A Guide To Affordable Therapy And Budget-Friendly Counseling
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 something affordable, though, the costs of counseling – 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 counseling even with mental health coverage.
If you’d like to work with a mental health professional, but you’re concerned about the cost, you have options for affordable counseling. In fact, in many cases, it’s possible to find free or discounted counseling. This article showcases affordable therapy options and budget-friendly counseling, so that you can implement quality mental health care into your self-care routine.
Where to find affordable therapy
Even if your finances are limited, it may be possible for you to find a professional, board-certified therapist through online therapy platforms or in-person therapy options while avoiding financial burden. If you’re searching for an affordable therapist, these five suggestions can get you started. Keep in mind that the process of finding a therapist 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 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-$45 per session.
2. Ask about sliding scale therapy
For patients without insurance, sliding scale providers can be an alternative. A sliding scale is a range of out-of-pocket fees that healthcare providers are willing to accept, based on the patient’s ability to pay. In consideration of your financial circumstances, these providers offer services at a reduced cost.
You can search for low-cost and sliding scale providers in your local area, or you may want to ask your current therapist or doctor about lower-cost counseling options. In many cases, they’re happy to connect you to organizations or individuals that can accommodate your budget.
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 counseling. Many school campuses and workplaces offer health care benefits through student health centers, including in-person or teletherapy 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 counseling, referral, and coaching services to employees. Your company’s HR department can typically let you know whether an employee assistance program is available.
4. Look for group therapy or support groups
In many cases, group 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 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. Try online therapy
Not everyone has the time or financial resources for traditional, in-person counseling. Additionally, many people struggle to afford traditional counseling. Affordable online platforms like Open Path and BetterHelp can connect you to thousands of mental health professionals who believe in the power of high-quality and available therapy. And online therapy services 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 counseling. It is important to note that medication management and diagnoses are not available through many online therapy services.
So, what does online therapy cost? In comparison to in-person therapy, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per session, online platforms like BetterHelp typically cost $65 to $90 per week, billed every four weeks.
Researchers have found that online therapy sessions can be just as effective as in-person 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 can effectively treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and adjustment disorder.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
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.
Additionally, the following organizations offer free crisis services and other general resources such as blogs and self-care “toolkits”, for example. These resources can offer both immediate advice and long-term support:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- 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): (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. Sometimes, they have personal experience with the concerns you’re facing and can guide you toward the next steps for treatment or support.
In our online era, these free 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.
BetterHelp therapist review
“Joanne far exceeded my expectations for therapy. I was very hesitant to try online counseling and Joanne made this so easy, productive, and beneficial. She was everything I needed to help me work through my issues and make a plan for a successful future. I look forward to our sessions and am so grateful I chose her as my therapist. We all need Joanne in our lives!” Read more on Joanne Shrock.
Takeaway
Professional mental health services should be available, affordable, and convenient – and these therapy options and online resources are working to make this vision a reality. With BetterHelp and other online platforms, affordable counseling or therapy is within reach.
As you begin your search, keep this guide handy. Regardless of your motivation for therapy, you deserve a compassionate, experienced professional who will honor your financial circumstances and mental health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Therapy
What type of therapy is most cost-effective?
The most cost-effective therapy will vary depending on your budget and where you live in the world. In regions where the cost of living is lower, you may find that in-person therapy is affordable enough for your budget.
In general, however, the most cost-effective therapies are usually group therapy and online therapy via BetterHelp and other platforms. If you have health insurance, the costs of mental healthcare could be even lower.
Even if you don’t have insurance, many therapists and counselors offer sliding scale fee options. In these cases, therapists will consider your finances and offer a lower-end fee if you’re unable to afford the full price of therapy sessions.
How much does a typical counseling session cost?
In the U.S., the cost of a typical therapy session ranges widely. According to Forbes Health, the average therapy session in the U.S. costs $100 to $200 without insurance.
People with health insurance may have a co-pay plan. Under this plan, patients pay a set fee or “co-pay” every session, ranging from approximately $15 to $45.
What are the most budget-friendly online counseling options?
One of the most budget-friendly online therapy options is BetterHelp, a platform with thousands of accredited mental health professionals. BetterHelp costs $65 to $90 per week and can match patients to online therapists in as little as 48 hours.
Another option is ReGain, an online therapy service that specializes in marriage and relationship counseling. This service may appeal to romantic partners or individuals who are navigating relationship obstacles. Like BetterHelp, ReGain costs $65 to $90 per session and focuses on professional therapy.
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