towrite,
What an awful, awful situation and a terribly frightening one. I am so sorry, and I echo what everyone has said.
The thing about the therapist sounds like a boldface lie to me. Either she lied to the therapist and he/she came up with that recommendation, or she's just blatantly lying to you. (Or both?)
Believe me, I know your fears. I have been homeless in my life, of sorts. I had to wait for an apartment to be finished once (rented it from a "friend" at work who turned out to be a bitch of sorts) and had no permanent place to live for several months. I lived here and there, housesitting, etc., for about 6 months. It was awful. I will never forget that feeling of finally walking into my own place. I wanted to lie on the floor and kiss the carpet.
Years later and only a few years ago, I basically got evicted from my apartment. I'd been there for 10 years. Long story, but after losing a job and being unable to find work (in the last recession) and also having undiagnosed sleep apnea (the worst my sleep dr had seen ever in 20 years, don't know why I'm alive), which made me too tired to keep things "up" -- I got evicted. Sort of. They gave me a way out. Long story, no need to tell it. Point is, it was awful, and an experience that stayed with me emotionally for years, even now it resonates a little. (I will celebrate my third anniversary with my new landlord in June.)
I don't want to sound too Pollyanna, but I'll tell you what -- at my most desperate hour -- no job, no place to go, moving deadline looming -- God scooped me up and put me in a GREAT place. It's a beautiful townhouse, nicer than any place I've ever lived, and my landlord is a dream come true. He is SUCH a nice, wonderful guy. I was very honest with him when I saw the apartment, and for whatever reason, he chose me as his new tenant (he had just bought it as an investment). This wonderful guy has seen me through three years of tough financial times -- late with the rent almost every month, sometimes got pretty close to being two months behind, etc., etc., etc. -- and I still owe him one month's rent from August of 06. But he has been SO wonderful and understanding, he really has. Now I'm in a better place, and I'm on time with my rent every month, and that feels great! Somehow he saw me as responsible (I am) and just going through a tough time, and he was willing to work with me. What a guy. SOOOO nice.
Even last year I thought I was going to have to move because I couldn't really afford it, and I talked to him, and he said not to move on his account.
So, my word to you is that in my darkest hour, a miracle happened.
I know how scarey it is, and I will pray for you.
You've received a lot of good practical suggestions here; it sounds like you really need to get out of there, and just work with your roommate as best as you can. She is not entitled to everything you have, etc., etc., and she sounds very dangerous in that way. Please protect yourself. I know that's hard when you're in a stressful and fearful situation.
I wish I knew more of your situation, perhaps I could give you some helpful suggestions. But you have a lot of great minds here helping you out, and I have a lot of faith in their guidance. It all sounds very good to me.
Please protect yourself.
Is there a local church or churches that might help you? I know ours helps people all the time. We're sort of an underground railroad, in fact. And we're part of a wonderful hospitality program that helps people get back on their feet. The member churches host families and single women, a day church and a night church, giving them a place to stay while they save their $$ to find a place to live. Maybe the state or county agencies can help you? Any other friends, co-workers, anyone? you'd be surprised how willing people are to help, you really would. Sometimes all you have to do is let people know that you need help.
Hugs. Be well, even if scared.
