A Guide To Finding Affordable Therapy For College Students

Navigating college life can feel overwhelming at times. Academic pressures, financial stress, and social challenges can cause significant stress, and it’s not uncommon for students to experience mental health concerns as a result. Seeking professional mental health support is typically recommended, but finding it on a student budget can be difficult. Here, we’ll share practical advice for finding affordable therapy as a college student.

Feeling stressed out by college?

Navigate the journey with a therapist

Therapy for college students: an overview

The college years often come with unique pressures that can impact mental health. A therapist can be a vital source of support for students, providing helpful advice and guidance for navigating this phase of life. There are many different therapy modalities available, any of which college students may find helpful depending on what they’re experiencing. Getting familiar with some of these types may help guide your search for an affordable provider.

Types of therapy for college students to consider

Before starting therapy, it can be helpful to understand the different therapeutic approaches used by mental health professionals. Note that most therapists use what’s called an integrative approach, meaning they combine different techniques and philosophies to help tailor treatment to the needs of each client. Here are some of the most common types of therapy:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is often considered the “gold standard” of psychotherapy because of its empirically supported effectiveness for addressing a variety of mental health concerns. Its focus is to help a client learn to identify and change negative thought and behavior patterns. It can be used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT): This type of therapy seeks to help clients identify and leverage their strengths so they can find solutions to the challenges they face. SFBT has been suggested to be effective for managing stress levels in college, and it could be helpful for managing a variety of other mental health, academic, or interpersonal challenges as well.
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR): MBSR teaches mindfulness as a coping skill, and research suggests that it may also be effective for helping a college student manage psychological distress. Mindfulness can help enhance emotional regulation, allowing you to connect with the present moment rather than ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. 
• Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT):IPT can help students whose mental health challenges may be related to relationship problems, social anxiety, loneliness and isolation, or other interpersonal challenges. 
• Family therapy: Family dynamics often begin to shift during young adulthood as students seek greater independence and autonomy. Family therapy might be helpful in situations where family conflict is interfering with your ability to thrive in college, or where family expectations may be compromising your ability to make meaningful decisions about your life. 

5 affordable therapy options for college students

While therapy can be expensive, there are several cost-effective ways that young adults in college may be able to receive this type of support. If you’re looking for affordable mental health care, here are some options to consider.

1. On-campus mental health services

Your college may offer free or low-cost mental health services for students, which may include individual therapy, group therapy, and/or psychiatric services. Check with your university’s counseling center or your college counseling center directors to see which mental health resources may be available to you.

2. In-network providers

If you have health insurance, you might look for mental health practices within your insurer’s provider network. While there may be some out-of-pocket costs associated with pursuing therapy this way, in-network providers are typically covered at a higher rate by your insurance company than out-of-network coverage.

3. Community health centers

Community health centers often provide mental health and behavioral health services on a sliding scale based on income. These centers are usually publicly funded and intended to serve those without insurance or with limited financial means. To find a community mental health clinic near you, check with your local public health authority.

4. Low-cost clinics

It may be possible to find an affordable mental health care provider locally through a low-cost or free clinic. These services generally operate on a sliding-scale basis as well. Such clinics are often run by nonprofits and staffed by licensed therapists, counselors, or graduate students in training who are supervised by experienced professionals.

5. Online therapy platforms

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp are commonly used by college students seeking an affordable and convenient way to receive therapy. With online therapy, you can attend weekly sessions with a licensed therapist via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging. Because virtual sessions can be scheduled outside of traditional business hours and don’t require commuting, they may be a good option for busy college students.

Tips for finding the right therapist

The client-therapist relationship is generally considered to be the cornerstone of effective therapy, making it important to find a therapist with whom you can build a trusting bond. This process can take some time, and it’s not uncommon for people to meet with a few therapists before finding a good fit. Consider the following tips for finding the right fit for you:

1. Define your therapy goals. While you may be experiencing multiple life stressors, it may help to define your primary therapy goals to focus on the most pressing issues first. 
2. Communicate your needs. Consider your needs and preferences as they relate to communication style, therapeutic approach, and session format, then clearly communicate those needs to your therapist so they know how best to serve you.
3. Consider a specialist. If you’re seeking therapy for a specific topic (e.g. trauma, substance use, or a specific mental illness) it may be advisable to look for a therapist who specializes in your area of need. 
4. Feel free to switch therapists if needed. When starting therapy, it can help to approach your first couple of sessions as a trial period in which the goal is to get to know each other and determine whether it’s a good fit. If it doesn’t feel right, give yourself permission to keep looking.
5. Seek recommendations. You might consider asking your network for therapist suggestions. Note, however, that ethics standards may prohibit a therapist from working with someone with whom they have another close connection.

General benefits of mental health treatment like therapy for college students

Here are some common reasons many college students choose to make therapy a priority.

Enhanced self-awareness

The college years can be a pivotal time of self-discovery when young people start to define who they are and what they want from life. However, this journey can also feel overwhelming as so many changes happen at once. A therapist can help students build self-awareness by encouraging them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, offering a structured approach to personal growth.

Improved lifestyle habits

Whether due to habits ingrained from their upbringing or the challenges of the transition to independence, young people sometimes experience difficulties with their self-care routines and lifestyle habits. Therapists can offer valuable guidance as students learn to develop healthy habits related to sleep, exercise, nutrition, finances, and other life domains. Healthy habits may help improve stress tolerance in college students, so learning them can be important.

Healthy coping skills

College can be stressful, and healthy coping skills can make it easier to manage anxiety, stress, and other challenges. Therapists often teach mindfulness practices, stress-management techniques, and problem-solving skills to help students better navigate difficult situations and maintain emotional balance. 

Better communication skills

Effective communication can help students build strong relationships and better navigate the social dynamics of college life. A therapist can offer valuable advice for helping students express themselves clearly, understand other perspectives, and resolve conflicts. Healthy communication skills can help facilitate positive interactions with friends, roommates, professors, and family members.

Improved academic performance

Mental health has been repeatedly found to impact academic performance. While untreated mental health concerns can hinder focus and motivation, mental health support and maintenance can make it easier to succeed academically. Addressing challenges like stress, anxiety, and time management in therapy can help students stay focused, motivated, and productive.

Mental health tips for college students

Maintaining mental health is typically essential for success in college. In addition to seeking professional support, here are some practical tips that may help you stay balanced and resilient:

• Prioritize physical health. Regular exercise, balanced eating habits, and sufficient sleep can be essential for maintaining mental and physical well-being. In taking care of your body, you might find it easier to maintain your mood and energy levels.
• Manage time wisely. You might aim to limit screen time, especially on social media, and establish a routine that includes enough time for study, relaxation, and hobbies. Good time management can be beneficial for reducing stress and boosting productivity.
• Practice self-compassion. Try to be kind to yourself, especially during difficult times. Acknowledge your efforts and understand that it's okay to make mistakes as you learn and grow.
• Seek help when needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you’re struggling with your mental health. Whether it’s talking to a therapist, counselor, or trusted friend, seeking help can be a sign of strength.

Resources for student support

To summarize, here are a few affordable or free resources for student mental health support:

• Local clinics. You may be able to find free or low-cost counseling services at your local free clinic or community health center.
• Your on-campus mental health center. Many college campuses have an on-site health center or college counseling center that provides therapy and psychiatric services for students.
• National mental health organizations. Organizations like the Jed Foundation, the Mental Health Coalition, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offer resources online specifically related to student mental health.
• Online therapy. With a platform like BetterHelp, busy students can meet with a licensed therapist from anywhere they have an internet connection and at times that work best for them.

Feeling stressed out by college?

Navigate the journey with a therapist

Benefits of online therapy for students

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp offer flexible, convenient, and cost-effective mental health support. With licensed therapists available to speak with via video, phone, or in-app messaging, you can receive therapy from the comfort of your dorm room or anywhere with an internet connection—and all for a cost comparable to many insurance co-pays.

A growing body of research suggests no measurable difference in effectiveness between in-person and online therapy in many cases, and the flexibility of virtual sessions may be preferable for busy college students. With tools and features like group sessions, digital therapy worksheets, and guided journaling, you can make progress faster and get the most out of your mental health investment.