How to Find Affordable Therapy

How Can I Find A Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Therapist I Can Afford? Social workers with a masters degree (MSW), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), psychologists (four to six years of training and study to earn a doctoral degree such as a PhD or PsyD), and psychiatrists (medical doctors who attend medical school to earn an MD and specialize in psychiatry) can all administer psychotherapy but for the most part, only MDs and NPs (nurse practitioners) can prescribe medication to treat mental illness. The level of training is usually reflected in their fees and unfortunately—even if you have health insurance—many insurance companies do not cover the costs of therapy. When searching for a counselor it's easy to become discouraged by the choices, the costs, and unfortunately the lack of availability in some parts of the country. Out of pocket therapy typically costs anywhere from $100 to $200, with costs on the higher end in urban areas (expensive cities like San Francisco and New York, for example). Don't let the process tempt you to end the hunt and find other ways to cope with life. It's true lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep and regular exercise can be enormously beneficial for your mental health, but meeting regularly with a mental health professional can be an invaluable resource. Don’t give up on connecting to a counselor before you take a closer look at what’s available online, through little-known programs your employer may offer, and within your own community. Affordable Therapy Options Affordable Therapy Options: 5 Things You Can Do Right Now During the pandemic, online therapy exploded and many of us received treatment from the comfort of our own homes. Support groups, both online and in-person, and peer counseling are typically more affordable options where you work through challenges related to addiction and other mental health struggles with people (peers) who have lived through similar experiences. And you may even find free therapy services in your neighborhood. Let’s take a look at a couple of strategies for finding affordable therapy with the right therapist. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the right therapist at your first appointment. It can take a few attempts to find the right fit. #1. Check with Your Insurance Company Before you pay out-of-pocket for therapy, always check with your insurance provider for local therapists that may take your insurance. You may have a very small co-pay and not know it, so it never hurts to confirm with your provider. If you have out-of-network benefits, many therapists can also provide you with paperwork that you can submit to your provider for reimbursement. Just make sure that the reimbursement rate is worth paying out of pocket. #2. Find Out if Your Employer Has An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) As employee burnout has increased, many employers are taking note. Some companies provide a little-known benefit called an employee assistance program or EAP. If you aren't sure if your company has this benefit, it makes sense to investigate. If your employer has an EAP, you may qualify for a limited number of free counseling sessions. Many employees are hesitant to ask about counseling at work, but your therapist will keep your information confidential. Employers want their employees to take advantage of the services they offer and to practice good self-care, so talk with your human resources (HR) representative about EAP services. These services might also include additional wellness classes or other resources in addition to therapy. If you’re concerned that your counseling appointments might be recorded in your personnel file, ask your HR representative about confidentiality policies regarding EAP programs. #3. Call Your Local University If you live in a city or a college town, universities are often the best place to get low-cost (or even free) therapy. If you’re a student, you’re usually entitled to at least a few sessions with a campus psychologist or counselor. But almost any university will have a graduate training clinic where students are learning to be therapists or psychologists. These clinics are usually open to the public, and they offer sliding scales fees that can be as low as $1. Don’t feel nervous about meeting with a graduate student who’s learning the ropes. They’re working under the supervision of experienced professionals, and they’re likely to dedicate more time to thinking about how to help you than a seasoned professional with a full caseload. If you feel more comfortable working with a counselor of a specific gender or race, most university clinics will make an effort to match you with your preference. #4. Ask Potential Therapists if They Offer Pro-Bono Services You have nothing to lose by emailing a few expensive therapists and asking them if they offer a sliding scale fee based on income or do pro-bono work. The ethical codes of most mental health professionals strongly suggest that they take on at least one or two pro bono clients to serve the public. And even if they say no, they’re likely to have good referral information about community clinics and other low-cost options in your community. #5. Look Into Community Resources Even if you live in a small community, you might be surprised by the mental health resources that may be available to you. Community centers, hospitals, schools, and places of worship sometimes offer free or low-cost counseling. Many community organizations also host peer-support groups (groups run by people facing the same issues) and recovery groups which can provide additional care. If you’re unsure where to get started, you can call 211 (a government-established hotline that connects people to community or government agencies) or a local clinic. Chances are someone will be able to connect you to the right resources. Also, if you’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness, you may qualify for psychiatric and behavioral health services from your state. Contact your state’s department of health to see if you qualify for these services. Affordable Therapy Resources If there aren’t a lot of resources in your community, don’t hesitate to try out an online telehealth service. These services can help you flesh out thoughts and concerns you might have before seeking therapy, and many sites will match you with counselors who are a good fit for you. Here, some online options to investigate: OpenPath Psychotherapy Collective, a non-profit nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing in-office and online mental health care—at a steeply reduced rate—to individuals, couples, children, and families in need. OpenPath works through a one-time membership fee of $59.00. Better Help's mission, according to the company's website, is to "make professional counseling accessible, affordable, convenient—so anyone who struggles with life’s challenges can get help, anytime, anywhere." The service connects individuals, couples, and the parents of struggling teenagers with therapists all over the country. Teen Counseling offers counseling by text, phone, or video through a network of 6,000 licensed therapists who "help teens thrive". The website has content for both teens and parents including FAQs, questionnaires, and consent forms (for teens), and reviews of therapists. If you’re experiencing a crisis, never hesitate to call a hotline and share what’s going on with you. If you aren’t sure what hotline to call, you can always call 211. When it comes to searching for a therapist, don’t be discouraged on day one. Having conversations with local resources, your employer, your insurance company, and online resources can help direct you towards the right therapist for you. You don’t have to jeopardize your bank account to prioritize your mental health and your future.