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What to Consider in Therapists

Perhaps the first huge step in the right direction when it comes to maintaining mental health is finding the right therapist. Quite often, however, therapy tends to be quite costly, which deters many people from going for help in the first place. If you’re looking for affordable therapists near me, here are a few important things you should factor into your process. In this blog, we will take you through some of the things you need to remember: from finding affordable therapy to types of therapy available and how to reduce costs. First, it is important to understand your needs.

Understand Your Needs

Before starting to search for any therapist, take some time to reflect on your needs. Not all therapists are alike; each may have a different specialty of practice, whether it be anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, or something else. Knowing what kind of support you’re seeking will help you narrow down your search. Ask yourself:

  • Do I need individual counseling, or would a group therapy setting work for me?
  • Am I dealing with temporary or ongoing issues?
  • What is bothering me the most: stress, anxiety, grief, etc.?

Knowing what you need will get you to the right therapist for your situation, thus optimizing your therapy in the process. This can also save you time and money by streamlining your search toward therapists who have expertise in areas that best match your needs.

Research Different Types of Therapy

There are many forms of therapies available, and it can help to understand your options and pick one that could fit your goals and budget effectively. Here are a few common types of therapies you may find:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that helps people change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It’s often recommended for anxiety and depression.
  • Psychodynamic Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on understanding unconscious thoughts and past experiences. It’s typically a longer-term therapy and can be more costly over time.
  • Group Therapy: This involves a therapist working with multiple people facing similar issues. Group therapy can be more affordable than individual sessions.
  • Teletherapy (Online Therapy): Virtual therapy is often less expensive than in-person sessions. It also offers flexibility, allowing you to choose therapists from a wider geographical area.

By researching different therapy types, you can choose one that fits both your mental health needs and your budget.

Check Your Health Insurance

If you have health insurance, it may be worth investigating whether your plan covers therapy. Many insurance providers cover mental health services, but to what extent that is covered certainly varies. Some questions to ask your insurance provider include:

  • Does my plan cover therapy sessions?
  • What is my co-pay for therapy?
  • Are there a limited number of sessions that are covered each year?
  • Are there any in-network therapists near me?

Whenever possible, and if your insurance allows it, check for those who are in-network, as the cost with out-of-network therapists can be much higher. Even if your insurance does not fully cover the service, partial reimbursement reduces costs immensely.

Look for Sliding Scale Therapists

Many therapists can also see people based on a sliding scale of payment-that is, one in which the price of sessions is determined by one’s level of income. Sliding scale fees can make therapy accessible to those that may otherwise not be able to afford therapy. If you are contacting a number of potential therapists, don’t be afraid to ask if they have sliding scale fees.

Many times sliding scale therapists will work with you to find a price you can afford. Keep in mind that even though a therapist may not advertise it on their website, it doesn’t mean they aren’t open to discussing a sliding scale with you.

Explore Community Clinics and Non-Profit Organizations

Community mental health clinics and some nonprofit organizations sometimes offer free or low-cost therapy to those who cannot afford private therapy. Community clinics often staff licensed therapists or counselors in training but may have a licensed professional available who oversees them.

Here are a few ways to find these services:

  • Search online for local community health centers or mental health organizations.
  • Reach out to your city or county’s health department for information on low-cost mental health services.
  • Contact universities or colleges with psychology or counseling programs, as they often offer affordable therapy provided by graduate students under supervision.

Community clinics can be a great resource, especially if you are on a tight budget. These services may have waiting lists, but the care provided is often just as effective as private practice therapy.

Consider Therapy Apps

With the rise in technology comes various mental health apps through which more affordable online therapy is sought. There is BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Cerebral, which connect you with licensed depression therapists through video, phone calls, or messaging. These services have a subscription fee that is lower compared to traditional in-person therapy.

While therapy apps can be an easy, affordable way to find access to mental health, do your research. Ensure the therapists on the platform are licensed, and read reviews to ensure it’s a platform that can offer the level of support you’re looking for.

Check for Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Many employers have an Employee Assistance Program that offers free short-term counseling. In most instances, these are limited to a number of sessions, but it is a good first step if you need immediate help. An EAP is confidential, which means your employer will not have access to your personal information.

If your workplace offers an EAP, take advantage of the mental health services they offer. While the number of free sessions may be limited, it will at least get you started with therapy and give you an idea of whether you’d like to stay with that therapist going forward.

Ask About Group Therapy

Group therapy can be much more affordable than individual therapy. During the group therapy, one therapist works with several people who share their problems. Though the therapist may not be as interactive with each client, group therapy still can be very effective and can be decidedly cheaper than session-by-session individual therapy.

Group therapy also has the added advantage of peer support, in that you get to be in contact with others who are dealing with similar struggles. Many therapists offer both individual and group therapy, so it’s always worth asking if they have group options available.

Look for Therapists-in-Training

Many therapists-in-training see clients at lower costs while building hours. Many trainees work with licensed professionals for oversight, so you are getting quality care. If you’re seeking more affordable options in mental health, therapy provided by a trainee can be an excellent option.

You can also find a therapist-in-training by calling local universities, psychology training programs, or community mental health clinics.

Consider Frequency and Duration of Sessions

If the cost of therapy is too much to handle every week, consider reducing how often you go in. Some therapists may indeed be willing to schedule bi-weekly or even monthly sessions, instead of having you come in on a weekly basis. The most ideal ways could indeed be more frequent sessions; however, going a longer period between visits can help with affording your therapy.

You can also talk with your therapist about session times. Some therapists have 30-minute sessions for a discounted rate, instead of the normal one-hour session.

Final Thoughts

None of this should be a problem if you take the right approach to finding an affordable therapist in or around your neighborhood. Understand your needs, look at your insurance to see what the insurance can cover, and inquire about sliding scale opportunities-all ways you can get mental health that fits your wallet. That is one way to think about it: therapy as an investment in your well-being. Taking the time to find an affordable option can make a big difference on your mental health journey.

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