What to Do If Therapy is Too Expensive: 7 Solutions to Consider

If you want go to therapy — but the cost is giving you second thoughts — you’re not alone. In fact, affordability is one of the biggest roadblocks to mental health care services. 

The good news is that there are plenty of resources and options that make therapy more affordable.

Here, we’ll help you understand why therapy can be expensive and how to keep it as affordable as possible. We’ll also look at other options you can consider if traditional therapy just isn’t in your budget.

How much does therapy cost?

The cost of therapy may vary quite a bit based on a few different factors, such as your insurance plan and the type of therapy you need. 

For individual therapy, the average self-pay price may vary. With SonderMind, self-pay rates can range from about $50-$180 based on locations, type, and length of the session and your provider’s credentials. This is what you can expect to pay if you don’t have insurance, your insurance doesn’t cover therapy, or your therapist is out-of-network. 

If your insurance does cover therapy, and your provider is in-network, you may only have to pay your copay.

In addition, specialized treatment for specific disorders or counseling for couples or families also comes with a higher price tag. 

Provider credentials are another factor. Mental health care professionals with more advanced degrees or extensive training often have higher fees. 

Why therapy can be expensive 

Therapists put a lot of time and money into their training and certifications. So they have to charge enough to make up for those investments. But there are a few other reasons why therapy can get expensive, including:

• Lack of insurance coverage: Having insurance may help keep costs low, but some insurance companies have limited mental health care coverage. If you don’t have insurance coverage — or it’s limited — you’ll pay higher out-of-pocket costs. 
• Overhead costs: Therapists often have to pay for their office rent, utilities, insurance, licensing fees, and administrative expenses.
• Increased demand for mental healthcare: More and more people are seeking behavioral health services, including therapy. While it’s great that more people are getting the help they need, increased demand means that providers sometimes charge more for their services.
• Specialized training and education: Mental health care providers have different levels of education and training, which may lead to higher costs. For example, a psychiatrist with a medical degree (M.D.) might charge more than a counselor or licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree.  
• Location: Therapists practicing in more urban areas with a higher cost of living may have to charge more due to higher rent and other expenses. Mental health professionals in more rural areas may be able to charge lower fees due to a lower cost of living. 

What to do if therapy is too expensive: 7 options and alternatives 

Is therapy out of your price range? You can still get the help you need with these affordable solutions for mental healthcare services.

1.  Look into online therapy 

In-person or face-to-face isn’t your only option for talk therapy or psychotherapy. You can also attend therapy sessions in a virtual or online setting. 

Online therapy options are often more affordable than traditional in-person sessions. Some telehealth places even offer sliding scale fees that base your cost on your income.

Online therapy also gives you more scheduling flexibility and access to more providers, so you can find the right fit. You can do therapy sessions from home — or anywhere — as long as you have a stable internet connection. 

At SonderMind, we’re all about making online therapy accessible and affordable, and we’ll connect you with a provider based on your needs, goals, and budget. If you don’t have insurance, or it doesn’t cover therapy, we offer affordable self-pay rates so you can get the help you’re looking for. 

2.  Review your workplace’s EAP

Your job may be able to help you find cost-effective therapy. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) may provide access to free or low-cost mental health services. These programs, available through your employer, typically include individual therapy. 

Check with your HR department to see if any EAP mental health benefits are available. If so, you may want to ask for details on what kinds of services are included. Some EAPs include mental health services for specific disorders or couples therapy, for example. 

You should also ask your HR department how many therapy sessions are included, as this varies for each EAP.

3.  Join a support group

Support groups give you a way to connect with others who are going through similar struggles with mental health issues. 

As part of a group, you can receive emotional support and give it to others. You can also talk about your experiences with others who understand what you’re going through. 

Support groups are often available at very low costs — or even for free. While you won’t receive one-on-one guidance in this setting, you may still get support that may help you heal or manage mental health issues. 

4.  Connect with community organizations or non-profits 

You may not have to look far from home to find affordable options for mental healthcare services. Community organizations and local health clinics might offer low-cost or free therapy and other services in your area. 

Check with your local health department or use the Health Resources and Services Administration’s online database to find community clinics and mental health centers. 

National non-profit organizations, such as the National Alliance on Mental Health and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, may offer another way to access free or low-cost therapy. 

Community organizations and non-profits may also have mental health resources available, such as educational materials about certain disorders or information on managing stress or anxiety. 

5.  For students: Explore university clinics 

If you’re attending college, affordable therapy might be available right on campus! Some schools have university or college clinics that offer therapy at reduced rates. You may be able to go to individual therapy sessions or receive more specialized care, such as for an eating disorder or substance use disorder. 

These clinics may also help you cope with mental health struggles related to being a college student, like test anxiety or ADHD. Contact your school’s health center to see if these services are available and how much they cost. 

6.  Check out free or self-help resources 

Depending on your mental health concerns or issues, you may benefit from self-help. If you’re having trouble finding affordable therapy services — or if you’re still exploring your options — you can use self-help resources and free online tools for mental health support. 

SonderMind offers valuable resources and articles on mental health. You can learn about different therapeutic approaches and mental health conditions, get tips on managing anxiety, and find out how to prepare for your first therapy session. 

7.  Consider government programs 

Are you eligible for government assistance? Some programs provide financial support for mental health treatment, making therapy more accessible and affordable. 

For example, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers free or low-cost mental health support, resources, and treatment for eligible service members, including counseling and group therapy. If you have Medicaid or Medicare, look for places that accept these government assistance programs to cover the cost of therapy. 

You can also check federal, state, and county government websites to learn more about government programs that may help you access therapy at more affordable costs.  

Access affordable therapy without insurance with SonderMind 

While health insurance may help lower therapy costs, you can still find affordable mental health care services without it. There are a lot of different options and resources available that help you access mental health services and support, so you can get the help you need. 

At SonderMind, we believe that therapy should be affordable and accessible for everyone. We can help you connect with the right licensed therapist, based on your goals, concerns, and budget. 

Take advantage of our affordable self-pay rates and get started on the path toward better mental wellness!