In today’s economy, with a national unemployment rate nearing double digits, more and more Americans are facing massive amounts of debt. And while it can be overwhelming, you don’t have to face it alone. There are any number of debt counseling agencies and non-profit credit counseling services that can help you deal with your own personal debt crisis.

Of course, when you are already feeling overwhelmed by the debt itself, finding a reputable debt counseling agency or non-profit credit counseling service can seem like an impossible task. But there’s help available.

A first place to check for answers is LoanexFastCash, which offers not only a lot of information about the various kinds of debt counseling agencies and non-profit credit counseling services, but also provides a simple form to fill out to help you connect with these services.

But how do you determine which debt counseling agency or non-profit credit counseling service is right for you?

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
The Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov), which is tasked with protecting American consumers, has a wealth of information, including a concise explanation of the different services offered by  debt counseling agency or non-profit credit counseling services.

Questions that FTC officials suggest you ask include:

1. What services do you offer? Look for an organization that offers budget counseling and savings and debt management classes.
2. Are educational materials available for free? Avoid organizations that charge for information.
3. Will you help me develop a plan for avoiding problems in the future?
4. What are your fees? Get specific fees in writing.
5. What if I can’t afford to pay your fees? If they won’t help you because you can’t afford to pay, look elsewhere for help.
6. What are the qualifications of your counselors? How are they trained?
7. How are they compensated? Are they paid more if I sign up for certain services or if I pay a fee? If the answer is yes, consider it a red flag and go elsewhere for help.
8. What assurance do I have that information about me will be kept confidential and secure?

Friends and Family Check with organizations that you trust for help finding a debt counseling agency or non-profit credit counseling service. Many colleges, credit unions or other local financial institutions, and local agencies offer free or low-cost debt counseling. If they don’t, they may be familiar enough to steer you to a reputable debt counseling agency or non-profit credit counseling service.

Ask your friends and family: While it’s embarrassing being in debt, you should realize that you are not alone — lots of Americans are in the same boat. A friend or family member may have already been through this and can help you find a debt counseling agency or non-profit credit counseling service that they trust.

Go With Your Gut: Protect yourself by looking for a debt counseling agency or non-profit credit counseling service with a long history that is accredited.

Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau: You also can type the name of the debt counseling agency or non-profit credit counseling service in a search engine with other terms such as “problems with” or “complaints against.” If there are dissatisfied customers, you can be sure they have taken to the Internet to vent their frustrations.

Finally, go with your gut. Trust how you react to the person you are dealing with at the debt counseling agency or non-profit credit counseling service. If your gut tells you something is wrong, go with someone else.

Realize that finding the right debt counseling agency or non-profit credit counseling service is like finding the right doctor or the right car mechanic. You need a certain level of trust and a connection to feel comfortable trusting that part of your life to this person. Don’t be afraid to talk with several people to find the one you “click” with.