How do I see a therapist when I have no money?

Asked by: Andrew Hartmann III  |  Last update: March 20, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (24 votes)

How to make therapy affordable
  1. First, check your insurance.
  2. Ask your therapist about sliding scale options, discounted rates, or shorter sessions.
  3. Meet with a psychologist in training.
  4. Look into community mental health centers.
  5. Check out online therapy services or see if your therapist offers online sessions.

How do I get therapy when I have no money?

You can go to your nearest community mental health center where they usually provide counseling services on a sliding-scale, meaning that you pay based on your income. Also, you can call local free clinics (medical) where often times they offer free of reduced-rate counseling.

How to see a therapist for free?

Yes, there are several online sites that offer free counseling services. Some popular options include Better Help, 7 Cups, and Crisis Text Line. These platforms provide confidential and convenient access to licensed therapists and counselors who can offer support and guidance for a variety of mental health issues.

How to afford therapy when you're broke?

Sliding scale therapy or sign up for a simple class (gym/yoga) at a local community college. Once the health fee and tuition is covered, you can see a therapist at the health center.

Can you get therapy if you're poor?

Yes, you can reach out to your local community mental health agency or find a practitioner who will work on a sliding scale. Oftentimes practices have interns who see clients for a reduced fee. Openpathcollective.com may have some leads. Also check with your school's counseling center!

Money Anxiety: Tips from a therapist

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How many people need therapy but can't afford it?

Just over 10% of American adults with a mental illness do not have health insurance, the report found, representing nearly six million people. Almost a quarter of adults who experience 14 or more mentally unhealthy days a month could not afford to see a clinician, a 2% increase from the previous year.

Is online therapy cheaper than in person?

Online therapy can be cheaper than in-person therapy due to reduced overhead costs. In some cases, insurance may cover some or all the cost of a therapy session. However, there may be a limit to the number of sessions a person can access with insurance.

How to heal trauma if you can't afford therapy?

If you have a smartphone, there are free mental health apps for meditation, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) support. There're also podcasts on mental health and recovery. While these tools can't replace traditional therapy in all cases, they can be highly beneficial.

Is there financial aid for therapy?

Many Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) provide mental health services on a sliding-fee scale based on ability to pay. These facilities must meet strict requirements to be eligible for government funding. Some private therapists will make income-based arrangements with patients.

What if therapy is too expensive but I need help?

Making Therapy Affordable. There are a number of ways to search for affordable therapy, each with its drawbacks: community mental health services for those who qualify, consulting your insurance company if you have one, using a digital platform that offers lower cost therapy or trying group therapy.

Is there a therapy app for free?

MindShift CBT

Free content, including cognitive behavioral therapy strategies to address general worry, social anxiety, and panic.

How much does 7 cups of therapy cost?

7 Cups Cost & Insurance

There is also an option to purchase premium services, which offer additional chats and growth paths for $7.99 monthly. There are more plan options which include messaging therapy ($159 monthly) and talk therapy ($299 monthly) with licensed therapists.

How to not pay for therapy?

University Counseling Departments: Some universities offer free or low-cost therapy to people willing to see a student or therapy trainee. Community Counseling Centers: Community mental health centers, other public mental health agencies, and mental health non-profits nearly always offer sliding scale rates.

What if my friend needs therapy but can t afford it?

If your friend doesn't have insurance or can't afford certain treatment options, there are community centers and organizations that offer free counseling, government agencies that offer mental health services, as well as therapists who work on a sliding fee scale.

Is there a way to get free therapy?

Connect with a free mental health organization like NAMI or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to access local resources. Search for local support groups hosted near you. Some platforms, such as BetterHelp and its specialty sites ReGain and Teen Counseling, offer financial aid.

How can I get money if I'm struggling?

Facing financial hardship
  1. Food assistance. ...
  2. Unemployment benefits. ...
  3. Welfare benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ...
  4. Emergency housing assistance. ...
  5. Rental assistance. ...
  6. Help with utility bills. ...
  7. Government home repair assistance programs.

When you can't afford therapy anymore?

Look into Therapy Funds From Organizations

A therapy fund offers money to cover a certain number of therapy sessions. The Loveland Foundation and The National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network are just a few funds you can apply to.

How to get therapy if I'm poor?

How Can I Get Therapy for Free?
  1. NAMI HelpLine. ...
  2. School Services. ...
  3. Religious/Community Organizations. ...
  4. Employee Assistance Programs. ...
  5. Medicaid. ...
  6. Medicare. ...
  7. Sliding Scale. ...
  8. Therapy With Health Insurance.

What are the 7 steps to healing trauma?

In This Article
  • Step 1: Acknowledge the Impact of Trauma on Your Life.
  • Step 2: Seek Professional Help for Emotional Healing.
  • Step 3: Build a Strong Support Network.
  • Step 4: Establish a Self-Care Routine That Works for You.
  • Step 5: Address the Physical Symptoms of Trauma.
  • Step 6: Reframe Painful Memories to Move Forward.

Can you heal yourself without therapy?

While therapy is often recommended for individuals who have experienced trauma, it is possible to heal without it. Self-care, such as practicing mindfulness, exercise, and spending time in nature, can be effective in reducing symptoms of trauma.

Is there such thing as free online therapy?

Free Online Therapy is an online mental health support platform for individuals and couples. It offers counseling services for depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and eating disorders. The website offers three types of chat support: volunteer, online therapy, and relationship counselor.

What are the disadvantages of Counselling?

Some potential drawbacks to seeking counselling may include the cost, time commitment, and the possibility of facing uncomfortable emotions or memories. It is important to carefully consider these factors before starting therapy to ensure it is the right choice for you.

Who is not appropriate for teletherapy?

Some mental health issues can make it very challenging to conduct an online session. These services may not be appropriate for people experiencing high suicidality, ADHD, schizophrenia, amongst others.

What is the number one reason people don't go to therapy?

The most common reasons people don't seek care: stigma, cost, lack of access, and misinformation about what mental health care is and what it can do.

How to get mental health care when you can't afford it?

Federally qualified health centers across the country provide mental health services, and many offer tele-counseling. They will help you even if you have no health insurance; you pay what you can afford based on your income. Use the health center locator tool to search for a health center by address, state, or county.