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Cost Is a Barrier
Tips for Saving Money
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Deciding tostart therapyis a wonderful and brave first step. Unfortunately, many people find that once they start looking for therapy options, many are simply unaffordable.This is a common problem, and can make the task of enteringtherapythat much more stressful.
Thankfully, there are quite a few ways to find more affordable therapy and even free options in some cases. Read on for more information for some tips on how to save money on therapy.
What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session
The Cost of Therapy Is a Common Barrier
One in five people experiences a mental health issue each year, with 1 in 20 people experiencing a severe mental health condition. Mental health issues don’t just affect adults either—each year, 1 in 6 kids aged 6-17 experience a mental health issue.
50% of People Don’t Get TreatmentUnfortunately, about 50% of people who experience mental illness don’t get the treatment that they need.There are many reasons for this—including the stigma surrounding going to therapy, being uninformed of mental health care available to you, and living too far from a mental health professional or facility.
50% of People Don’t Get Treatment
Unfortunately, about 50% of people who experience mental illness don’t get the treatment that they need.There are many reasons for this—including the stigma surrounding going to therapy, being uninformed of mental health care available to you, and living too far from a mental health professional or facility.
Cost Is the Number One Reason People Don’t Attend Therapy
According to a 2021 study published inSSM - Population Health, the number one reason why people don’t enter therapy, even when they believe that they should, is an inability to afford it.
Statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report similar findings. Its 2018 data found that a whopping 39% of people citeaffordabilityas the reason they can’t go to therapy, while data from Mental Health America for 2022 reported that nearly 30% of people with a cognitive disability were unable to receive care due to the cost.This was the number one reason given for not going to therapy and ranked even higher than believing that you can solve a mental health problem on your own or not having time for therapy.
Cost Remains Significant Barrier to Therapy Access, 2022 Verywell Mind Survey Finds
Tips for Saving Money on Therapy
Start By Calling Your Health Insurance Company
If you havehealth insurance, the first thing to do is to contact your health insurance company. It’s best to call your carrier directly rather than searching for information online, especially since policies often change, and are very specific to the exact type of insurance you have through a particular company. Your insurance company may also be able to provide you with a list of in-network therapists.
Even though theMental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008requires insurance companies to cover mental health services the way they cover physical health services, some insurance companies still don’t cover therapy at all, or their coverage is so limited that it can’t help you. That can be very frustrating and distressing. But you should know that there are still budget-friendly options out there for you.
The 8 Best Online Therapy Services that Accept Insurance, Tried and Tested
Cost-Saving Options
About 11% of adults with mental health conditions don’t have health insurance.But even if you have health insurance, it can be difficult to find a provider who is in-network with your plan, has the expertise that you need, and has availability in your schedule to see you. The good news is that there are quite a few budget-friendly options out there:
Find a Training Clinic
As part of their training to become therapists, student therapists have to put in practice hours. Contacting a university or therapist training center and asking for a therapist-in-training is a low-cost way to receive therapy.
Therapists in Training Are Supervised
Look Into Lower Cost Clinics
Some ways to connect with low-cost clinics include:
Ask About Sliding Scales
Many therapists will offer sliding scale fees for their services, meaning that they will offer their services at reduced rates for certain individuals.
Explain Your Financial SituationSometimes a therapist will ask you to provide proof of financial hardship, such as Medicaid cards or other forms of government assistance. Other times, you can discuss your particular financial situation with them and they will let you know if they can offer you a reduced rate. It never hurts to ask!
Explain Your Financial Situation
Sometimes a therapist will ask you to provide proof of financial hardship, such as Medicaid cards or other forms of government assistance. Other times, you can discuss your particular financial situation with them and they will let you know if they can offer you a reduced rate. It never hurts to ask!
You can also search online directories for therapists who offer slide scales or lower-cost services. Some places to look include:
Consider Online Therapy
Online therapyhas become a popular option for many people because it means being able to connect with a therapist without leaving your home. This can be a good option for people who have trouble finding time to see a therapist or who don’t have many therapists available in their geographic area. Online therapy is often less expensive than in-person therapy as well.
Get Help NowWe’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.
Get Help Now
We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.
If you can’t afford low-cost therapy, you don’t have to give up. There are several free options that you should be aware of.
Online Support Groups
There are many online support groups and forums that you may find helpful. You can search for groups that are specific to whatever mental health conditions you are struggling with and get support from people who share your challenges.
It’s important to note that support groups are not the same as therapy, even group therapy.
Reminder
How Can I Find Support Groups Near Me?
Religious Counsel
If you are religious or open to religious counsel, you can visit your place of worship and ask to speak to a clergyperson. They may be able to help you and can provide a safe space for you to share your feelings. They may also be able to connect you with a free therapist or counselor. You can also try theAmerican Association of Pastoral Counselorsto find a clergyperson who is trained in counseling.
The Best Online Christian Counseling Services, Tried and Tested
Support Organizations
The Trevor Projectis an organization that supports LGBGTQ+ youth and offers free online chat, texting, and phone counseling to young people in need.
The Gift of Mental Wellness: Where to Find Free Therapy Online
A Word From Verywell
It’s difficult enough living with a mental health condition. Not being able to afford therapy is an unfair added stress that no one should be burdened with. There are many resources out there to help you find an affordable solution, so that you can get the care you need and deserve. If looking into these options is overwhelming, consider asking a trusted loved one to help you on your search. You don’t have to do this alone.
How to Find a Therapist
8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Coombs NC, Meriwether WE, Caringi J, et al.Barriers to healthcare access among U.S. adults with mental health challenges: A population-based study. SSM - Population Health. 2021;15:100847. doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2021Prevalence data 2024. Mental Health America. (n.d.). https://mhanational.org/issues/2024/mental-health-america-prevalence-dataNational Alliance on Mental Illness.Mental Health By the Numbers.National Alliance on Mental Illness.The Doctor is Out.Muhorakeye O, Biracyaza E.Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Services Utilization at Kabutare District Hospital of Rwanda: Perspectives From Patients. Frontiers in Psychology. 2021;12:638377. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.638377Access to care data 2022. Mental Health America. (n.d.-a). https://mhanational.org/issues/2022/mental-health-america-access-care-data#sixConroy J, Lin L, Ghaness A.Why people aren’t getting the care they need. Monitor on Psychology. 2020;51(5):21.Lee J.Strategies to Afford Mental Health Treatment. National Alliance on Mental Illness.
8 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Coombs NC, Meriwether WE, Caringi J, et al.Barriers to healthcare access among U.S. adults with mental health challenges: A population-based study. SSM - Population Health. 2021;15:100847. doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2021Prevalence data 2024. Mental Health America. (n.d.). https://mhanational.org/issues/2024/mental-health-america-prevalence-dataNational Alliance on Mental Illness.Mental Health By the Numbers.National Alliance on Mental Illness.The Doctor is Out.Muhorakeye O, Biracyaza E.Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Services Utilization at Kabutare District Hospital of Rwanda: Perspectives From Patients. Frontiers in Psychology. 2021;12:638377. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.638377Access to care data 2022. Mental Health America. (n.d.-a). https://mhanational.org/issues/2022/mental-health-america-access-care-data#sixConroy J, Lin L, Ghaness A.Why people aren’t getting the care they need. Monitor on Psychology. 2020;51(5):21.Lee J.Strategies to Afford Mental Health Treatment. National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Coombs NC, Meriwether WE, Caringi J, et al.Barriers to healthcare access among U.S. adults with mental health challenges: A population-based study. SSM - Population Health. 2021;15:100847. doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2021Prevalence data 2024. Mental Health America. (n.d.). https://mhanational.org/issues/2024/mental-health-america-prevalence-dataNational Alliance on Mental Illness.Mental Health By the Numbers.National Alliance on Mental Illness.The Doctor is Out.Muhorakeye O, Biracyaza E.Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Services Utilization at Kabutare District Hospital of Rwanda: Perspectives From Patients. Frontiers in Psychology. 2021;12:638377. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.638377Access to care data 2022. Mental Health America. (n.d.-a). https://mhanational.org/issues/2022/mental-health-america-access-care-data#sixConroy J, Lin L, Ghaness A.Why people aren’t getting the care they need. Monitor on Psychology. 2020;51(5):21.Lee J.Strategies to Afford Mental Health Treatment. National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Coombs NC, Meriwether WE, Caringi J, et al.Barriers to healthcare access among U.S. adults with mental health challenges: A population-based study. SSM - Population Health. 2021;15:100847. doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2021
Prevalence data 2024. Mental Health America. (n.d.). https://mhanational.org/issues/2024/mental-health-america-prevalence-data
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Mental Health By the Numbers.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.The Doctor is Out.
Muhorakeye O, Biracyaza E.Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Services Utilization at Kabutare District Hospital of Rwanda: Perspectives From Patients. Frontiers in Psychology. 2021;12:638377. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.638377
Access to care data 2022. Mental Health America. (n.d.-a). https://mhanational.org/issues/2022/mental-health-america-access-care-data#six
Conroy J, Lin L, Ghaness A.Why people aren’t getting the care they need. Monitor on Psychology. 2020;51(5):21.
Lee J.Strategies to Afford Mental Health Treatment. National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Hannah Owens, LMSW
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