Well-being, including mental and physical health, have been an important thread in the tapestry of my life, and one that weaves together so much of my story. One of my “why’s” for my work with Some Days is to normalize getting real. And, this is a really important part of that.
It’s not always easy to talk about. But it couldn’t be more important. And I am here for it.
As I’ve walked beside so many in the intentional pursuit of their big dreams, and shared resources that felt relevant, I’ve found there is a lot of overlap between the pieces I’ve written arising out of some of the hardest moments in my life and what intuitively feels like it might help people facing challenging periods in theirs.
These days are no joke. And, in case I have anything to offer in making navigating them a little easier, I present to you: Worst Days.
Worst Days is a collection of writings and resources I hope may contain a spark of inspiration or the seed of a shift on the days that feel more thorn than rose.
Remember, we are so much more than our worst days…
And, some days, our worst days become our best days…
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Some Days pieces I’ve written reflecting on navigating challenging periods in my life and incorporating resources I’ve found helpful.
Some Days, The Chains Don’t Work
Some Days, It Feels Impossible
Some Days, We Dance With Darkness
Some Days, I Go Against the Grain (Or, Grape…)
Poems and essays that may help you feel seen or less alone. Experiencing that myself in school English classes was something that kept me going.
Finding Athena (a.k.a. Letter to My Younger Self)
Conversations
The SOS Collective: A Collective Invitation October 11, 2026
Choosing Hope in Complex Times: Finding Your Way Forward
And, if you or anyone you know is struggling or in crisis, please let them know there is help and there is hope.
Therapy can be such an important support – all the time, and especially in crisis. If you know my work, you know I’m all about having a toolkit full of different tools to meet the moment. I believe strongly in having therapy and coaching in mine.
As I think about it in the Worst Days context (for myself, knowing every single one of us is unique), it goes a bit like this: I can work with my thoughts and my coaching tools and I can work on healing and sometimes the shifts that result from working with my thoughts and my coaching tools create profound healing as a byproduct and, also, going straight to the healing can really help and lay the foundation for the effectiveness of my coaching tools.
And, because I know it can be difficult to know where or how to begin, I’ve included some resources below to assist your further exploration.
Accessing Therapy Without Insurance
- Sliding Scale Therapists: Many private-practice therapists offer variable rates based on income (often $40–$80 per session). Use directories like Open Path Psychotherapy Collective (Open Path Psychotherapy Collective; caps individual sessions at $40–$70 after a membership fee) or search Psychology Today (Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist) using the “Sliding Scale” filter.
- University Training Clinics: Graduate schools for clinical psychology or social work run low-cost outpatient clinics. Supervised graduate students deliver therapy, often charging $10–$50 per session based on income.
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) & Community Health Clinics: Government-funded clinics offer mental health services on a sliding fee scale regardless of insurance status. Search the HRSA Health Center Database or call 211 to locate one. Health Center Program Uniform Data System (UDS) Data
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Even if uninsured for major medical, ask your employer if you have access to an EAP. These often cover 3–8 free, short-term counseling sessions per year.
- Support Groups & Nonprofits: Free peer-led support groups are available through organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance).
Accessing Therapy With Insurance
- In-Network Search: Log into your health insurance portal or call the Member Services number on your card to request a directory of covered behavioral health providers.
- Confirm Behavioral Benefits & Costs: Verify key details with your provider:
- In-network copay/coinsurance: Fixed fee (e.g., $20–$40) vs. percentage of cost after deductible.
- Prior authorization requirements: Confirm whether your plan mandates pre-approval for therapy sessions.
- Out-of-Network Superbills: If an ideal therapist is out-of-network, ask if they provide a Superbill (an itemized receipt). You may be able to submit this to your insurer for partial reimbursement if your plan includes out-of-network benefits.
- Use Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Use Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to pay for copays, deductibles, or cash-pay therapy with pre-tax dollars.
Obtaining Coverage Through Medicaid or ACA Exchanges
Medicaid (Low/No-Income Coverage)
- Eligibility: Qualification is based on household income relative to state limits. In states that expanded Medicaid, individuals earning up to ~138% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify.
- Cost: Very low or $0 monthly premiums and nominal copays.
- How to Apply: Apply year-round (no waiting period) through your state’s Medicaid agency website or via HealthCare.gov.
ACA Insurance Exchanges (Marketplace)
- When to Enroll:
- Open Enrollment: Runs annually from November 1 through January 15.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): You can enroll outside Open Enrollment within 60 days of a Qualifying Life Event (e.g., losing job-based insurance, moving, getting married, or income changes).
- How to Apply:
- Visit HealthCare.gov (or your state’s official exchange marketplace).
- Enter household size and estimated annual income to check eligibility for income-based subsidies (Premium Tax Credits) that reduce monthly costs.
- Filter plans by “Mental Health / Substance Use Services” and verify that preferred therapists or health systems are in-network before selecting a plan.
Other resources
Suicide Hotlines & Crisis Helplines | Free, 24/7 Chat, Text & Phone
*This is not an exhaustive list of resources and this is not meant to serve as advice of any kind. The above organizations and resources are provided as suggestions for further exploration only because, some days, it’s helpful to have a place to start and to know we’re not alone. Libby Stockstill and Some Days are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or partnered with any of these organizations, and this list does not constitute an endorsement of their programs, practices, positions or financial management. You can learn more about these and other nonprofit organizations through third party assessors such as Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or GiveWell.*