Save money on therapy by following these steps:
The thought of going to therapy crossed your mind plenty of times, but not having enough finances made you step back. You’re not the only one because many options are simply unaffordable.
Statistics show that millions of Americans—nearly 60 million in 2024 are affected by mental health issues. Every year, 1 in 5 people suffer from a mental health problem, and 1 in 20 people have a severe mental illness. Adults are not the only ones affected by mental health issues; 1 in 6 children aged 6 to 17 suffer from a mental health problem each year.
The thing is that there is still a stigma in society regarding psychotherapy, and not many people are brave enough to start taking care of their mental health. After all, it’s understandable that not everybody is comfortable with sharing things about themselves with other people.
Fortunately, to make this article possible, I have talked to a couple of therapists who shared a few insights about how money is a common barrier when it comes to therapy and how you can save money on therapy if you want to start taking care of your mental health.
Find a training clinic
During our chat, many psychotherapists recommended that if you want to save money on therapy, you should search for a training clinic. There you will find student therapists who must complete practice hours to become licensed therapists, so they might charge patients less money.
Now that you heard about this, you may become a little reticent, but don’t worry! Although student therapists may not have as much experience as other professionals, they are highly qualified and monitored by a knowledgeable instructor, so you can be sure that you will receive high-quality care and save money on therapy.
Consider online therapy
Since the pandemic, many businesses had to take the online route, and so have therapists. And if you want to save money on therapy, consider online therapy since many lower the prices for this method.
If you struggle to find time to see a therapist because of your hectic schedule or don’t have many therapists in your area, this might be a good option for you. To support you, we gathered some trustworthy websites that may guide you in finding a therapist who suits your needs. We hope this helps you on your journey.
Among the best ones are Talkspace and BetterHelp. If you’re looking to go to therapy because you’re dealing with anxiety issues, go for the website of the Brightside team. For even lower prices, check E-Therapy Cafe!
Call your health insurance company
Another way to save money on therapy is to get in touch with your health insurance provider if you have one. Since policies are highly specific to the type of insurance you have through a specific company and frequently change, it is preferable to call your carrier directly rather than look up information online. You might also be able to get a list of therapists who are in-network from your insurance provider.
Therapy is covered by some insurance companies, but they might only pay for a specific number of sessions or only if you have a formal mental health diagnosis. Others might not cover any therapists from your area or those specific you are interested in.
Though few Americans are aware of it, you might be shocked to learn that your insurance covers therapy to a reasonable degree. But no more speculation, because if you want to save money on therapy, you should first give your insurance company a call and ask for more details regarding this matter.
Look for smaller clinics
If you’ve been looking for a therapist for a while now, then you might have noticed that private therapy cabinets usually charge more than those who work for clinics. Some of these clinics receive federal funding and provide therapy to those in need at no cost or a reduced cost. Others are supported financially by non-profits or charities to ensure that individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds can receive care.
Websites like Help When You Need It and Find a Health Center are two of the best that can give you trustworthy information regarding lower-cost clinics where you can find a therapist.
Be open in explaining your financial situation
Many therapists provide sliding scale fees, which means that some people will be able to use their services for less money. A therapist may occasionally request documentation of your financial difficulties, such as Medicaid cards or other government aid.
At other times, you can talk to them about your specific financial circumstances, and they will tell you if they can give you a lower rate so you can save money on therapy. Even if the outcome might not be as expected, asking never hurts!
Group therapy might be an option too
Group therapy can be a great substitute if individual sessions seem too costly. You still receive the advantages of expert advice, and it’s usually far less expensive than individual sessions. Furthermore, listening to other people’s experiences can be very beneficial and reassuring. Support groups for anxiety, depression, grief, and other problems are provided by numerous therapists and community organizations for a fraction of the price of private therapy.
Since many of these support groups meet virtually, it’s a great way to feel more at ease in your own home and enhance your mental health. If this option doesn’t suit you, consider joining online support groups, which are free of charge. However, it’s important to understand that these groups may not provide the same benefits as individual or group therapy, as they are not led by trained professionals.
Take advantage of the community resources and hotlines
I don’t know about other countries but in America, many communities offer free or super low-cost mental health services to help citizens. Many times, therapists are offered at discounted rates by nonprofits, local clinics, and religious institutions. In addition to providing free advice and support, crisis hotlines and mental health warmlines can be useful between sessions or if you are currently unable to pay for therapy. Don’t get discouraged!
No matter how much you try and tighten your budget, you seem like you aren’t able to save money on therapy? Besides free online support groups, community resources, and hotlines, there are also books that you may read or listen to that can provide you with useful tips.
For example, the book Help Me, I’m Stuck, written by Vaughn Carter and Alexander Burns and recommended by many psychologists, is available on Amazon in paperback and hardcover but also as an audiobook. It aims to help people focus on what matters and what they can control, reducing the noise of that voice that keeps saying we’re not worthy enough and helping them appreciate themselves more.
Takeaway:
I hope these tips will help you find a good therapist that suits your needs, and most importantly, you will be able to also save money on therapy sessions.
But before you start looking for a therapist, you must also set up a budget you’re willing to spend, taking into account your salary, monthly bills, groceries and food expenses, recurring payments, and so on, and see where you could fit your therapy sessions. See what the total amount is that you can spend on therapy, and by knowing this from the start, you will know what to look for.
If the budget is too low but you still want to go to therapy, see what expenses you can “eliminate for a certain time to afford to pay for the sessions.
You can’t seem to figure out what to give up when it comes to expenses? Then it could be a subtle hint that now is not the appropriate time to begin therapy.
Related article: 5 Problems Not Even Therapy Can Solve for You.
