Since 53% of people ages 18 -24 with Bachelors’ degrees are unemployed, or working only part time, prospects are bleak. With no benefits (unless they are on their parents’ health insurance until they turn twenty-six), the idea of therapy seems like a much needed luxury. But there are affordable supports out there, if one is motivated enough to seek them out. And at a time when this transition into the workplace is historically bumpy under the best of circumstance, those in the 99% are caught among the vagaries of few jobs, skyrocketing rents, and parents who cannot afford to offer an financial help–other than a childhood bedroom / now office.

Keeping “fit” physically counts for a lot. When the interview materializes for that entrylevel internship (hopefully paid) at Conde Nast, one doesn’t want to be sleep-deprived from late nights out with the other unemployables; bloated from too much cheap beer and wings; and in dire need of a haircut. But being mentally “fit” counts for more. It is from that core of our being, that place where we truly know who we are, that we exude a sense of peace, well being, and self-assuredness. Who wouldn’t want to hire THAT person? So where do we go when money is an object, and insurance doesn’t cover mental health (or a twenty dollar co-payment feels like a hardship)?

Every city has a clinic attached to their teaching hospitals, offering therapy on a sliding scale (and group therapy is often free). There are doctoral students who are obtaining their clinical hours, and can offer professional care under supervision.

Many major communities also have an analytical institute, where future analysts train (many already practicing in social work or psychology), and can be seen at a greatly reduced fee. If you need help navigating the system, please contact me @conmccashin@aol.com, and we will find you help together.