Therapy can be very helpful for many individuals; unfortunately not everyone can afford it. Luckily, there are resources that may help overcome financial constraints.
Therapists offer sliding scale rates based on income. Group therapy and support groups are another great resource, frequently available free online or locally.
1. Talk to your therapist
Idealistically, all those in need of therapy would have access to it; unfortunately, therapy is costly and not everyone can afford it. There are multiple solutions for accessing therapy when funds are short – including negotiating rates or searching for low-cost therapists; using online services offering affordable therapies might also be viable options.
Rather, if you find that therapy has become financially prohibitive for any reason, the first thing to do should be talking with your therapist about it. Therapists are trained to listen without judgment and understand that financial situations change from year to year; by being open about what your budget can afford and honest in discussing what that might look like, most likely your therapist will work together with you on setting an affordable monthly rate that works both ways.
Some therapists offer sliding scale fees that depend on your income level; Psychology Today Therapist Finder indicates whether these therapists do, but you can call or email individual ones directly if this option applies. You should also look out for “pro bono” or “low cost” therapists offered by agencies and private therapists that will offer therapy free or at reduced costs.
Be mindful that even though you cannot pay your therapist now, that doesn’t mean their services don’t deserve payment in the future. Just as with you and other forms of employment, therapists need to be compensated for their work as much as you need to balance personal and professional lives – as with anyone, therapists have bills they need to cover as well as mental health needs of their own to address.
Your options to lower costs also include asking your therapist for shorter sessions or meeting less often, which can reduce costs. Keep in mind, however, that experts typically do not advise meeting less than weekly. Another alternative may be using counseling clinics at colleges or universities run by graduate students under supervision from licensed therapists – offering discounted or even free sessions! Additionally there are services such as OpenPath Collective which offer access to therapists charging between $30-60 per session as members.
2. Ask for a payment plan
If the cost of therapy is straining your finances, consider asking your therapist about payment plans. Many offer sliding scale spots which allow clients to pay according to their income level; typically these sessions cost less than their standard fee allowing top-quality care without the full price tag.
Some therapists in addition to offering sliding-scale fees also accept Medicare and Medicaid plans, which is particularly helpful if you don’t have commercial health insurance as these public plans usually offer greater coverage than their private counterparts. You can search Psychology Today’s directory of providers who accept these plans or ask your therapist to compile an invoice (also called an encounter form or superbill) that can be submitted back to your insurer to be reimbursed by them.
People who have access to pre-tax healthcare accounts such as an HSA or FSA may consider paying upfront for sessions before being reimbursed through these accounts later. If your therapist offers this option, make sure they know about it during your first meeting so they can arrange the details accordingly.
As part of larger healthcare organizations, some therapists may offer payment plans tailored specifically for individuals facing high medical expenses. You could also consult your local community mental health clinic which may offer low or no cost counseling options for those in need.
Though these methods are effective, it should be noted that using apps like Venmo or PayPal for therapy payments may not always be safe; such services do not comply with HIPAA-compliant standards and could expose your personal data to hackers. If therapy sessions are beyond your budget or needs, consider calling your local mental health hotline for support in finding alternative resources that meet both. They are usually run by cities and counties and the people answering can offer guidance in finding low-cost or free local resources that can meet them better.
3. Join a support group
Support groups–both in person and online–offer an invaluable opportunity for individuals who share similar experiences to come together and discuss them freely. Although these support groups should not serve as replacements for individual therapy sessions, they can serve as valuable additions to your mental health care plan.
Support groups offer more than an opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals; they’re also an effective way to learn coping techniques and connect with resources available to you that may assist with dealing with challenges that you’re currently experiencing.
When selecting a support group, make sure it suits your individual needs. Think carefully about its purpose – is it mutual support, 12-step help group or therapy group? Additionally, inquire as to fees involved and where meetings will be held (library meeting rooms can often be booked at no charge or for nominal costs).
Make sure the group discussion remains confidential by inquiring if the leaders or members have undergone training and agree to keep your discussions private, as well as whether any participants are mandated reporters; people legally bound to report certain crimes such as abuse.
At first it may feel daunting to open up about your personal struggles to strangers, but it can be beneficial to explore various support groups until you find one that resonates. If one group doesn’t work for you don’t give up; there are various alternatives including sliding-scale therapy and community programs as well as mental health apps and peer support groups which could offer alternatives that might better meet your needs.
Accessing mental health care should not depend on your ability to afford it; alternative options like these can help you overcome financial barriers and start working toward feeling your best. By checking with your insurance company, requesting a sliding scale rate, and joining the right support group you can begin getting assistance you require.
4. Talk to your insurance company
Realizing you require therapy can be a challenging feat, yet finding support may prove even harder. Cost can sometimes become an impassible obstacle.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are affordable solutions out there – from finding an online therapist or therapy app, asking your therapist about sliding-scale rates or using your health savings account (HSA), there are options out there available to you.
DeBonis suggests reaching out to your insurance provider for support; begin by reviewing your Summary of Benefits and Coverage document which should have been sent directly to you or made available on their health insurance website; this should outline any mental health coverage including network providers and copays.
Alternatively, some insurance companies offer therapy funds that you can apply for to cover certain sessions of therapy if the copay is too costly for you to afford. Loveland Foundation provides such a fund dedicated to marginalized identities; other providers may have similar funds. Though these are temporary solutions, they can give you time and flexibility in your search for another therapist or service that better meets your needs.
