Positive mental health and well-being not only make you feel good, but it also helps you cope with daily stresses, work more productively, and give more to your community and personal relationships. Struggling with a mental health issue can result in high out-of-pocket medical expenses for most people, even those who have health insurance. Fortunately, there are several options for getting financial help for therapy.
Government assistance for mental health
There are some government benefit options in the United States for those who need assistance accessing mental health services. Keep in mind that government assistance for mental health treatment is subject to eligibility requirements, which are typically based on income.
- Community health centers provide primary care in underserved areas. Mental health services are provided on a sliding fee scale based on your ability to pay.
- All state Medicaid programs provide coverage for select behavioral health services. However, the types of behavioral health benefits that are covered by Medicaid differ among states based on statutory authority and eligibility.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) assists people in locating treatment by connecting them with treatment facilities, crisis counseling centers, support lifelines, and information helplines.
- MentalHealth.gov has a wealth of resources for people dealing with mental illness, including information on how to support a loved one who is suffering from a mental illness. The site also provides guidance for participating in clinical trials.
Nonprofits that offer Mental Health Resources
In addition to government assistance, several non-profit organizations offer financial assistance to mental health patients.
- The American Psychoanalytic Association runs a number of low-cost clinics that provide mental health services to people on a tight budget.
- NAMI HelpLine, a national peer-support service, provides resources for people dealing with a variety of mental health disorders, as well as support for caregivers and families.
- Mental Health America will assist you in locating local support groups that are tailored to your needs, as well as connecting you with online support communities.
Online Fundraising for Mental Health
Are you wondering how to pay for therapy without health insurance? Financial assistance for mental health patients is easily available through GoFundMe’s mental health fundraising. Starting a fundraiser is simple, and there are no applications, eligibility requirements, or long waiting periods to receive funds with crowdfunding.
- Begin with a comprehensive medical crowdfunding guide that will assist you in creating a compelling fundraiser from beginning to end.
- Raise money quickly with these great medical fundraising ideas, so you can get the financial help you need when you need it.
- If you want to use the power of social sharing to increase donations, these fundraiser-sharing tips will help you reach out to more potential donors.
Sliding-Scale Therapists
Making the decision to seek treatment for your mental health issues may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. The fear of not being able to afford treatment is what prevents many people from doing so. Receiving mental health treatment without insurance can be costly. However, there are many counselors who offer mental health financial assistance via a sliding-scale payment system.
- Open Path Psychotherapy Collective collaborates with private mental health clinicians in all 50 states to provide individuals and families in need with access to low-cost therapy services.
- NeedyMeds maintains an up-to-date database of sliding-scale, low-cost clinics for those who are underinsured or do not have health insurance.
- Psychology Today maintains a directory of licensed psychiatrists, therapists, and treatment facilities across the United States, many of which accept payment on a sliding scale.
- Another resource for finding the right mental health professional near you is Good Therapy, which allows you to search for a therapist by location as well as the primary mental health issue they treat.
University Mental Health Services
College demands are frequently stressful, which can lead to mental health issues if not addressed. Fortunately, in addition to the organizations listed below, the majority of college campuses provide low-cost mental health services to students.
- JED Campus collaborates with colleges to improve the mental health services available to students. The JED Foundation provides a Mental Health Resource Center to help students with their emotional well-being and to connect them with professional care.
- For people dealing with mental health issues, ULifeline provides campus-specific information and resources. It also offers a mental health hotline.
Low-cost Online Therapy
Many online resources provide low-cost programs and helplines for people dealing with mental health issues.
- The Center for Interactive Mental Health Solutions offers an eight-session interactive therapy program that can help treat depression. The program is free, confidential, accessible from anywhere, and based on Cognitive behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Talkspace offers private chat therapy sessions that you can access through your phone, laptop, or tablet. Plans start at $69/ week, which includes unlimited messages with your therapist.
- 7 Cups provides emotional support through a 24/7 chat program powered by thousands of trained volunteer listeners. It also provides affordable online counseling for $150 per month.
- BetterHelp offers counseling services with unlimited access to your counselor for $60 to $90 per week. Counseling services are available via messaging, live chat, phone, and video conference.
- Anxiety can be treated with a customized CBT program from iPrevail, which includes behavioral tools, interactive tools, and progress charts. This service is one of the least expensive, costing only $10 per month.
- BlahTherapy connects people from all over the world who are dealing with similar issues, with the idea that it is sometimes easier to talk to a stranger. This service is provided free of charge, and they also provide low-cost online sessions with licensed therapists.
Try a Smartphone App
Although not recommended for severe mental illness, smartphone apps can be a great way to get support and encouragement when things are tough. Some of the apps on this list also include interactive training and guided meditation.
- We Are More is aimed at patients suffering from chronic illnesses. The platform provides inspirational content and assists individuals in developing the skills necessary to deal with life’s ups and downs.
- MindDoc is intended for people who suffer from anxiety and depression. The app tracks your mood and provides personalized insights into how different life situations can elicit specific emotions.
- Calm provides over 100 meditation sessions to help you regain control of your thoughts, reduce anxiety, and reduce stress.
- Happify is an interactive platform that combines positive psychology and mindfulness to help you take control of your emotional health and form new patterns and habits that contribute to your well-being.
You Deserve to Take Care of Your Mental Health
We all deserve to live a life full of happiness and well-being, and finances should never stand in the way of getting the mental health treatment you need. At Revival Mental Health Clinic, located in Fountain Valley, CA, our expert team offers comprehensive care for a range of mood and thought disorders. We accept most major insurance plans and also work with other insurance carriers. Please reach out to verify your benefits.
