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If the therapist doesn’t indicate online whether they offer fees on a sliding scale, when you speak with them for the first time, it’s perfectly appropriate to ask, “What is your rate?” and “Do you have a sliding scale?” Dr. Duckworth recommends being prepared to tell them how much you make and how much you’re able to pay per session. You should also be ready to explain why you want to see them in particular, Nguyen adds.
5. Get in touch with federally and community-funded health centers.
These facilities offer low-cost, sliding-scale, or even completely free care to people below a certain income threshold. Sometimes they provide both physical and mental health services, Dr. Vaile Wright says, which could make receiving care more seamless.
Try googling your city or county’s mental health authority or department of behavioral health, Nguyen says. These sites typically provide information about these kinds of centers or contact information for someone who can point you in the right direction. You can also search the Health Resources & Services Administration’s database of health centers.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, Nguyen recommends making a phone call and saying something like, “I’m interested in accessing services. Can you tell me what the criteria are?”
6. Consider seeing a clinician in training at a nearby college or university.
If you’re not set on (or can’t afford) a therapist with years of experience under their belt, consider seeing someone who’s in the process of getting their mental health practitioner degree. Clinicians in training typically charge reduced rates but are under the close supervision of a licensed professional, so you’re still receiving quality care.
“A clinician in training is a really nice option if you know you want someone who has more flexibility in their time, because sometimes [they] can spend more than 50 minutes with you,” Nguyen says. They may also bring extra energy and eagerness to the table. “They’re training to be the best at their job that they can be,” Dr. Vaile Wright says. Plus, these therapists-to-be are often younger than their licensed counterparts, which could be a quality you’re looking for.
If you live near a college or university, call and ask if they have a training clinic open to the public or offer virtual sessions. You can also check out the Association of Psychology Training Clinics’ list here. (By the way: If you’re currently enrolled in school, it’s worth reaching out to your campus health center to see if they offer free or low-cost counseling to students.)
7. Look into your online and app-based therapy options.
Several platforms offer teletherapy via live video sessions and asynchronous messaging. Online and app-based therapy has advantages: It’s typically more convenient than in-person appointments and can be cheaper, too, particularly if you’re paying out of pocket. (It’s only sometimes covered by insurance, so you’ll want to check with your provider.) You might also have access to a wider pool of therapists, especially if you live in a smaller town or rural area.
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