Affordable Therapy Options For Mental Health

Therapy is a form of self-care

Whether you’re living with a mental health condition or simply want to invest in your well-being and overall health, therapy can be a powerful form of self-care for people of all backgrounds. 

If you’re looking for affordable therapy, the costs of therapy — not to mention the hassle of getting to an office — might prevent you from seeking the help you deserve. For some people, a lack of adequate mental health benefits through insurance can lead to expensive out-of-pocket payments. Others may struggle to afford traditional therapy, even with mental health coverage. 

How to choose affordable therapy

If you’d like to work with a mental health professional but you’re concerned about the cost, you have options for affordable therapy. In fact, in many cases, it’s possible to find free therapy or discounted therapy. This article showcases affordable therapy options so that you can implement quality mental health care into your self-care routine. 

Finding affordable therapy

Even if your finances are limited, it may be possible for you to find a professional therapist through online therapy platforms or in-person therapy options while avoiding financial burden. If you’re searching for an affordable therapy, these five suggestions can get you started. Keep in mind that the process of finding a therapy can be individualized; you can adjust or skip these tips based on your personal preferences and circumstances.

1. Contact your insurance company

• If you have health insurance, you may want to call your insurance provider to ask about therapy or mental health care coverage under your plan. They may be able to provide a list of in-network therapists who accept your insurance so that you’re only responsible for a co-pay. People with co-pay plans may pay around $15 to $45 per therapy session. 

2. Ask about sliding-scale therapy

• Sliding-scale therapy for patients without insurance can be an alternative. A sliding scale is a range of out-of-pocket fees that mental healthcare providers are willing to accept based on the patient’s ability to pay. In consideration of your financial circumstances, these providers may reduce the therapy cost.
• You can search for affordable and sliding-scale therapy providers in your local area, or you may want to ask your current therapist or doctor about lower-cost therapy options. In many cases, they’re happy to connect you to organizations or individuals that may be affordable.

3. Use school or workplace therapy benefits 

• If you’re a student at a college or university or a salaried employee, you might have mental health benefits (in addition to physical health benefits) that will make it easier for you to afford therapy. Many school campuses and workplaces offer health care benefits through student health centers, including in-person or online therapy options for their students and employees. 
• Depending on where you work, you may have an employee assistance program. Employee assistance programs may provide certain free mental health services, including mental health assessments, short-term therapy, referrals, and coaching services to employees. Your company’s HR department can typically let you know whether an employee assistance program is available.

4. Try group therapy or support groups

• In many cases, group therapy sessions can be less expensive than individual therapy, and researchers have also found that group and individual therapies are similarly effective. Depending on your personality and goals, you might even prefer the unique benefits of group therapy sessions, which might include a sense of community, the opportunity to listen to others, and reassurance that you’re not alone. 
• If you’re currently working with a therapist, they might be able to direct you to an online or in-person support group based on your health history, personal beliefs, and treatment goals. In your local area, faith-based institutions and community centers may offer specialized support groups.
• Some support groups may not technically qualify as “group therapy” since they’re not always led by a licensed therapist. Regardless of their technical definition, these groups can provide meaningful insight and social connection. 

5. Look for affordable therapy online

• Not everyone has the time or financial resources for traditional, in-person therapy. Additionally, many people struggle to afford traditional therapy. Affordable online platforms like Open Path Psychotherapy Collective and BetterHelp can connect you to thousands of mental health professionals who believe in the power of high-quality and available therapy. Online therapy services also allow you to work with your licensed mental health professional from home. 
• Because the licensed therapists who work through these platforms don’t have to pay for office space or other forms of overhead, online therapy costs are often lower than they are with traditional therapy. It is important to note that medication management and diagnoses are not available through many online therapy services.

The average price of affordable therapy

Efficacy of online therapy

Researchers have found that online therapy sessions can be just as effective as in-person therapy sessions. In a recent analysis of online interventions, researchers reviewed details from 24 studies. They concluded that both video therapy sessions and telephone-delivered interventions could effectively treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and adjustment disorder. 

Other affordable options

Even after you settle into a routine with your therapist or support group, there may be other resources that can supplement your mental health care outside of regular therapy sessions. If you’re looking for educational information on different forms of mental illness, organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration have several articles pertaining to various mental health conditions.

Affordable therapy organizations

Additionally, the following organizations offer free mental health resources, including crisis text lines, and other general resources, such as blogs and self-care tool kits. These resources can offer both immediate advice for those experiencing a health crisis and long-term support:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 74174.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
• Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ helpline): 1-866-488-7386.
• SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use Helpline): 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
• National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237.

When you call or text these organizations, you can speak to highly trained and compassionate individuals without the need for health insurance. Sometimes, they have personal experience with the concerns you’re facing and can guide you toward the next steps for treatment or therapy. However, it is important to note that these representatives are often unable to offer medical advice.

In our online era, these free or affordable digital resources can be an invaluable asset to your recovery journey, and more resources emerge every day. Consider contacting your doctor, therapist, support group leader, or another trusted resource for personalized recommendations for mental health services.