Mental health concerns are on the rise, but affordable mental health care isn’t always easy to find.
Many people struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues feel they don’t have the time, space, or money to afford therapy.
The cost of mental health services shouldn’t be a barrier to getting treatment, but sadly, we know that this is the case for many. 1 in 3 Americans surveyed said they had to stop their treatment for cost-related reasons.
If you’ve found it difficult to access affordable therapy, don’t lose hope. There are flexible, low cost therapy options out there. In this blog, we’ve compiled a few free or cheap therapy options to help you get the mental health support you need without breaking the bank.
Budget-friendly online support
Virtual therapy has been around for years, but it became a real lifeline for people struggling with mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person sessions weren’t a viable option.
Now that those restrictions have been lifted, many people continue to find affordable online therapy solutions that work for them. Online therapy is an accessible, convenient, and often more affordable option than traditional in-person therapy.
If you’re looking for flexible support on a budget, here are some reliable resources that can help:
1. Bliss Free Online Therapy for Depression
This program, created by the Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions (CIMHS), offers 8 free sessions specifically for those dealing with depression. It’s a self-guided program based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) designed to teach you how to manage your symptoms.
This can be a simple, safe first step into mental health treatment—especially if you’re not ready to commit to a therapist. And because you can complete the lessons at any time, Bliss is a great option for those with busy schedules.
2. Crisis Text Line
If you need urgent assistance, the Crisis Text Line might be a suitable option for you. It was created to provide quick and easy access to free mental health services, no matter where you are in the United States.
A volunteer crisis counselor is available 24/7 for confidential support. They’re trained to cover a range of topics including anxiety, eating disorders, suicide prevention, and self-harm.
This is a helpful starting point for a mental health crisis intervention. But keep in mind that if you’re in danger of hurting yourself or others, it’s best to call 911 to get immediate emergency care. To reach the crisis text line, simply text 988.
3. Inclusive Therapists
Inclusive Therapists focus on marginalized communities, but anyone can come to them for mental health care. Their services aren’t free, but they use a sliding scale system to make their counseling services more affordable. You can also search ‘insurance’ on their website to find inclusive therapists who accept health insurance.
Vetted mental health professionals are available to talk in every state. You can use their free match-up service to help you find one, or you can search for licensed therapists by location to find someone in your part of Virginia to chat with online.
4. Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
This is a country-wide network of mental health professionals who all offer sliding scale payment options. You can access online therapy from $40 to $70 per session for individual counseling.
You can filter by a variety of factors like cost per session, specialties, language, ethnicity, and age to find someone who fits your needs.
For a one-time fee of $65, Open Path offers a lifetime membership, which includes access to affordable therapy sessions and benefits like:
- An online library of curated therapist-led videos to learn from
- Discounts on wellness products
- Access to self-guided courses for in-depth mental health advice.
5. Talkspace
Access licensed therapists through Talkspace’s website or app (available for both Android and iOS). They accept a wide range of health insurance providers with an average copay of $25 or less. Without insurance, plans vary from $69 to $109 a week, depending on which subscription you choose.
Talkspace therapists offer individual talk therapy, couples therapy sessions, psychiatric services, and they’re qualified to prescribe medication if needed. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, Talkspace can help through video calls, text messaging, or audio messaging formats—whichever option works best for you.
6. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI offers online support groups throughout each state, so no matter where you are in Virginia, there’s help available near you. The NAMI Connection group is free, confidential, peer-led, and designed to help those dealing with mental health challenges.
Support groups meet regularly, and joining one can be an easy way to get emotional support from those facing similar struggles. You can learn coping strategies from each other and develop connections with those who truly understand what you’re going through.
7. SMART Recovery
If you’re struggling to overcome addictive behaviors, SMART Recovery offers free online support groups to help you help yourself or someone close to you. They concentrate on self-empowerment and leading a balanced life.
SMART Recovery’s goal is to give you the tools you need to lead a more well-rounded life. That’s why they focus on behaviors—not the substance—helping people in need manage addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and disordered eating—free of shame or judgment.
Affordable mental health care in person
There are lots of flexible, affordable options for online mental health care. But if you’d prefer to see a therapist in person, there are low cost options available near you.
Western Tidewater Community Services Board
If you’re in Franklin or Suffolk or in the Isle of Wight or Southampton counties, you can rely on Western Tidewater CSB for supportive, engaging, and professional care.
We offer a range of services, including crisis support, children’s and adult services, substance abuse treatment, intellectual and developmental support, prevention programs, and same-day access.
Stop by one of our two walk-in community mental health clinics—in Franklin Mental Health Center and Northgate Suffolk Mental Health Center—where you’ll find a friendly face and quality mental health resources at a cost that works for you.
We believe mental health services should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we accept a variety of payment options, including:
- Public healthcare
- Commercial insurance providers
- Self-pay options
Make an appointment online today for same-day access to our mental health services, or contact our 24-hour emergency line at (757) 925-2484 for immediate help. Together, we’ll find a way forward.