What should I do if I think I have Borderline Personality Disorder, but I can't afford therapy? Any good online resources for free treatment?

Hi there! You have already taken the important first step and sought professional help. I commend you for this as it is not always an easy thing to do. There are often many factors at play when it comes to mental health challenges. If you believe you’re living with a psychiatric disorder, consider consulting with a licensed healthcare provider. A mental health or medical professional can provide you with screenings and determine whether further testing, a diagnosis, and treatment are necessary.

That being said I would strongly encourage you to seek out a mental health therapist who specializes in borderline personality disorder. There is a type of therapy known as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) that has shown to be effective in treating borderline personality disorder. When looking for a therapist I encourage you to ‘interview’ a few in order to make the best possible decision. Ask them questions you feel are important for you to know. This can also help you get a feel for whether or not you think you will connect, as that is a very important part of the therapeutic relationship. As for online resources for free treatment, the only options may be support groups and forums.

Affordable psychotherapy is available through various means. If you have insurance, try to find therapists who take your insurance. Many BetterHelp therapists are now accepting insurance from certain carriers—and the average copay is around $23 for eligible members. Eligibility for coverage depends on plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can learn more about potential coverage here. If your carrier does not cover mental health services, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription plan may still be an option for you, with costs ranging from $70 to $100 per week (billed weekly or every four weeks).

You may also find local providers who can help address your concerns. Some therapists take on pro bono (free) cases, and others offer sliding-scale pricing, so ask around for those options as well. When calling around to find a therapist, if you find they are unable to provide free services you can always ask them if they know of someone or somewhere that does. I've learnt in life that it is always worth asking. In addition, you may find low cost or free therapy services at community mental health agencies. If you are in the US, the resource number 211 should be able to provide you with that. I wish you all the best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does BetterHelp take insurance?

Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and availability. When sessions are covered, members who have a copay typically pay an average of about $19 per session.

What insurance plans are accepted on BetterHelp?

Many independent providers on BetterHelp accept insurance from major carriers, including Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and several state-specific Blue Cross Blue Shield plans such as Anthem, CareFirst, and Highmark. Coverage varies by state and by provider availability.

Don’t see your insurance plan? BetterHelp is working with major insurance carriers across the United States to provide affordable therapy through insurance. Until then, our flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from our extensive therapist network, with subscriptions around $70-$100/week*.

*Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.

What types of therapy are typically covered by insurance?

Insurance often covers individual therapy, family and couples counseling (when deemed medically necessary), psychiatric services including medication management, and online therapy options. Please note that providers on BetterHelp do not prescribe medications. 

Contact your insurance provider directly using the number on your insurance card, check online member portals, or ask your therapist to verify your coverage to learn more.

What costs should I expect when using insurance for therapy?

You may have copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses depending on your plan. Reviewing your insurance coverage can help you understand these costs.

If insurance doesn’t fully cover therapy costs, there are options that include:

• Using health savings accounts (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Seeking providers who offer sliding scale fees or payment plans
• Exploring community mental health resources
• Checking with your employer to see if they offer EAPs that provide free or low-cost therapy sessions to employees and their families

How can I find out if my insurance covers therapy?

To find out if your insurance covers therapy, start by calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. 

Provide your policy details and ask specific questions about your mental health benefits, including:

• Coverage for therapy sessions
• Copays
• Session limits
• Whether your preferred therapist is an in-network provider. 

You can also ask your therapist or their office to verify your insurance coverage before beginning treatment. Additionally, many insurance companies offer online member portals where you can check your coverage details and find in-network therapists.

Is online therapy covered the same as in-person therapy?

Yes, many insurance plans cover online therapy (telehealth) at the same level as in-person therapy sessions. 

Under federal laws like the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurance companies are required to provide comparable coverage for mental health care delivered via telehealth. Coverage applies when services are provided by licensed therapists or providers.