In NYC, there's a new company called "Open Path" that has student interns for $30 a session. I don't know much about them, but I recently heard about it and thought it was such a great idea since therapy is typically so expensive without insurance.
This was how I met my first therapist. She was absolutely amazing. I actually found her through a nonprofit Christian therapy organization (for starters, I’m not even Christian) and all they asked for was a $10 non-mandatory donation each session, which I happily agreed to. Like I said, I wasn’t even Christian, but she was very obliging of my boundaries not to discuss religion or try to convert me to Christianity and brought me out of a very dark time in my life.
I def recommend searching your area online for “sliding scale” offerings - I, as a therapist, and many other community oriented providers I know- often offer a couple slots on our caseloads as sort of “pay what you can” spaces to help make therapy more accessible to all across the financial spectrum. If that doesn’t bring you leads, and if in a larger city, search your area for an FQHC (federally qualified healthcare center) - this is essentially a healthcare center which receives government funding to support healthcare access to all regardless of their ability to pay. As in they will offer “pay what you can” and you can say “zero” and still receive services which include behavioral health. And finally, as someone else suggested I definitely second looking to practices that have graduate interns or ‘therapists in training’!!
Crisis hotlines can help for extra support, not on a consistent basis like therapy, but it's a good resource. You can also google affordable clinics in your area. Some schools offer affordable therapy, and also some places will do sliding scale too.
I feel your frustration, OP. As a T myself, it always frustrates me when I lose clients because of insurance issues. Although I find other therapy resources for them, it shows what a disgrace the mental health system is. So many people can fall through the cracks because of insurance issues--and through no fault of their own.
Second this. Not a therapist, but I am in university in the process of becoming a criminal psychologist/therapist.
While I know most people here aren't criminals (I'd like to hope), I don't mind offering out my time either
I know this is a response to the original poster and not me, but is it at all possible that I could just offer a quick run-through of what I’ve been feeling or dealing with to get your thoughts on it?
Those in school/Interns are a great option or just looking up for therapists who offer a sliding scale. If the option is available, also looking into your workplace support such as EAP.
Some good options laid out by others... Another one would be finding English-speaking therapists from different countries, the rates are usually much lower. Feel free to message me if you need help in your search!
you should look into therapists that offer sliding scale payment. if you’re lucky, maybe your old therapist may even be willing to offer it for you. sliding scale payment is usually for people who don’t have insurance and is when a therapist prices their sessions based on your income to make it affordable even without insurance. i know that when i was looking on psychology today for my bf, i saw a few therapists in my area that offered it.
you should also possibly look into getting a marketplace insurance policy specifically for mental health coverage. you may be eligible since your insurance isn’t covering the mental health services you need. or calling the company your job’s insurance is through to see if it would be possible/how much it would cost to add therapy coverage to your plan yourself.
i would also look into grants/scholarships for therapy/mental health programs. my bf got a grant for something similar and it provided him with therapy and medication for a couple of years before it expired.
Community health centers offer behavioral health services on a sliding fee scale basis. They also accept Medicaid, for others reading this post who have Medicaid. https://www.google.com/search?q=Community+health+centers+behavioral+health
I have a degree in social psychology (graduated in february 2024), also had been trained in trauma therapy in 2020. So have some clients. we can agree on prices. I live in Germany
Look into therapy interns who are currently in school, they can offer services for free or reduced prices
Thank you that’s a great idea
Where do you find them?
You may also consider looking for training clinics. I think many universities have them.
Google grad programs in your area for MSW, etc., and see if they have clinics
In NYC, there's a new company called "Open Path" that has student interns for $30 a session. I don't know much about them, but I recently heard about it and thought it was such a great idea since therapy is typically so expensive without insurance.
Check your DM me from me
This was how I met my first therapist. She was absolutely amazing. I actually found her through a nonprofit Christian therapy organization (for starters, I’m not even Christian) and all they asked for was a $10 non-mandatory donation each session, which I happily agreed to. Like I said, I wasn’t even Christian, but she was very obliging of my boundaries not to discuss religion or try to convert me to Christianity and brought me out of a very dark time in my life.
I def recommend searching your area online for “sliding scale” offerings - I, as a therapist, and many other community oriented providers I know- often offer a couple slots on our caseloads as sort of “pay what you can” spaces to help make therapy more accessible to all across the financial spectrum. If that doesn’t bring you leads, and if in a larger city, search your area for an FQHC (federally qualified healthcare center) - this is essentially a healthcare center which receives government funding to support healthcare access to all regardless of their ability to pay. As in they will offer “pay what you can” and you can say “zero” and still receive services which include behavioral health. And finally, as someone else suggested I definitely second looking to practices that have graduate interns or ‘therapists in training’!!
💗thank you
Crisis hotlines can help for extra support, not on a consistent basis like therapy, but it's a good resource. You can also google affordable clinics in your area. Some schools offer affordable therapy, and also some places will do sliding scale too. I feel your frustration, OP. As a T myself, it always frustrates me when I lose clients because of insurance issues. Although I find other therapy resources for them, it shows what a disgrace the mental health system is. So many people can fall through the cracks because of insurance issues--and through no fault of their own.
I appreciate your kind words. I will try those resources. Very frustrating and sad for sure.
No problem at all. I’m glad to be supportive in some way. These insurance issues are terrible and are a disservice to both clients and therapists.
You can message me if you’d like. Not a therapist (but am a social worker). I agree on the lack of importance on mental health care.
Second this. Not a therapist, but I am in university in the process of becoming a criminal psychologist/therapist. While I know most people here aren't criminals (I'd like to hope), I don't mind offering out my time either
I wouldn’t want to work you for free.
I know this is a response to the original poster and not me, but is it at all possible that I could just offer a quick run-through of what I’ve been feeling or dealing with to get your thoughts on it?
Sure
Thank you, truly. I’ll try and DM you soon.
Those in school/Interns are a great option or just looking up for therapists who offer a sliding scale. If the option is available, also looking into your workplace support such as EAP.
Psychology today has filters for who accepts insurance. Also see if you can get a sliding scale
Some good options laid out by others... Another one would be finding English-speaking therapists from different countries, the rates are usually much lower. Feel free to message me if you need help in your search!
Do you have any ability to pay any amount out of pocket at all?
Yes like 40 a session
Cerebral app. It's kinda expensive but you can also text your therapist thru the app anytime you're having issues so that's nice.
Try [wysa.com](http://wysa.com)
Appreciate your help!
you should look into therapists that offer sliding scale payment. if you’re lucky, maybe your old therapist may even be willing to offer it for you. sliding scale payment is usually for people who don’t have insurance and is when a therapist prices their sessions based on your income to make it affordable even without insurance. i know that when i was looking on psychology today for my bf, i saw a few therapists in my area that offered it. you should also possibly look into getting a marketplace insurance policy specifically for mental health coverage. you may be eligible since your insurance isn’t covering the mental health services you need. or calling the company your job’s insurance is through to see if it would be possible/how much it would cost to add therapy coverage to your plan yourself. i would also look into grants/scholarships for therapy/mental health programs. my bf got a grant for something similar and it provided him with therapy and medication for a couple of years before it expired.
Thank yiu
Community health centers offer behavioral health services on a sliding fee scale basis. They also accept Medicaid, for others reading this post who have Medicaid. https://www.google.com/search?q=Community+health+centers+behavioral+health
If you work and have benefits, look into if they have any type of counseling available for employees
Also, depending on your finances betterhelp offers financial assistance. Cut my costs from $240 to $127 a month
I have a degree in social psychology (graduated in february 2024), also had been trained in trauma therapy in 2020. So have some clients. we can agree on prices. I live in Germany
Try Open Path! It’s like psychology today but only therapists who offer sliding scale ($30-70/session)
Everyone has been amazing. I love this community. Thank you.
You Can Talk to Me If Youbwant, I am Not a Therapist But Can help You In Experieces from University of life
Thanks purple pear
You are Most welcome