Finding affordable therapy
There are more low-cost routes into therapy than most people expect. These are the ones named by NIMH, SAMHSA, HealthCare.gov, and HRSA, with what to ask at each.
Last reviewed against the public health sources linked on this page on .
Low-cost routes into therapy
| Option | What it is | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Your health insurance | HealthCare.gov says all Marketplace plans must cover behavioral health treatment such as psychotherapy and counseling. | Which therapists are in network, your copay or coinsurance, and whether prior authorization is needed. |
| Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | NIMH describes an EAP as a free, confidential service your employer pays for. | How many sessions are included, and what happens after. |
| Community health centers | HRSA-funded health centers charge on a sliding fee scale by income and family size; some offer mental health care. | Whether they offer behavioral health, and how their discount works. |
| University training clinics | NIMH notes many universities and medical schools run training clinics through psychiatry or psychology departments. | Fees, and how supervision of trainees works. |
| School or college health centers | NIMH notes students may have access to services through their school’s health center. | Session limits and referral options. |
| State and county programs | NIMH suggests your state or county health department website. | Eligibility and waitlists. |
| Therapists with a sliding scale | Some therapists lower fees based on income. | See the sliding scale guide. |
Free help lines
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, any time, for emotional distress or crisis.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free and confidential treatment referral, 24/7.
- [FindTreatment.gov](https://findtreatment.gov/) — SAMHSA’s locator for mental health and substance use treatment.
Parity: your plan’s limits
HealthCare.gov explains that Marketplace plans must provide parity protections: limits on mental health and substance use services — deductibles, copays, visit limits, prior authorization — generally cannot be more restrictive than limits on medical and surgical care. For anything about your specific plan, ask the plan.
Common questions
- Can I get therapy for free?
- Sometimes. An employer EAP is free to employees for a set number of sessions, and crisis lines are free. Community health centers and training clinics can be very low cost depending on income.
- Does insurance cover therapy?
- HealthCare.gov says all Marketplace plans cover behavioral health treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling, as an essential health benefit. Your specific benefits depend on your state and plan.
Sources
- Help for Mental Illnesses (opens in a new tab) — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Mental health & substance abuse coverage (opens in a new tab) — HealthCare.gov (CMS)
- Psychotherapies (opens in a new tab) — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Health Center Program Compliance Manual, Chapter 9: Sliding Fee Discount Program (opens in a new tab) — HRSA Bureau of Primary Health Care
- Find a Health Center (opens in a new tab) — Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline (opens in a new tab) — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- FindTreatment.gov (opens in a new tab) — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (opens in a new tab) — 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Questions about this page
Tell us if something here is unclear or a source has changed. This form cannot match you with a therapist or answer questions about your own care. In crisis? Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741.
We can’t answer questions about your own diagnosis, medication, or treatment — please ask your prescriber. We also can’t book appointments, check your insurance, or refer you to a clinic.
Get in touch
Last reviewed against the public health sources linked on this page on .
Every clinical statement on this page comes from a source listed above. If one has changed, tell us and we will correct the page.