For most people severely in debt, they already have contacted, or will soon contact, a credit counseling agency/organization.  When doing so, there are a few factors to be cautious of.  Please note that most credit counseling agents are free for initial techniques and budgeting practices, as well as advice for the future and your next steps in the debt process. 

Be cautious of agencies that charge high up-front or monthly fees for enrolling in credit counseling, or that pressure you to make "voluntary contributions."
Avoid agents that don't offer, or won't, to send you free information about the services they provide without requiring you to provide personal financial information, such as credit card account numbers, and balances.

Agencies may try to enroll you in a DMP (debt management plans) without first teaching you budgeting and money management skills, and that is a definite discretion.  

Never get involved with a DMP program that requires you to make payments before your creditors have accepted you into the program.