How to Find a Therapist at Every Cost Point: From Free Services to Finding a Counselor on Your Own
If you feel the need for a therapist, you’re not alone. Nearly half of Americans have seen a therapist at some point. However, getting started with therapy is not always easy. This is especially true if you don’t have a lot of money in the bank, but people at both low and high-income levels can struggle to find a therapist that is right for them. Fortunately, there are viable options for people at both ends of the spectrum, and anywhere in between.
Free Mental Health Services
If you’re in a position where you don’t want to be dishing out money that you don’t necessarily have, one option is to see if you’re eligible for Medicaid, which may pay for your mental health services, depending on your state. If not, then there are free services out there. Some colleges and community mental health clinics offer free or low-cost therapy, either by licensed therapists or by clinicians-in-training who are working under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Some resources by state can be found on OpenCounseling. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline may also point you in the direction of free or affordable treatment options near you. Alternatively, you could try getting in touch with your state’s department of public or community health.
Reputable and Affordable Options
If you have a bit more money to spare but still don’t want to break your bank, then in addition to the above options, you may want to look into therapists that charge on a sliding scale. Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is a great resource to find sliding scale therapists that charge between $30-60 per session. Online therapy services such as BetterHelp are another affordable option.
If you have health insurance, then find out if your provider covers mental health services. If it does, then look for a therapist that accepts your insurance, whether the therapy services be online or in-person. This may be a bit tricky since many therapists do not accept insurance for reasons of privacy and practicality, so if you have difficulty finding one, then you may want to call your insurance provider and ask if they can point you in the right direction.
Finding a Therapist on Your Own
If cost isn’t a concern for you, then you can expect to be charged between $100 and $200 per session, although you will end up paying much less if you find a therapist that accepts your insurance. Since you have many options, you may want to do a little research to pick the therapist that is right for you. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a free database that lets you search therapists by location, specializations, treatment methods, insurances accepted, and conditions treated.
Regardless of where you search for therapists, you should make sure the therapists are licensed. If you find one that seems promising, the APA recommends calling them to ask if they offer evidence-based treatment, if they have experience dealing with your concerns, where they are located, when they are available, and what sorts of therapy they provide (e.g. theoretical orientation, individual or group, short-term or long-term). When all these questions are answered, you can decide whether this therapist is a good fit and whether you would like to move forward.
Remember that choosing a therapist is nothing like signing a wedding contract. If you’re not comfortable with a therapist after a session or two, or even many sessions, then you can always cut the cord and find another one. Just like trying on clothes, it may take a while to find one that fits, but in the end, it will be worth it.
Jenna Demmer is a Certified Health Education Specialist with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health Education. She aims to use the power of the written word to improve the well-being of as many people as possible.