How Can I Pay for Therapy if I Don’t Have Insurance?
Mental health concerns are common. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 1 in 5 adults suffers from a diagnosable mental health issue each year. But getting support isn’t always easy. Verywell Mind’s Cost of Care Survey showed that nearly half of Americans in therapy worry about affording treatment long-term.
Deciding to seek therapy is an important act of caring for yourself, and it’s normal to worry about the cost of paying for therapy, especially if you don’t have insurance. But the truth is that many options can make therapy accessible and affordable.
In this article, we’ll go over how to pay for therapy without insurance. We’ll cover how to find affordable therapy options and how to take advantage of community mental health resources.
Therapy is Still Within Reach Without Insurance
There are many therapy options without insurance available.
Why Cost Concerns Stop Many People from Getting Care
Without insurance, the average cost of a therapy session can be $100-$200, compared to $21-$60 per session for individuals with insurance. But costs can vary significantly based on the session length, location, and the therapist's experience level. Specialized treatment and counselling for couples or families can also be more expensive.
Because the out-of-pocket therapy costs are higher without insurance, many people are worried about paying for therapy. But the truth is that there are many ways to find affordable and accessible mental health care, no matter what your situation is.
Good News - There are Affordable Therapy Options
Mental health professionals believe that cost shouldn’t be a limiting factor in getting mental health care, so there are several ways to get more affordable therapy. You can pay for therapy on a sliding scale or use community mental health resources. Octave does not offer sliding scale options.
Exploring Sliding Scale Therapy Options
Many therapists and clinics provide sliding-scale payment options. This helps make sessions more affordable for people with limited budgets.
What is a Sliding Scale?
A sliding scale means that therapists adjust fees based on income or the ability to pay. For example, an individual who has an income in the $30,000-$40,000 range might pay $40-$50 per session, which is less than half the average cost of therapy.
If you’re already seeing a therapist and your financial situation changes, you can let them know and ask if they offer a sliding scale. However, keep in mind that therapists who do offer sliding scales often have a limited number of sliding scale slots. But your therapist may be able to refer you to someone else or give you another option to help you continue treatment.
How to Find Sliding Scale Therapists
There are several ways to find sliding scale programs. Asking at community health centers or through online platforms that can help you find therapists who offer sliding scales in your state. You can search online for “income-based therapy near me.” You can also use the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s Therapist Directory. This directory lets you filter for therapists with a sliding scale. One thing to note is that Octave does not offer sliding scale options.
Questions to Ask About Sliding Scale Fees
When discussing sliding scale therapy fees, asking these questions can help you to better budget and plan for your care:
- What is the range of costs?
- Are sliding scale rates temporary or ongoing?
- What are the eligibility criteria?
- How are adjustments reviewed?
- How often do I need to verify my income or financial situation?
- Can my rate change if my income and financial situation changes?
Consider Online Therapy Services
Online therapy can be both more affordable and accessible. Studies show that virtual therapy works as well as in-person therapy for many conditions.
Virtual Therapy Can Lower Costs
Because virtual therapy reduces overhead for many clinicians, some are able to offer lower fees. Some online therapy websites require subscriptions, but the cost per session is usually lower.
Virtual therapy often offers more scheduling flexibility, so there’s often no need to take time off work, which is beneficial for many people. There’s also no need to worry about the cost or time it takes to travel to your therapist’s office.
Flexible Payment Options Online
Online therapy can provide flexible payment options. This makes it easier for people to fit it into their budgets. For example, some people may find it easier to pay per session, while others may find it better to pay for a package of sessions. Some online therapy providers may also offer discounts for ongoing care. At Octave, we do not offer package sessions - all of our pricing is determined on a cost per session basis.
Look into Community Mental Health Resources
Community mental health resources offer no-cost and low-cost counseling, making therapy affordable without insurance.
Nonprofits and Clinics
There are a number of nonprofits and clinics that offer low-cost counseling or donation-based services. Community health centers and clinics offer health treatment no matter what your insurance or income status. However, not all community health centers offer mental health treatment, and there may be a wait period. Use the Find a Health Center tool or search through the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics to find one in your area. Mental Health America (MHA) also maintains a list of Pro Bono and Low-cost Services.
Many nonprofits also focus on providing therapy sessions that are free of cost or low cost. Often, these nonprofits focus on specific issues like anxiety, trauma, or substance abuse. They may also offer specialized counseling for groups, such as people of color or LGBTQ+ individuals. Homeless shelters, domestic violence centers, and veterans affairs clinics may also offer counseling. You can call 211 for help finding these resources in your area or the SAMHSA National Helpline for referrals to state-funded options.
Group therapy and peer support groups provide affordable support, even without one-on-one treatment. Group therapy averages $30-80 per session, but programs offered at community health centers can be even more affordable or free of cost. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also organizes peer-led support groups.
University Training Clinics
While students often have mental health services included in their tuition costs, university training clinics often offer sessions with graduate students at reduced rates to the public. These students provide up-to-date, evidence-based therapy and are under the supervision of a licensed professional. If you have a university or college near you, contact its department of psychology or social work to inquire.
Paying Out of Pocket and Budgeting for Care
Knowing how much therapy sessions cost and budgeting for care can help you incorporate therapy into your other expenses.
Understanding Average Session Costs
As previously mentioned, therapy costs average between $100 and $200 per session. However, the cost can vary by area. Using Octave’s Cost Calculator can help you estimate the average cost of therapy in your state.
When budgeting, it’s also important to keep in mind the number of sessions. The APA states that many people see improvement in 15 to 20 sessions, but sometimes more sessions are preferred to offer more long-term effects. When you see a therapist, they’ll create a treatment plan with a suggested number of sessions, which you can use to estimate costs.
Setting a Budget and Planning Ahead
Setting a monthly health budget can help you plan for paying therapy costs. Some people like to save a bit from each paycheck for mental health, while others prefer to cut back on less important expenses. HSA and FSA accounts can also be used to contribute to the costs of therapy sessions.
Asking About Payment Plans
Some therapists may offer payment plans, which means that you’re not paying for the full cost of therapy upfront. For some people, this makes paying for therapy fit better into their monthly budget. Payment plans also don’t usually charge interest like a credit card would.
Why Investing in Mental Health Is Worth It
While therapy can be an added expense, the benefits are worth it.
Long-term Benefits of Therapy
Around 75% of people who go to therapy report positive changes in their lives. Therapy can help people function better in their daily lives, improving their overall well-being, relationships, and work performance. Research has even shown that people who attend therapy take fewer sick days and have fewer medical problems.
Reframing Therapy as Self-Care, Not a Luxury
When you think of therapy as self-care rather than a luxury, you're more likely to invest in yourself. Caring for yourself means that you're able to give more of yourself to those you love. Just as you might attend the gym to take care of your physical body, therapy is an investment in your mental health.
How Octave Helps You Access Care
Octave’s transparent pricing and support team can make it easy to access affordable care.
Transparent Pricing and Flexible Options
Clear rates upfront can help you budget and plan for your therapy sessions. Octave also has no subscription fees, meaning you’re only responsible for the cost per session.
Clinician-led Standards and High-Quality Care
Evidence-based therapy tailored to suit your needs ensures that you get high-quality care. Octave’s therapists also follow a goal-oriented approach, so you can see how the time and money that you’re investing in your therapy is paying off.
A Supportive Team to Help You Get Started
Octave’s Care Navigation Team can provide guidance on payment options and help you match with the right therapist to help you get started.
Take the First Step Towards Support
Starting therapy can often feel overwhelming, but focusing on taking one step at a time can make things feel more manageable.
You're Not Alone in This Process
Many people feel stressed or stuck about how they can make paying for therapy work among other expenses and busy lives. But there are a number of resources and help available to help you figure out how to do this.
Explore Your Options with Octave
Octave can help you understand the costs of therapy and connect with a therapist who is right for you.
Find a Therapist In Your Budget
