Finding Affordable Mental Health Care

04.24.24 12:08 PM By Motion Connected

Talk therapy is a hugely beneficial form of mental health care for many. Working with a mental health professional can help you overcome obstacles, learn positive coping strategies, and improve your overall health. However, a common concern is the cost. Finding an affordable therapist may take some time and patience, but you might be surprised to learn just how many ways there are to connect with one. Don’t be discouraged if the first option you find isn’t the right fit, we’ll cover various resources and tips to help you in your search.

Understanding the Costs

Provider Credentials: The type of mental health professional you choose can impact the cost. Psychologists and psychiatrists typically charge higher fees than clinical social workers, counselors, and other mental health professionals.
Type of Therapy: Rates for individual, couples, and group therapy tend to vary, with group therapy typically being the lowest cost.
Location: Therapy costs can vary based on where you live. Areas with higher living expenses tend to have higher fees for therapy. Therapy costs can also vary based on the setting of the session, in-person or virtual.

Using health insurance may lower your out-of-pocket costs depending on your plan coverage. Most health insurance plans cover mental health services but not all therapists accept certain insurance plans or insurance at all. If that is the case with a therapist you’ve found, you will want to find an in-network option if you want to use your insurance coverage for the session(s). Otherwise, some therapists offer a “sliding scale fee” which is a pricing system that offers lower fees to individuals who qualify based on their income.

Exploring Your Options

1. Start with Your Health Insurance Company

Review your insurance policy to understand what mental health benefits are included and any associated out-of-pocket costs, such as co-payments or deductibles. If you’re unsure about your coverage or have questions, you can contact your health insurance company by calling their number, often found on the back of your health insurance card or on their website.

If your therapist doesn’t accept your insurance, you should ask your insurance company for a list of in-network therapists or complete an online search to find providers who do accept your insurance.

2. Ask Potential Therapists for an Estimate

Before committing to therapy, don't hesitate to reach out to therapists in your area to inquire about their fees. If they accept your insurance, you can request an estimate. If they don’t accept your insurance (or you don’t have insurance) some therapists offer discounts, or a sliding fee scale based on income. You should also be able to obtain information on the fixed cost per session. Many therapists understand the financial constraints that clients face and are willing to work with them to find a suitable payment arrangement.

3. Look into Your Employee Assistance Program (if your benefits include one)

Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as a part of their benefits package. EAP services offer employees and their families with referrals or access to confidential counseling services at no cost or a reduced fee. These programs typically offer short-term counseling, with a limited number of sessions per situation. Contact your EAP provider to learn more about the program options and resources.

4. Look into Telehealth Platforms

Much like EAPs, Telehealth or Telemedicine options are a common benefit offered by employers, typically through the group health plan. They are well-known for offering virtual care for minor illnesses and symptoms like sore throat and cough, but some also offer mental health counseling at very reasonable prices.

Online therapy apps and websites are another form of telehealth that is becoming increasingly popular. Like traditional clinics, some accept insurance, and some do not, and the pricing can vary widely from platform to platform. Along with checking their pricing, it is highly recommended to research an online therapy provider’s security practices, accreditations, and licensures before signing up.

5. Contact a Community Organization

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America (MHA) are nonprofit organizations that serve people nationwide. They offer support and resources for finding mental health services in your area. They can also provide information on local support groups and community clinics if they are available near you. Visit the links below to find out more.

Additional Resources

Mental Health America

NAMI

Finding an affordable therapist isn’t always easy but we hope this article has given you some additional avenues to explore. Remember that investing in your mental health is invaluable, and seeking support is a sign of strength!