpful, you can filter for English speakers and by location. The therapist we found charges 30,000 an hour. I hope you find someone who’s a good fit for you.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ar/psicologos/ba/buenos-aires

 

[Betsy Ross]

I’ve been wanting to start therapy for over a year now, but I haven’t been able to take that first step. I feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start:

1. I’m struggling financially and am worried about being able to afford therapy, even though I know it’s something I really need. How much does a session typically cost these days?
2. Although I speak Spanish fluently, I think I’d feel more comfortable expressing myself in English.
3. I’d love to find someone who specializes in working with expats or people dealing with the challenges of living abroad, as this is something that’s been affecting me lately after living abroad for more than 10 years.
4. I’m feeling very anxious and possibly dealing with depression, though I’m still not entirely sure.
5. Ideally, I’m looking for in-person sessions, as I spend way too much time working online.

I feel really stuck, and all these concerns are holding me back from searching for the right therapist. But I know I can’t keep procrastinating. I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations, especially regarding costs and how to get started. Most days, I feel lost and lonely, and I know it’s affecting my relationship too, which only makes me feel worse. If anyone has any insight, it would mean a lot to me. Please be gentle, I’m feeling really sensitive about all of this. 🥺

Don't feel bad about this. BA has more therapists than anywhere in the world. All my local friends use therapists here. It is very common. It is not expensive. Most charge between $25 USD to $35 USD per session. There are good therapists that have been mentioned on this forum. One that a few people have had good results is Susana from BA Counseling. She specializes in expats. A friend used her and was very happy. She speaks fluent English.

BACounseling - Professional Therapy Services in Buenos Aires

Expert psychological support and counseling services in Buenos Aires

bacounseling.com.ar

 

[earlyretirement]

Don't feel bad about this. BA has more therapists than anywhere in the world. All my local friends use therapists here. It is very common. It is not expensive. Most charge between $25 USD to $35 USD per session. There are good therapists that have been mentioned on this forum. One that a few people have had good results is Susana from BA Counseling. She specializes in expats. A friend used her and was very happy. She speaks fluent English.

BACounseling - Professional Therapy Services in Buenos Aires

Expert psychological support and counseling services in Buenos Aires

bacounseling.com.ar

I can highly recommend Susana. She is really amazing! It's funny because I lived in Argentina for many years and all of my friends and employees went to therapists and I never understood it but I think it's extremely healthy. In the USA people have a stigma from talking to a therapist but in Argentina it is very normal.

Even if you're not depressed and just dealing with stress or pain a therapist can be very helpful. I have referred Susana to many friends and clients and all of them have raved about her. She also can do couples therapy. She is very affordable and as @Betsy Ross mentioned, she focuses on expats. But many of my friends in the USA have used her as well and she does Skype video calls. She is amazing and I would recommend her to anyone looking to improve themselves.

 

[Avocado]

In the USA people have a stigma from talking to a therapist but in Argentina it is very normal.

I never understood this stigma to therapy that you Americans have. Maybe we have so many therapists because we have so many economic problems in Argentina and everyone has so much stress.

Jennifer do not feel any shame about therapy. Here we all talk to one. It is essential. It is shame many of my friends cannot afford therapy now or cutting back but hopefully you can afford it. Not much. Just the cost of some coffees. Better to cut back on food or coffee and talk to someone. It will help you.

 

[Wally]

I’ve been wanting to start therapy for over a year now, but I haven’t been able to take that first step. I feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start:

1. I’m struggling financially and am worried about being able to afford therapy, even though I know it’s something I really need. How much does a session typically cost these days?
2. Although I speak Spanish fluently, I think I’d feel more comfortable expressing myself in English.
3. I’d love to find someone who specializes in working with expats or people dealing with the challenges of living abroad, as this is something that’s been affecting me lately after living abroad for more than 10 years.
4. I’m feeling very anxious and possibly dealing with depression, though I’m still not entirely sure.
5. Ideally, I’m looking for in-person sessions, as I spend way too much time working online.

I feel really stuck, and all these concerns are holding me back from searching for the right therapist. But I know I can’t keep procrastinating. I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations, especially regarding costs and how to get started. Most days, I feel lost and lonely, and I know it’s affecting my relationship too, which only makes me feel worse. If anyone has any insight, it would mean a lot to me. Please be gentle, I’m feeling really sensitive about all of this. 🥺

If you want to start therapy, BA is the best city to start this. My first visit was the year after I moved to BA. My wife and all her family and friends all went to one. My Spanish is ok but I also found an English speaking therapist which is important if you want to express yourself completely.

Everyone has stress and issues to work through. Argentina can be a very stressful place dealing with crazy economy and wild swings with being cheap and then expensive. All within the same year. Therapy is very normal here and encouraged. BA has more therapists than anywhere in the world. It will make you feel better @Jennifer G

 

[Uncle Wong]

I’ve been wanting to start therapy for over a year now, but I haven’t been able to take that first step. I feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start:

1. I’m struggling financially and am worried about being able to afford therapy, even though I know it’s something I really need. How much does a session typically cost these days?
2. Although I speak Spanish fluently, I think I’d feel more comfortable expressing myself in English.
3. I’d love to find someone who specializes in working with expats or people dealing with the challenges of living abroad, as this is something that’s been affecting me lately after living abroad for more than 10 years.
4. I’m feeling very anxious and possibly dealing with depression, though I’m still not entirely sure.
5. Ideally, I’m looking for in-person sessions, as I spend way too much time working online.

I feel really stuck, and all these concerns are holding me back from searching for the right therapist. But I know I can’t keep procrastinating. I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations, especially regarding costs and how to get started. Most days, I feel lost and lonely, and I know it’s affecting my relationship too, which only makes me feel worse. If anyone has any insight, it would mean a lot to me. Please be gentle, I’m feeling really sensitive about all of this. 🥺

Don't feel sensitive about this. Everyone is giving good advice. It is much more common in Latin America to go to a therapist. I have dated a few girls in Mexico and Colombia and they all had therapists. And most I met in BA all had a therapist. These prices are very low. I think in the US most people don't want to because it is too expensive.

https://bacounseling.com.ar/ sounds like a great option.

 

[JonJLA]

Agree with the other posts. I went my entire life without therapy at all. And I live in LA so probably need it the most! It wasn't until I purchased my apartment in BA and so many of my local friends recommended it to me. One of the best decisions I ever made. It is expensive in the States but in BA you can easily find someone and it won't cost a lot of money. Many do speak English. Mine is not taking on new patients as she is very busy but some of these on this post sound like wonderful options.

 

[daveholman]

I’ve been wanting to start therapy for over a year now, but I haven’t been able to take that first step. I feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start:

1. I’m struggling financially and am worried about being able to afford therapy, even though I know it’s something I really need. How much does a session typically cost these days?
2. Although I speak Spanish fluently, I think I’d feel more comfortable expressing myself in English.
3. I’d love to find someone who specializes in working with expats or people dealing with the challenges of living abroad, as this is something that’s been affecting me lately after living abroad for more than 10 years.
4. I’m feeling very anxious and possibly dealing with depression, though I’m still not entirely sure.
5. Ideally, I’m looking for in-person sessions, as I spend way too much time working online.

I feel really stuck, and all these concerns are holding me back from searching for the right therapist. But I know I can’t keep procrastinating. I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations, especially regarding costs and how to get started. Most days, I feel lost and lonely, and I know it’s affecting my relationship too, which only makes me feel worse. If anyone has any insight, it would mean a lot to me. Please be gentle, I’m feeling really sensitive about all of this. 🥺

I've only ever done group therapy, but it has helped me tremendously to deal with an alcohol problem, anxiety and anger issues. No one has all the answers. As far as the cost, I think the improvement in my mental health has allowed me to be more productive, so it kind of pays for itself.

 

[Jenn]

I've only ever done group therapy, but it has helped me tremendously to deal with an alcohol problem, anxiety and anger issues. No one has all the answers. As far as the cost, I think the improvement in my mental health has allowed me to be more productive, so it kind of pays for itself.

My dad also did therapy for alcoholism and it turned his life around. My mom was going to leave him but that saved the marriage. My 2 friends in BA started going to a therapist there. I will ask them who they go to. But they say it has helped them quite a bit.

 

[StatusNomadicus]

i know nothing about resources for this @Jennifer G but i always hear advertisements on podcasts/youtube for "BetterHelp" so according to google it costs:

"Dec 18, 2024 — Commonly, in-person therapy can range anywhere from $100 to $200 a session without insurance, whereas online treatment may cost about $20 to $90"

sounds like 25-35 bucks is amazing! keep us updated

 

[BA Bound]

i know nothing about resources for this @Jennifer G but i always hear advertisements on podcasts/youtube for "BetterHelp" so according to google it costs:

"Dec 18, 2024 — Commonly, in-person therapy can range anywhere from $100 to $200 a session without insurance, whereas online treatment may cost about $20 to $90"

sounds like 25-35 bucks is amazing! keep us updated

It doesn't make sense to get anything therapy related done in the USA. You are paying for all those "Better Help" commercials and advertising. Buenos Aires has a ton of therapists. Ask any local friend in BA and odds are they can refer you to someone. Lots and lots of good therapists in BA. I tried a few before I found a good one that I connected with. I pay $30 USD per session which is about $200 less than back in NYC.

 

[Jennifer G]

Thank you so much for your help and for your kind words. I contacted Susana and I’m very happy with her so far. 😊

 

[Blockchain]

It doesn't make sense to get anything therapy related done in the USA. You are paying for all those "Better Help" commercials and advertising. Buenos Aires has a ton of therapists. Ask any local friend in BA and odds are they can refer you to someone. Lots and lots of good therapists in BA. I tried a few before I found a good one that I connected with. I pay $30 USD per session which is about $200 less than back in NYC.

Agree! With technology and Zoom visits I don't see why anyone would pay gringo rates. My mother is a therapist in Chicago and since Covid she does almost all of her sessions remote now anyway. Patients prefer it and so does she so I guess as long as you get someone that is fluent in English it is the same thing.

 

[Betsy Ross]

Thank you so much for your help and for your kind words. I contacted Susana and I’m very happy with her so far. 😊

That is wonderful. I know a few people that go to Susana at BACounseling and they have told me she is very caring. I may try her as mine keeps saying she will retire but said she can't afford to retire but you never know. Great to get feedback.

 

[earlyretirement]

i know nothing about resources for this @Jennifer G but i always hear advertisements on podcasts/youtube for "BetterHelp" so according to google it costs:

"Dec 18, 2024 — Commonly, in-person therapy can range anywhere from $100 to $200 a session without insurance, whereas online treatment may cost about $20 to $90"

sounds like 25-35 bucks is amazing! keep us updated

It doesn't make sense to get anything therapy related done in the USA. You are paying for all those "Better Help" commercials and advertising. Buenos Aires has a ton of therapists. Ask any local friend in BA and odds are they can refer you to someone. Lots and lots of good therapists in BA. I tried a few before I found a good one that I connected with. I pay $30 USD per session which is about $200 less than back in NYC.

Totally agree. $25 to $35 dollars is great value. Even with insurance in the USA most co-pays are more than these amounts. Plus, many good therapists are booked solid and impossible to get in.

Agree! With technology and Zoom visits I don't see why anyone would pay gringo rates. My mother is a therapist in Chicago and since Covid she does almost all of her sessions remote now anyway. Patients prefer it and so does she so I guess as long as you get someone that is fluent in English it is the same thing.

Exactly true. I have a lot of friends and clients that are therapists in the USA and most of them mainly do Zoom consultations now.

Thank you so much for your help and for your kind words. I contacted Susana and I’m very happy with her so far. 😊

Thanks for keeping us posted @Jennifer G. You are in good hands with Susana at https://bacounseling.com.ar/ She is very caring and a true professional. Even though it's a Zoom/Skype video visit she is extremely observant. She is one of the most caring healthcare professionals that I know.

I formally owned a healthcare company and I dealt with a lot of medical professionals but Susana is one of the best. I can't recommend her enough to anyone.