This blog was written by Fani Sculley, Speaks 2 Inspire:
Do you want to get help but can’t afford it? You’re not the only one. A reported 56 percent of Americans claim they don’t get the mental health care they need.
Why is that? Well, many factors can contribute to how we access mental health care.
Cost is one of the greatest barriers to youth and adult mental health treatment. Fortunately, there are ways you can access mental health services at little to no cost.
The cost of mental health treatment varies widely. Depending on the level of experience, training, specialization, and state licensure, your therapist may charge between $65 to $250 or more per hour.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, insurance is often the best option for funding therapy. However, the cost is still a concern for many people.
Yes! There are many programs, services, and strategies to access low-cost mental health resources. Here are just a few:
– Student Health Centers: Your school or college campus may offer free mental health resources, including counseling, for a limited number of sessions every semester.
– Federally Qualified Health Centers: These community-based centers offer free or low-cost health services through federal funding. Find an FQHC here.
– Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Ask your employer about your EAP benefits and take advantage of any free mental health services.
– Ask about a Sliding Scale: Many private practices or local mental health centers may offer sliding scale plans based on your income.
– Nonprofits: Organizations such as the Open Path Psychotherapy Collective offer low-cost counseling. Find out if any nonprofit in your community may offer similar benefits.
– Training Institutes: Medical institutions and University hospitals often have programs that allow clinical interns and residents to provide services under supervision.
You may be able to access additional free assistance here:
– National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI) Helpline: Contact the NAMI HelpLine, call 800-950-NAMI (6264), Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., ET, or email info@nami.org.
– Free Black Therapy: A nonprofit organization that provides free counseling for Black and African American individuals.
– Therapy Aid Coalition: A nonprofit that provides free therapy for US healthcare professionals and first responders.
How can I get immediate help?
If you are experiencing a crisis and need immediate help, you can access 24/7 support services here:
– Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to speak with a crisis counselor.
– Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 74141 to connect with a counselor.
More mental health resources
This blog was written by Fani Sculley. Connect with Fani on LinkedIn.
(The listed resources are not sponsored or endorsed by Speaks 2 Inspire.)
At Speaks 2 Inspire, we’re committed to raising mental health awareness among young people in schools.
Contact us to learn more about our programs for colleges and universities.
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