Intereview the person who would like to help you. See if you feel you can trust this person. Ask for references if you feel that would help. Ask your friends for recommendations. Keep looking until you find what you need.
Debt consolidation is a wonderful tool for getting out of debt with less stress.
However, each debt situation may have the potential for different solutions. If you got yourself into debt, chances are you can keep yourself in debt. It is better to ask for outside help so you can get good advice on how to get out of it. Put pride aside. The rewards are worth it.