What To Do If You Can’t Afford Therapy

What to do if you can't afford therapy or counseling.

What To Do If You Can’t Afford Therapy

What to do if you can't afford therapy or counseling.
What to do if you can’t afford therapy or counseling.

Do you know what to do if you can’t afford therapy? If you answered “No”, then you’re not alone and you’ve come to the right place. As private healthcare costs continue to rise and mental health continues to be stigmatized, often times mental healthcare is the first “benefit” that is cut. Those cuts leave hundreds of millions of people with no clue where to turn when they need therapy or counseling. Conversely, we know that mental health is just as important as physical health. Unfortunately, our culture hasn’t completely caught up yet and so we remain in the position we are in. Don’t despair. Thanks to technology and an awareness of the growing need, it is now easier then ever to find the mental health care you need.

We’ve collected a list of resources to help you get back in top mental shape and get you the therapy or counseling that you need to do so.

See If You’re Eligible For Subsidized Health Insurance

If you already have health insurance through your employer, go to the health insurance company website and find out what programs you are covered under. Mental health care of some kind is almost always covered under most plans. If not, the health insurance companies website may have low cost options lined up for you to take advantage of. Additionally, your employer itself may offer free or low cost mental health resources through their Employee Assistance Plan. Typically, you have to dig deep in your hand back or check with Human Resources to get the information.

If you do not currently have health insurance, log on to HealthCare.Gov immediately. The majority of the country is eligible for subsidized health insurance plans – all of which include comprehensive mental health care. Depending on your financial situation, the health insurance market places have high quality health insurance programs as low as $70 per month.

Check with Local Hospitals or Churches

If you belong to a religious organization, you may want to check with them (depending on what you feel comfortable talking to them about). Many churches, temples, mosques and houses of worship offer pastoral counseling. If that is too close for comfort for you, you can call them anonymously and ask if they have any therapists or counselors they work with. Many times, the services will be discounted for you.

You can also check with local hospitals. They are a great resource for people who may not be able to afford therapy as they often work with clinics or nearby Universities that have medical students giving free (or nearly free) counseling and therapy sessions as part of their program. You don’t have to worry about them being “uneducated” as these programs are overseen by highly experienced psychologists or psychiatrists who oversee the entire program and can help you, if requested.

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Use Sliding Scale Therapist Locators & Ask For a Cash Discount

Many therapists and counselors registered with national societies in their field will offer clients in need sessions based on a sliding scale of your income. The American Psychological Association has a Psychologist Locator tool that can put you in touch with licensed psychologists. The National Association of Social Workers lists their chapters by state for your convenience. Mental Health America has an Affiliate Search Tool that can put you in touch with therapists and counselors in your area.

Once you’ve found therapists and counselors for your area, print out the search results and begin calling one by one. You will want to tell them where you got their information and ask if they offer a cash discount or sliding scale for those without health insurance. You may have to go through a few of these phone calls, but you will find one who does and you will certainly be glad you invested your time.

Call 211

Another resource you could use is 211. Simply dialing 211 on your phone will connect you to your local health and human services department. Virtually all of them are manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. They have crisis lines that can help you immediately if needed, and will be able to put you in touch with your county or state’s Department of Health and Human Services during regular business hours to get you the care you need.

While it may seem overwhelming, you’ve already taken the biggest step by searching the internet and finding yourself here. You came here wondering what to do if you can’t afford therapy. You’re half way there, so begin your plan of action and get yourself back into the good health you deserve.

We hope you find this useful. If you have any suggestions for additional resources, please list them in the comments. 

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