When life becomes especially stressful, you’re apt to feel more anxious and depressed. But if money – the possible lack of a good job or health insurance – is what’s causing you the most distress, then how can you even afford treatment or therapy for your anxiety? The cyclical nature of this scenario is more common than you might think. According to a survey by the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a main reason that people with mental health issues don’t seek treatment is the cost of doing so. Although reaching a solution might seem trickier than usual when you’re in a financial predicament, there are available resources that offer affordable mental health treatment.
For people with mental health problems, who have maxed out their insurance coverage or are losing their health insurance, an option to look into is free or sliding scale treatment when the fee charged is based on income. If you’re already in treatment, ask your therapist if there’s a possibility of reducing the fee or working out a payment plan. Try contacting the psychiatry or psychology departments of local universities or medical schools to ask if there are available clinics where social work graduate students may provide counseling services for a reduced fee. Private "find a therapist" web sites, like the one at Psychology Today, allows you to search for mental health providers who may be willing to offer sliding scale or pro bono care. Some therapists even offer group sessions, which are often less expensive than traditional one-on-one counseling.
While it can be frustrating to be in need of mental health treatment and unable to afford it, don't despair. And don't give up the idea of counseling if you think you are in need of it. Instead, consider the following resources that offer affordable mental health care.
Mental Health America – A national nonprofit organization with over 300 affiliates in 41 states, Mental Health America works with people to help connect them with affordable mental health services in their areas. By clicking on “Local MHAs” on the homepage, you can search for affiliate services in your area.
Community health centers – In addition to offering primary care services, these federally-funded health centers increasingly offer mental health services, even if you have no health insurance. Fees are charged on a sliding scale based on income. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Health Information Network (SHIN) maintains an online mental health services locator where you can search by state to find health centers nearest you.
Employee Assistance Programs – For those without insurance coverage, many employers offer EAPs to help you or a family member locate affordable mental health providers in your area. Many of these employee assistance programs also provide short-term counseling and support groups and referrals to mental-health professionals, so be sure to research any available options.
Prescription Assistance Programs – Programs offered through the nonprofit organization Partnership for Prescription Assistance help qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get their medications for free, or nearly free. PPA provides access to more than 475 public and private programs – including nearly 200 offered by pharmaceutical companies – in helping people without coverage get free or low-cost medications. These programs typically require a doctor’s consent and proof of your financial status, and they may also require that you either have no health insurance or no prescription drug benefit through your health insurance.
Churches, synagogues, and other places of worship – Many clergy members are also trained in counseling, and their services are generally free.
