Hello disappointed ....
Try not to do the following:
1) to be angry at yourself for bad decisions.
2) to think you have nothing to show for your 28-years.
First, you're intelligent. Second, you realize you're not perfect - but human. Then, you're seeking help. And ... you want to see a therapist!
Without insurance, there is a suggestion I have ... that I've used in the past. I desperately needed to see a therapist many years ago for a number of personal setbacks in my life - mostly happening at the same time.
I found an agency that had a declining fee scale arrangement. All that I had to do was to bring in my prior year tax return to prove my need for financial assistance of the much lower fee.
I too live in a large metro area, and I believe you're more likely to find reduced fees in the larger cities. As an example, my net income (of my business) the prior year was only about $15k. It was a bad year ... but that low income did justify for the following year for my fees to my psychologist (who had a doctorates degree) to be about $25. per session.
She was very good. I never felt like I was getting any kind of a bargain service. And it was probably the best money I have ever spent! I would guess that her normal fee would have been around $125. - so my reduced fees were fantastic bargains.
One other note ..... I had some major emotional crying outbreaks - thanks to a hormone treatment - current and over the past three years. I have been on lexapro (20mg generic) for 2+ months now - and it has helped my emotional level tremendously. It was suggested by my more recent psychologist ... and prescribed by my primary doctor.
I would consider the therapist perhaps the best starting point - then the meds.
Good luck to you. You've already made a good start in "getting your life back"!!!!!
Rob and Gizzy