When you need some extra help, it takes a lot of courage to reach out. However, that process can feel a lot tougher when you know you don’t have insurance to cover the costs of therapy. It’s hard to put a price on your mental well-being, and not having insurance isn’t a reason to miss out. Luckily, knowing how to get therapy without insurance can help you get the assistance you need without breaking the bank.
Best Online Therapy Sites That Take Patients Without Insurance:
| Provider | Try Now | Logo |
|---|---|---|
| Online-Therapy.com | Try Now |  |
| Talkspace | Try Now |  |
| BetterHelp | Try Now |  |
| Pride Counseling | Try Now |  |
Is Therapy Expensive Without Insurance?
Therapy is not free. And any form of therapy that is free usually falls short of helping you to get the quality of help you need. So, is therapy expensive without insurance? The answer is yes and no. It depends on where you go to get treatment and which provider you choose to work with.
The first decision you have to make is online therapy vs. in-person therapy. And when you’re looking at the costs, online therapy is generally much less expensive. Doctors can see more patients and don’t have to pay for brick and mortar buildings and offices, which helps to bring the costs down.
But is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy? Research points to yes. And on top of that, you get the conveniences of not needing to drive or take transportation to a session, sit in a doctor’s office, or miss a session when you’re out of town. Online therapy is not only less expensive, but the conveniences make it an attractive alternative.
The cost of different online therapy providers varies based on what services they’re offering. What we find is that most plans fall in the range of $40 – $100 per week. As you’ll be paying these costs out of pocket, the best online therapy sites that take patients without insurance we’ve listed above are also the least expensive options that still provide quality services.
Steps on How to Get Insurance Without Therapy
- Make sure your work, school, or church doesn’t have any free programs in place that can help.
- Understand what type of provider you’re looking for. If you think you need medication, you’ll need to see a psychiatrist. If not, you’ll want to see a counselor or licensed therapist.
- Begin researching the different therapy providers who take patients without insurance. We’ve provided some great options at the top of this article.
- Look for a therapy option that’s both affordable and still provides the quality of service you need.
- During your consultation with the therapist, let them know that you’re paying out of pocket and that costs may be a concern. If there are any financial assistance programs available, they’ll let you know.
- Work hard to get the most out of your therapy sessions.
FAQs
How do I talk to a therapist without insurance?
Many therapists still take patients even if they don’t have insurance. In fact, many therapists choose only to work with patients that don’t have insurance or that choose to pay out of pocket. If you are interested in talking with a therapist without insurance, you can use one of the online providers we’ve listed at the top of the article. You’ll be able to sign up and speak to a therapist, even though you don’t have insurance.
Should I pay for therapy out of pocket?
If you’re considering if the cost of therapy is worth it or not, we personally don’t think you can put a price on your health. It’s our belief that therapy is absolutely worth every penny if you feel you need it. If you’re considering not using your insurance and paying out of pocket, that might be a good idea, especially if you have a high deductible. Many online therapy services are priced low enough that it makes more sense to pay out of pocket than going through insurance.
How do you get therapy if you’re broke?
If you can’t afford therapy, you may still have some options. First, reach out to some online therapy providers and see if they have any options for financial assistance. Use the links we’ve provided at the top of the page and navigate to the contact pages to reach out. If that doesn’t work, look at your work, school, church, or local community group for options that are available at no charge. It may take a little time searching online, but there are options available in most areas.
Is there any free online counseling?
You may be able to find some free resources for self-help online. However, if you’re looking for individual or group therapy options with a live therapist, you’ll most likely need to pay something. That being said, there are many affordable options that are worth the investment.
Do you have to pay for therapy if you have insurance?
It depends. Some therapists choose to work 100% outside of insurance companies. If this is the case, you’ll need to pay the full cost of services. However, if you do choose to use an online therapist that takes insurance, you may be able to get your services covered. It all depends on what you have in your plan and what your deductible is. Many of the sites we listed in the table at the top of the page have ways you can check to see if your insurance is accepted.
Why do so many therapists not take insurance?
Many therapists choose to price their insurance in an affordable manner where it’s less expensive for many people than paying a higher deductible. The reason many therapists prefer to work independently is it’s easier for them than dealing with the red tape that comes with insurance companies.
