What happens if you can't afford therapy?

Asked by: Miss Corine Muller  |  Last update: September 13, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (58 votes)

Ask about a sliding scale payment option if you can't afford therapy. Many therapists offer a sliding scale payment fee structure for clients. This means that your fee for a therapy session is based on your income. Therapists may state that they offer a sliding scale on their public profiles or websites.

What should I do if I can't afford a therapist?

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 get therapy if you're poor?

Affordable Therapy Options: 5 Things You Can Do Right Now
  1. #1. Check with Your Insurance Company.
  2. #2. Find Out if Your Employer Has An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  3. #3. Call Your Local University.
  4. #4. Ask Potential Therapists if They Offer Pro-Bono Services.
  5. #5. Look Into Community Resources.

When a client is unable to afford therapy it is possible?

Yes, it is possible for someone else to pay for therapy if you cannot afford it. Many people who cannot afford therapy rely on friends or family members to help cover the cost of treatment. Some therapists also offer sliding scale fees based on income or financial need, which can help make therapy more affordable.

What if therapy is too expensive but I need help?

Ask around to see if therapists near you have a ``sliding scale.'' That's where they have different levels of payment for folks who can't afford their full price. There are a good number out there who even offer a few client slots where it's totally free as a service to their community.

If you can't afford therapy, do this

41 related questions found

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 percent of Americans can't afford therapy?

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.

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.

Can a therapist give up on a client?

Ethically, psychologists must terminate treatment if they can't address a patient's needs, if the patient isn't benefiting from treatment over time, or in the event of an inappropriate multiple relationship that may impair objectivity or judgment or harm the patient.

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

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.

Can the average person afford therapy?

Those who do manage to begin therapy often cannot afford to keep going: A 2022 survey of 1,000 adults in therapy from Verywell Mind, a website overseen by mental health professionals, found that nearly a third stopped going to save money and almost half were worried about continuing to pay.

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 do you get therapy if you're broke?

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.

Can I get better without therapy?

Alternative options to therapy include exercise (like yoga and dance), meditation, art, music, journaling, and reading. Mental health apps are available to help support you as well. Animals can also be a great resource for emotional connection.

Why is therapy not free?

Reasons Not to Offer Free Mental Health Treatment

Low Resources may lower the quality of care. Abuse potential: giving away psychological treatment for free normalizes overconsumption among a population of people you think need it for, at best, the benefit of those who are sick. It only further postpones more.

How do I tell my therapist I can't afford therapy?

Ask your therapist about their sliding scale options

A sliding scale is an option that you can address before or during your first session with a therapist. Many therapists will adjust their hourly fee to match your income or base it on the financial resources you have to put towards therapy. You just have to ask.

What if I need therapy but it is too expensive?

Community organizations and local health clinics might offer low-cost or free therapy and other services in your area. Check with your local health department or use the Health Resources and Services Administration's online database to find community clinics and mental health centers.

How many people don t go to therapy because of the price?

In a 2022 survey of 1,000 therapy patients by the health and wellness site Verywell Mind, one-third of patients said they had canceled sessions because of excessive out-of-pocket costs, which averaged $178 a month.

What if I need counseling but can't afford it?

Look for a therapist who works on a sliding scale.

You can also can therapists individually and ask them if they adjust their fees for people who do not have insurance and cannot afford the full fee.

What is an unmet mental health need?

An unmet mental health need exists when someone has a mental health problem but doesn't receive formal care, or when the care received is insufficient or inadequate.

How many people pay out of pocket for therapy?

Over 60% of participants, including those with insurance, report that they pay out-of-pocket therapy costs, with a total average of $178 each month.

Who do I talk to if I can't afford therapy?

If you don't have insurance, you can still get free or low-cost mental health therapy. Check with professional organizations or ask about services at university clinics. Ask your therapist about sliding-scale payment options, and find out if there are resources at your job.

Is therapy for anxiety free?

Some organizations and therapists offer a set amount of free online therapy sessions to people experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. These few sessions may provide a person with enough insight to help them determine their next steps.