Throughout the years that we have been providing counseling services, we have noticed that people tend to think that therapy is unaffordable and inaccessible.
We wanted to take the opportunity to share resources available for the public that allow for mental health counseling services to be accessible and affordable to everyone. Please note that these options vary per practice, state and even county.
Here are 6 ways that therapy is more affordable than you think:
- Employee Assistance Program: EAP is a benefit that some employers provide at no cost to employees that allow them to have access to resources as well as some free counseling sessions (it cannot get more affordable than that!). It is confidential and free of charge for the employees who use this benefit. Your job will not be notified that you are using this free benefit and your employer is not able to contact your therapist to find out information. EAP allows for employees to have a “head start” in therapy. Once your approved sessions are exhausted, you are able to continue services through your health insurance or on a self-pay basis.
- Health Insurance: Did you know that many health insurances cover mental health counseling for free or a minimal copay? Of course, that depends on your personal health insurance coverage. However, we have seen at our office that some individuals have a copay as low as $0. Many people abstain from attending therapy due to the misconception that insurance will not cover it. It is important that you contact your individual health insurance to become aware of your coverage. When you make an appointment with your mental health provider, they may be able to verify your coverage as well and inform you of what your copay or deductible will be, if any.
- Community Mental Health Agencies: These type of agencies specialize in providing essential mental health care to people who would not be able to access services any other way. Many community mental health agencies count with programs and grants that allow for clients to get funding for mental health services. Certain restrictions apply and funding depends on the agency. Often times you are able to find well-rounded care, including psychiatric care and crisis stabilization through community mental health agencies.
- Medicaid or state funded insurance: If you qualify for Medicaid or state funded insurance, mental health services are covered in full for a specific amount of sessions. Services must be medically necessary and provided by a qualified, in-network provider. Your medicaid plan can provide you with a list of providers who are in network and taking new clients.
- Sliding fee scale: Sliding fee scale is when a therapist allows you to have a discounted rate per session, often for a specific period of time. For example, a therapist’s normal rate could be of $125 per session yet the agree that for the first 3 months of therapy, you will be allowed to only pay $75 per session.
- Open Path Therapy Collective: Open Path is a network of therapists who agree to provide affordable rates between $40-$70 per session. You do have to pay their lifetime membership fee but it gives you access to discounted rates. Click here for more information.
Here at Hope we are able to help make therapy more affordable and accessible through your health insurance, EAP, by becoming a member of Open Path Therapy Collective or calling to see if you qualify for our new sliding fee scale program, which is available for a limited period of time. Before ruling out getting the mental health you may need, explore the options listed above. Contact us for more information and options available.
