several accounts in collection

You may be able to take that care of this you????????re self. Some where on this site are some form letters that you can copy and change to reflect your situations. I????????m sure someone can direct you to them. Start with the oldest account and send them a letter asking for debit validation (proof they have the debit). Once you have received that send them another letter to arrange payment. Often you can negotiate the amount of the payments and lower the total. If you can make a large lump payment (even 2-4 payments) they will often accept as little as 40% of the original amount. But get everything in writing with the agreement that there will be no additional interest or fees and that your debit will be listed as paid in full on your credit report. You can also ask the people at debt consolidation care.to help.
Be careful who you give your personal information to.
:shock:

Welcome to the Community :D Can you tell us what state you are in? If you signed up for the free credit counseling, someone will contact you and discuss options such as consolidation. You cna also do what I did with my smaller debts. I started with the lowest one, and made extra payments to get that one paid off. When it was paid, I took that payment I was making to it, added it to the payment of the next one, and so on.Once I got a few paid off,and I could see some progress, it made things a little easier. If collection agencies are contacting you, make sure you send them a request for debt validation, to make sure of the amount is right, they are legally able to collect, etc. Some credit cards offer a hardship program and will drop or lower interest so you can get it paid off, several have done this with me. Feel free to ask questions, and don't worry, this can be done!..KAren