I Can't Afford A Therapist

Therapy is expensive. Here are some options.

Need help now? Available 24/7

What can you realistically spend per session?

How much time do you have to deal with this?

Prices and availability may vary by location.

Click the buttons above to get started!

Choose your budget and timeline to see personalized therapy options

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential support available 24/7. Call or text 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor.

CostFree
Time to StartRight now
Call 988 Now →

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor via text message. Available 24/7.

CostFree
Time to StartRight now
Text HOME to 741741 →

AI Therapy Chatbots

AI chat tools that may offer mental health support. Use your judgment and research carefully.

CostFree
Time to StartRight now
Search Google for AI Therapy Chatbots →
We are not linking to specific AI therapy tools here. Many health professionals have concerns about potential risks. Please research carefully before deciding if AI chatbots are right for you.

BetterHelp

Online therapy with licensed professionals using a weekly subscription model. Text, phone, or video options.

Cost$60-90/week
Time to Start1-2 days
Visit BetterHelp →
Financial aid available. Can reduce cost by 40%.

Talkspace

Online therapy service offering different plans based on messaging and live session options.

Cost$69-109/week
Time to StartSame day
Visit Talkspace →

Open Path Psychotherapy

Network of therapists offering lower rates. Pay once to join, then book sessions at reduced prices.

Cost$40-80/session
Time to Start1-2 weeks
Join Open Path →
$65 lifetime membership if you make under $100k.

Community Mental Health Centers

Government-funded clinics that charge based on what you can afford.

Cost$0-40/session
Time to Start2-4 weeks (varies)
Find Centers →

University Training Clinics

Graduate training clinics provide lower-cost therapy, supervised by licensed professionals.

Cost$15-50/session
Time to Start2-3 weeks
Search for Clinics →
Google "[your city] university counseling training clinic"

Psychology Today Directory

Directory where therapists list their practices. Filter by sliding scale and availability.

Cost$50-200/session
Time to Start1-3 weeks
Search Therapists →
Filter by "sliding scale" and state your budget upfront.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Many employers offer confidential, short-term counseling at no cost to the employee.

CostFree (limited sessions)
Time to Start3-7 days
Learn About EAP →
Ask HR: "Do we have an EAP?"

Cerebral

Online mental health care with therapy and optional medication management.

Cost$85-325/month
Time to Start1-3 days
Visit Cerebral →

Check Your Insurance Benefits

Some insurance plans include a certain number of free or low-cost therapy sessions each year. This usually takes some time to set up.

CostVaries (often copay; sometimes sessions free)
Time to Start1-3 weeks
Learn About Benefits →
Call the number on your insurance card and ask: Do I have mental health coverage? How many therapy sessions are covered and at what cost? Do I have any free sessions? How do I find in-network therapists?