Online & Low Cost Counseling For Mental Health
Researchers estimate that over 60 million U.S. adults received mental health care or therapy in 2024. Regardless of whether you have a mental health diagnosis or a concern about specific difficulties, therapy may help empower you to live the life you want, foster better habits, and improve your health through sleep hygiene, self-care, and unique coping mechanisms.
There can be many factors to consider when looking for affordable therapy. For example, some insurance providers may offer mental health care coverage through your health insurance plan. You might also consider whether you prefer in-person sessions or an online service. Online therapy services at BetterHelp are often covered by FSA/HSA plans, which may allow you to save on mental health care. Once you find the right fit at the right price, your mental health care journey can begin.
It's easy to pay with your FSA/HSA!
Simply enter your FSA or HSA card on the Payment page. We accept both FSA and HSA cards, and therapy is an eligible expense for most providers!
Affordable counseling
The opportunity to address mental health concerns in individual therapy, family therapy, or couples therapy can significantly improve mental health. However, despite the benefits available through counseling, many individuals find that the $100 to $200 cost per session of in-person therapy makes it difficult to receive mental health services, like grief counseling, trauma-informed care, or treatment for mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. In these cases, low-cost online therapy services can allow you to receive the support you seek, whether for mental health concerns or relationship challenges.
Finding affordable counseling
A financial event like losing a job, experiencing divorce, or losing a sum of money can cause stress, and you may worry that you won’t be able to afford to receive therapy due to it. In these cases, low-cost counseling or targeted financial aid may be an option.
Financial worries may cause stress — and cause individuals to feel unable to receive support due to therapy costs. Socioeconomic conflicts may also cause mental health symptoms in certain circumstances.
Below are a few ways you can proceed if you determine that you cannot afford therapy services. Although not all options are a replacement for professional therapy, they may help you find resources or helpful information in your area.
Types of Services Offered
Thanks to the availability of low-cost counseling options as well as financial assistance for those who qualify, it’s possible to find affordable mental health care. Often, you can find options for individual therapy, couples therapy, and even family therapy in some cases. Consider your needs, so you can find the right fit. Often, people experiencing mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder benefit most from individual therapy. And couples therapy can help people in relationships learn communication and conflict resolution strategies to improve relationship dynamics. Moreover, online therapy can be an affordable option for many individuals, particularly those without a current health insurance plan. However, many online therapy platforms, such as BetterHelp, accept select insurance plans, which often makes mental health care more affordable.
Therapy with insurance, $19 average co-pay*
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers so you can access therapy affordably. Insured members pay an average co-pay of around $19 per session.
Find a covered therapist*Average co-pay based on insured BetterHelp members. Actual costs vary by plan, provider, and therapist availability.
Affordable counseling resources for mental health care
While the internet can contain misinformation, it may also provide helpful and legitimate tips and advice — such as how you can find a therapist in your area. You can target your searches to the condition, symptom, or conflict you’re experiencing.
For example, you may look for:
- Advice specifically for panic attacks
- Support for living with eating disorders
- Healthy ways to parent a young child
- A local foundation that offers financial support for mental health needs and services
- Free or low-cost self-help print books or e-books online to help you reduce stress
Some authors create workbooks with standard therapy practices that can be used to reduce anxiety, worry or stress. You may also be able to find these resources for free at your local library. If you don’t know where to start, look for recommended books or start with bestsellers. You may also choose to read advice articles or seek information on the website of a relevant organization. For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides information on various disorders through its What is Mental Health? page. If you’re looking for scientific studies, students may have entries through university libraries, or you can consider browsing a search engine like Google Scholar.
Affordable ways to access counseling and support
You may be able to gain knowledge from licensed mental health professionals via podcasts and videos. Consider watching TED Talks by psychologists or videos related to your symptoms. Often, these materials are motivational and can offer short-term tips and tricks to cope with various concerns. Many podcasts and videos are free while others may require a one-time membership fee.
Consider talking to a significant other, family, friend, mentor, or someone you trust. If you cannot find someone within your immediate support system, you can also look for support groups and clinics near you. If local groups do not meet face-to-face, you may be able to find communities online. Group therapy for mental health conditions and other concerns can also be an option. For example, group therapy for anger management provides participants with the opportunity to connect with people who are experiencing similar challenges. There may be online therapy options as well, so if you’re uncomfortable with in-person sessions, you can take advantage of virtual therapy in a group setting.
These areas may offer more affordable therapy cost options because support groups and clinics are live sessions often moderated by licensed mental health professionals or peers experiencing similar symptoms, with multiple clients receiving treatment at once. Some support groups may be free to attend.
If you’re spending money on items you don’t need, you can try to cut those costs to save up for therapy each month. For example, a five-dollar coffee daily can add up to $150 a month, which could be spent on one or two therapy sessions. Assess your spending priorities to decide if therapy is feasible for you.
Many traditional counselors offer a sliding scale fee structure at their jobs, meaning the counselors budget according to an individual’s income and financial ability. These counselors may be able to provide an open path towards more affordable care for those with a lower income. Another option is to look for clinics that train student interns. Often, services with these therapists-in-training are offered at a significant discount. These methods, as well as others, may help you find and pay for affordable counseling alternatives.
Guidance versus affordable counseling
To decide on the type of therapy you want to pursue, you may benefit from knowing the difference between guidance and counseling. Guidance is advice from an authority or subject matter expert. Your superior at work, a nurse, a career coach, or a religious leader may provide you with guidance. Guidance is often sought to resolve a problem negatively impacting your schooling, work, or family life.
Conversely, counseling is generally considered to be a service provided by a licensed professional to support personal or psychological concerns. Unlike guidance coaches, the providers offering counseling generally have a master’s or doctorate degree, clinical hours of experience, and an up-to-date license to counsel in their state. These professionals offer therapy, whereas those offering guidance may offer life coaching.
Financial support for low-cost and affordable counseling
Regardless of your financial situation, support may be available. Before making a choice, contact your primary care physician to enlist their help in finding a counselor to add to your healthcare team. They might be aware of programs in your community that offer affordable counseling. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist within your budget or help you find case management to help you find support. If you are living with a disability, have a low income, or are over a certain age, you might qualify for admittance to a program that can help. Talk to your local health services office to inquire about your eligibility for affordable in-person therapy options.
Checking your health insurance coverage for counseling and therapy sessions
If you have a health insurance plan, you may consider calling your health insurer to ask about coverage for insured members and any limitations involved for psychological or psychiatric services, including therapy and medication management. Keep in mind that BetterHelp therapists cannot prescribe medication, but they can refer you to a licensed psychiatrist who is authorized to write prescriptions.
An insurance plan may allow you to see a counselor a specific number of times per year. Many workers can also attend a limited number of counseling and therapy sessions for free through their employee assistance program. Ask someone in your company’s human resources department for more details.
BetterHelp now accepts insurance in
select states and plans
Resources to find affordable counseling
There are also free and affordable clinics that can direct you to a therapist or counselor. Various online groups sponsor affordable support groups as well, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA), and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
If you are in crisis or are contemplating suicide or self-harm, please consider reaching out to one of the hotlines below. The people who monitor these hotlines can give you appropriate resources and support for crises:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ lifeline): 1-866-488-7386.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline (Substance Use): 1-800-662-4357.
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline: 1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST).
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature.
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to COVID-19.
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673.
Nonprofit resources for guidance and support
Consider the following nonprofit resources for guidance:
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- The International OCD Foundation.
- The National Hospice and Palliative Care Association (NHPCO).
Online and In-Person Therapy Options
Affordable mental health care is available, whether you’re looking for in-person sessions or online therapy options. For those who prefer in-person therapy, clinics that offer sliding scale fees or host student interns may be the right fit. Individuals who prefer virtual counseling and/or unlimited messaging with your therapist may consider an online service such as BetterHelp.
BetterHelp low-income aid: Affordable counseling online
If you seek a licensed therapist to treat mental health symptoms, stress, or other life concerns, the costs of traditional therapy may represent a significant barrier. In these cases, online therapy may be hundreds of dollars cheaper per month than in-person therapy. For example, platforms like BetterHelp for individuals and Regain for couples cost $70 to $100 (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply) to have sessions with a qualified therapist. You can also apply for financial aid through both platforms.
In-Person Therapy
$100–$350 / session
- ✓ Licensed therapists
- ✗ Limited to office hours
- ✗ Commute required
BetterHelp
$70–$100 / week *
- ✓ Licensed therapists
- ✓ Messaging your therapist any time
- ✓ Live chat, phone, or video sessions
- ✓ Journaling
- ✓ Group Sessions & Classes
- ✓ Smart provider matching
- ✓ Switch therapists anytime
- ✓ Access from anywhere online
Talkspace
$99+ / week
- ✓ Qualified therapists
- ✓ Messaging included
- ✓ Video sessions (limited)
Additional Support Services and Modalities
When considering which online (or in-person) solution is the right fit for you, you may want to evaluate any additional mental or behavioral health services the platform offers. For example, do you need medication management or other psychiatric services? Are you looking for a provider who can offer coping strategies and trauma exercises or prescribe medication? In some cases, you might need to consider seeing more than one provider in order to meet various needs.
one or more self care & clinical tools
The effectiveness of affordable online counseling
Some people may wonder if an online service provides comparable quality when it comes to professional support. Mental health outcomes are often similar for couples and individual therapy, so the right fit could be a matter of preference. Online therapists can provide evidence-based virtual counseling, trauma-informed care, coping strategies, relaxation exercises, and more.
If online counseling is more affordable, are the counselors less effective?
Despite the lower cost, online therapy platforms can provide licensed, trained, experienced, and vetted therapists in a convenient way for many. This form of treatment has also been clinically suggested to deliver the same results in effectiveness as in-person options.
When to Consider Low-Cost Counseling
Counseling can benefit almost anyone. If you’re experiencing relationship conflicts, excessive stress, or symptoms of a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or substance use disorder, professional help could make all the difference. Low-cost therapy, whether virtual therapy or in-person sessions, means you can get the support you need without breaking the bank.
Affordable counseling online with BetterHelp low-income counseling
You can schedule communication through phone, video, or live message chat sessions with your therapist — and you can utilize resources like journal prompts, worksheets, and potential webinars through the app.
Takeaway
Finding low-cost therapy can be challenging at times.. However, there are many forms of professional support available with various pricing structures, including monthly subscriptions or a one-time membership fee. If you’re struggling to find the right fit in your area, you might consider online therapy, support groups or life coaching. If you want to learn more about how much virtual therapy may cost, you may consider reaching out to a therapist for further information and guidance. BetterHelp can connect you with an online therapist in your area of need, providing an open path to affordable and convenient therapy. Also, many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain insurance plans. Even without insurance coverage, BetterHelp can be affordable through its subscription service. Take the first step toward getting support and reach out to BetterHelp today.
Why is counseling so expensive, and what affects the cost?
In some cases, counseling can be expensive, and that can be due to a number of different factors, such as the therapist's experience, the type of counseling, the session length and frequency, and the cost of living in your geographical area. When paying for counseling, it can be helpful to keep in mind that you’re paying for the therapist’s time and expertise. Many therapists carry student loan debt from the years of education and training that are required to become a professional counselor. However, if you are concerned about finances and allotting payment for therapy, there are options available. For example, many therapists have sliding-scale fees. Your local health services office may answer some questions about what you may be eligible for.
Where do you find affordable or low-cost counseling options?
There may be many ways to afford a therapist, including finding a counselor who offers professional services on a sliding fee scale. You might also inquire about programs that reimburse the cost of mental health services, such as employer reimbursement and insurance reimbursement programs. You may also find a local foundation that offers financial assistance for mental health services. In addition, online therapy can be an affordable option for many people who have an account. Platforms such as BetterHelp may also offer a discount for a subscription plan. The cost of online therapy via BetterHelp ranges from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, with costs based on your location, referral source, and preferences, as well as any applicable discounts and therapist availability.
Is online counseling generally more affordable than in-person therapy?
Online therapy can be more affordable in many cases. Still, it’s widely considered as effective as traditional in-person therapy for many mental health issues. Online therapy can also increase available therapy for individuals who may not be comfortable attending a session in person. Moreover, there is also less need for paperwork associated with providers who accept insurance.
Is paying for counseling worth it for your mental health?
Whether paying for therapy is worth it is a personal opinion that might be based on many different factors, including your budget, the cost of therapy, and your mental health outcomes.
Can you get counseling or mental health support for free?
Free mental health support may be available through community mental health care centers, university training clinics, peer support groups, crisis support lines, and employee assistance programs. However, these services may have limited availability, lack certain resources, and may not be tailored to your specific needs. When free services are unavailable, you can take advantage of low cost therapy providers. Online therapy is usually more affordable than traditional, in-person therapy.
How much does counseling typically cost per session or per hour?
The cost of in-person counseling typically ranges from $100 - $200 per session, depending on the type of therapy, the location, and the provider's experience. Couples therapy, for example, may be more expensive since it involves more complex relationship dynamics. Online therapy is often more affordable than in-person therapy, with platforms like BetterHelp offering therapy sessions for $70 - $100. Many online platforms also accept health insurance, HSA, or FSA funds.
How many sessions of counseling do most people need to see progress?
Most people see noticeable improvements in mental health and well-being within 8 to 20 counseling sessions. However, the number of sessions needed to see progress can vary. For example, someone with severe depression may need more sessions than someone with mild depression. Regardless of the condition, an important aspect of counseling is to show up consistently. With ongoing effort, people tend to see the rewards.
Is online therapy as effective as traditional in-person therapy?
Research consistently shows online therapy to be an effective form of health care, with many studies finding no significant difference between online and in-person therapy. Online therapy offers convenience, flexibility, and lower costs, enabling people to maintain consistency over time. By attending sessions regularly, people are more likely to see beneficial results.
How do I know if I actually need therapy, and when should I seek help?
You may want to consider therapy if you’re experiencing relationship challenges, burnout, substance abuse, troubles with daily life, and / or negative emotions everyday – such as stress, anxiety, and sadness. Therapy isn’t just for formal diagnoses and crises but rather a chance to enhance well-being in daily life, improve relationships, work-life balance, and more.
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