Guide For Affordable Therapy And Budget-Friendly Counseling

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. Many school campuses and workplaces offer health care benefits, including in-person or teletherapy options for their students and employees. 

Depending on where you work, you may have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a 24/7, year-round program that provides mental health assessment, short-term counseling, referral, and coaching services to federal employees. 

4. Look For Group Therapy Or Support Groups

In many cases, group therapy 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, 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. Online therapy platforms like Open Path and BetterHelp can connect you to thousands of board-certified therapists who believe in the power of high-quality and accessible therapy.

As a client, you can “check in” to your appointments at a time and place that works best for you. 

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