Free Mental Health Services: Finding Health Care Online
- For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For those experiencing substance use, please contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357
Many individuals experience moments where they desire extra support, understanding and guidance in their health journey—and sometimes that involves seeking the assistance of a free psychologist.
Whether looking to navigate a challenging transition or gain more clarity on goals and dreams, counseling can be a valuable way to receive guidance. However, many individuals face financial barriers to treatment and may feel they cannot reach out due to the cost of therapy.
In these cases, seeking an affordable treatment option or no-cost services can be beneficial. Read on to learn more about support options you have if you are experiencing routine needs, a crisis, or need to find further urgent support (such as you would in the case of suicide-related thoughts).
Understanding the brain and mental illness
Mental health generally refers to an individual's psychological, emotional, and social well-being—and many people work on achieving wellness throughout their lives. Common mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can affect how someone perceives themselves and the world around them.
Learn about the signs and symptoms of these conditions can help you to better identify them in yourself or your loved ones.
Mental illness and health care for disorders
- Changes in mood
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty focusing or remembering information
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Frequent episodes of fear or worry
Types of affordable or free mental health services
Community clinics and non-profit organizations
Many cities offer low-cost counseling sessions through local clinics or non-profit organizations—and can support niche conditions or concerns (such as those associated with substance use, once known as substance abuse, and mental health overall).
Sliding scale fees
Some counselors and therapists may offer a sliding scale fee structure that allows you to pay according to your financial capabilities. A sliding scale fee can benefit those who struggle to afford full-price therapy sessions but can pay lower amounts.
Insurance coverage for free mental health services
Telehealth treatment
Faith-based organizations
Government-funded resources
Common barriers to receiving free mental health services
Mental health studies indicate that rural areas are underserved and often lack specialized mental health care. As a result, rural residents may be less likely to seek treatment or find the peer support they need. Additionally, patients in rural communities may struggle with transportation issues or not have the resources for treatment, such as money or the Internet.
Free mental health services in minority populations
Reducing the common stigma with mental health disorders
- Educating: Educating yourself and others on mental illness
- Leading By Example: Showing support for those facing challenges or listening to them without judgment
- Encouraging Open Dialogue: Talking about mental health issues openly to reduce the shame surrounding them
- Supporting Research: Supporting organizations reducing stigma in your local community
Beyond counseling: other ways to care for your overall wellbeing
Self-care
Self-compassion
Self-compassion might also help you feel more aware of your thoughts and behaviors, recognizing when you might benefit from seeking additional support or taking a break. Self-care, for example, can mean taking a step back and allowing yourself to listen to your body and mind.
Affordable online therapy and health care
Online therapy sessions may be an affordable option if you are seeking support with managing your mental health. Online mental health services can offer the same quality of care you might receive in person but with added convenience and reachability. Licensed mental health professionals or counselors can help you identify symptoms, create a personalized plan for wellness and provide support. You can choose between phone, video, and live chat sessions to get the help of an online therapist for whatever challenges you may be facing.
In addition, clinical research shows recent advances in technologies and techniques have opened new pathways to quality mental healthcare and can be as effective as in-person live sessions. Cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely researched forms of psychotherapy.
CBT can help you gain insight into your thoughts and feelings that might be influencing your behavior or emotions. By exploring these patterns, you can take steps toward making positive changes. If you're interested in signing up for affordable therapy from $65 to $90 a session, consider a platform like BetterHelp, which offers over 30,000 licensed and vetted providers offering unique, compassionate services to communities worldwide.
Takeaway
Although there can be barriers to treatment for some individuals, several low-cost therapy options are available throughout the US, including online therapy, local clinics, and government insurance plans. If unsure where to start, consider reaching out to a provider for an initial consultation and further advice.
Where can I talk to someone for free?
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, there are many free resources you can access for assistance. Some of these include:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
NAMI Teen and Young Adult Helpline
Veterans Crisis Line
Disaster Distress Helpline
Is there a free chatting app for mental health services?
Yes. There may be free apps that offer mental health services. Before using these, it could be beneficial to check for the credentials of the people you’re chatting with via text message. If you’re in emotional distress, it may be best to talk to a trained crisis counselor or licensed therapist or social worker.
Who can I talk to online about my problems for free?
If you need to talk to someone about your problems but feel you can’t afford mental health care, it may be helpful to talk to trusted friends or family members. You can also search for free or low-cost mental health resources online or visit your local health department.
Can I talk to a counselor for free?
Yes. It may be possible to talk to a crisis counselor or even licensed therapists for free. For ongoing support, be sure to check for the proper credentials and background to ensure you’re receiving quality care.
Is there a way to talk to a therapist online for free?
Yes. There may be many ways you can talk to a therapist online free of charge. Some websites and apps may offer free or low-cost care. You can also look into programs that reimburse the cost of mental health care, including insurance and employer reimbursement programs.
Is there a free online emotional support chat?
Yes. There are many free programs and hotlines that offer emotional support chat. Some of these may include the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the Substance Abuse Service Helpline, and Crisis Text Line.
How do you get counseling for mental disorders if you can't afford it?
There are ways to find counseling for mental disorders, even if you can’t afford care. If you have a primary care provider, you can ask them for referrals for free mental health services. If you’re a student, you can check with your school’s health center for services and resources. If you’re experiencing a suicidal crisis, dial 988 for free crisis counseling.
Is there a free consultation for mental illness?
Some providers and programs may offer free consultations for mental illness. Check with your local health department or search online for free or low-cost care.
Do I need counseling or therapy for mental health care?
Counseling and therapy are similar mental health care services, and sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. The primary difference may be in the length and scope of treatment. Counseling tends to be a short-term process for a temporary issue. There are different types of counseling, including family counseling, group counseling, and even suicide prevention counseling. On the other hand, therapy is a more extensive process for individuals and families and is designed for more complex issues such as mental health and substance use disorders.
Where can I get credit counseling?
Credit counseling is different from mental health counseling, and it involves financial health. You can search online for various credit counseling companies and resources.
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