Where Can I Find A Free Psychologist? No- And Low-Cost Therapy Options
One major factor that often determines whether individuals actively seek out therapy is the cost. Working with a psychologist may be considered a luxury without health insurance, with an average price of around $100 to $200 per session in the US. For many, this cost can be out of budget when factored in for an average of one session per week for several months. Instead, individuals may seek mental health support through alternative methods like free or low-cost mental health clinics or forgoing therapy altogether.
If you are searching for therapy and mental health resources that you can afford, there are free psychologist alternatives that might cost nothing or little compared to the average rate. You're not alone if you're experiencing financial struggles. Many therapy providers offer sliding scales and financial aid to those who qualify.
Free or low-cost therapy options
Below are several free or low-cost therapy options available to clients around the US. Many larger cities have free mental health and medical clinics for those experiencing financial difficulties.
Sliding scale therapists
Therapists, psychologists, and other mental health workers sometimes work at an adjusted rate to aid clients unable to afford their typical hourly rates. They may adjust their regular rates based on a client's income, household size, and situation. If your insurance does not cover mental health services or you are unable to afford out-of-pocket treatment altogether, someone who works on a sliding scale may offer therapy in a more affordable range. You can search for a sliding scale therapist on an online psychologist directory that provides the option to filter providers by need.
Free therapy clinics
Although more insurance companies are providing care for mental illness since the passing of the Affordable Care Act, some providers may not take your plan, or providers in your network might have long waitlists. In these cases, you may be able to find a temporary or long-term provider through a free or low-cost mental health clinic.
Free behavioral health services often connect with psychologist volunteers and low-cost providers to offer low-income and underprivileged clients mental health services. Community healthcare clinics may have no fee or low-income-based programs that can provide the necessary care to anyone seeking it. The clinics may employ or contract student psychologists, psychotherapists, and counselors to keep costs low or non-existent. These clinics may also help you connect with resources in your area for housing, case management, food, insurance, or employment.
Mental health articles
Blogs by reputable scientific organizations, researchers, and universities can offer mental health articles spanning the entire spectrum of mental health and wellness. If you have questions regarding different therapy methods, mental health issues, or struggle with maintaining mental wellness, articles are a free resource to teach you new skills while you develop a plan for seeking care.
Note that articles do not replace the advice of a licensed mental health professional but can be a beneficial option as you consider seeking a provider.
Support groups
For many, it can feel intimidating to approach one-on-one therapy. Talking to a stranger about your challenging emotions, thoughts, and behaviors might initially feel overwhelming. If you're looking for a social or group environment, support groups can offer free support and connection with others experiencing similar concerns. These groups can allow you to interact with others, hear their stories, witness their journeys, and ask for advice.
There are different types of support groups that you can join, depending on what you're looking for. If you're more concerned with having a specific order of events and guidelines, a structured group can work through a set curriculum to teach skills and provide you with coping tools. One form of structured group therapy is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Note that group therapy is led by a therapist, whereas support groups are community groups that may not be led by a professional. Support groups are often free online or in-person, whereas therapy groups may cost around $20 to $100 per session.
College centers
If you're enrolled in a university or a community college, you might have free or low-cost university mental health services. Many colleges have mental health clinics or medical plans available to students, and services through the college clinic may be offered by graduate students or those going through their internships, allowing them to provide free or low-cost support.
Even if you're not a student, you may be able to receive low-cost support from a university student clinic, as the students are still learning. Some colleges also provide volunteer listeners, which is not the same as a licensed therapist, but instead offers an opportunity to speak to someone who is willing to listen and empathize.
Employment
Some employers offer free short-term counseling through an employment counseling line or a third-party provider. Reach out to your employer to find out the types of benefits provided to you under your employment.
Crisis hotlines
When some individuals are faced with intense unwanted emotions, they may experience hopelessness, distress, or panic. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please know that help is available immediately for free from a one-time crisis counselor. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, domestic violence, or any other type of psychological crisis that requires immediate help, consider reaching out to one of the following mental health resources:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Online therapy and app counseling
Clients might shy away from in-person therapy for many reasons other than cost.
Online therapy offers versatility if you have an hour's lunch break during a busy day of meetings or if you want to feel comfortable from your own home. Online counseling generally takes place through videoconferencing, but phone and text options may also be available.
Websites like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples offer affordable and convenient mental healthcare. Through these platforms, you can receive treatment directly from the comfort of your home in various non-invasive forms by choosing between chat, video, or phone sessions with a licensed therapist or counselor. Whatever you're most comfortable with, an online platform can work with you to ensure you find a provider that meets your preferences.
While free online therapy is hard to come by, studies have found that online therapy is more cost-effective than in-person therapy on most accounts and can also be as effective in treating specific mental health challenges and diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, or social anxiety disorder. You can reach out to an online therapist for any reason, whether you have a diagnosis or not.
Counselor reviews
“I don’t know what I would have done without Harry. I was in a super low place and I was not sure what my problems were or how to solve them, but he was able to help me get to the bottom of my problems and work through them. Today I am happy and feeling like myself again. He was so easy to talk to and worked with me whenever I needed him. Even on vacation he took time to call me and talk through whatever I was going through. I would highly recommend him.”
“Shannon is very knowledgeable and skilled in knowing how to use that knowledge to help others. She is also very compassionate and encouraging. I was skeptical about using a counseling service, but this experience has been incredible. I highly recommend Shannon to anyone who needs guidance or help through a difficult time in life. I gave her some enormous challenges, and nothing had been over her head. She has been a tremendous help to me.”
Takeaway
Regardless of the type of mental health support you're seeking, several options are available. Seeking help from a psychologist can be challenging if you're on a budget, but a few options offer financial aid, sliding scales, and free support for those who qualify. Consider contacting an option from the above list to get started.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Below are several frequently asked questions on the topic of free and low-cost mental healthcare.
How much does it cost to see a psychologist?
According to Forbes, it costs $100 to $200 per session to see an individual therapist and $175 to $275 to see a couples therapist in person. Online services, like those offered through BetterHelp and ReGain, range from $65 to $90 per session, with unique features that in-person therapy may not provide.
If you visit a sliding scale provider, they may offer therapy at $80 to $180 per session, depending on their average rate. Many online platforms also offer sliding scales and financial aid for those who qualify. If you're considering signing up for an internet-based service, contact the client success team to learn more about financial aid.
Can I talk to a psychologist online for free?
There are free online support services, such as hotlines, that are available for short-term support and crises. However, free support hotlines may be run by volunteers and do not offer long-term support. In addition, you might notice peer support chats or free online advice forums. Although these services may offer benefits, they aren't a replacement for a psychologist.
You may be able to find free therapy if you find an in-state provider that offers telehealth in your area and takes your insurance plan. For example, many therapists working in one-on-one practice offer video and phone sessions as a supplement to their regular sessions for clients. In these cases, clients with government health insurance plans like Medicaid and Medicare may be eligible for full coverage of telehealth services.
Does talking to a psychologist help?
Talking to a psychologist can be helpful and life-changing for many individuals. Over 41.7 million US adults saw a therapist in 2021, and the number is growing, showing how therapy has grown in popularity. In addition, there are over 400 therapy modalities and many formats to utilize, such as individual, couples, group, or family therapy.
Therapists are not only beneficial to those experiencing severe mental illness or the end of a relationship. You can seek therapy for any reason, from stress to moving or finding a new job. Counselors specialize in many areas of life, so seeking support can be a practical choice.
Do psychologists take insurance?
Many psychologists take insurance as a payment method or part of the payment method you'll use to cover the cost of therapy. If you are low-income, you may be able to get an insurance plan that comprehensively covers treatment, such as Medicaid or Medicare. You can check the government website for your state to check your eligibility or contact 211 for direct local resources. Psychologist directories may also be beneficial when looking for a provider in your area.
Is BetterHelp counseling free?
BetterHelp is not free but can be less expensive than traditional in-person counseling. BetterHelp costs $65 to $90 a week, billed every four weeks. For more information on BetterHelp's price, check out their FAQ. Note that BetterHelp does offer financial aid on a case-by-case basis.
Why is therapy so expensive?
Many costs may be associated with working as a therapist. For example, the rental space of a therapist's office can be high, and therapists often factor in transportation, lunch, and parking. Many therapists go to school for six to eight years to practice and pay for licensure and education.
Therapists are professionals working to offer their services for a living. The cost of sessions allows them to make a living and continue to provide compassion and care to their communities. Although many therapists offer volunteer work and community aid, they also work as employees or one-on-one practice providers and deserve compensation for their time.
Is there a hotline I can call just to talk?
Often, hotlines are designed to offer short-term and immediate mental health crisis support for challenges like suicidal thoughts, substance use crises, or abuse. If you call a crisis hotline and aren't in crisis, your session may be ended. However, if you're looking for peer support, friendship, or connection, there are many online forums, social media groups, support groups, and peer chat lines that you can use to talk to a non-professional about your thoughts, opinions, and ideas. In addition, through an online therapy service like ReGain or BetterHelp, you can have complimentary unlimited messaging with your therapist outside of your session cost.
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