Seven Ways to Help You Find Mental Health Financial Assistance

| 7 min read Financial assistance

Mental illness affects millions of US adults each year,  but unfortunately, many people don’t ever receive the mental health care they need. If you or a loved one is looking for help with mental health issues but can’t afford care, know that there are many ways to find mental health financial assistance. Feel empowered to seek out the help you need—you deserve to live a life full of meaning and hope.

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Financial assistance for mental health treatment

Having a positive mental state not only feels good, but helps you cope with everyday stresses, work more productively, and contribute more to your community and personal relationships.

For most—even for those with health insurance—living with a mental health issue can mean high out of pocket medical expenses. Many people can’t afford therapy, either, because it often isn’t covered by insurance. Fortunately, there are several ways you can get financial assistance for mental health treatment.

1. Government assistance for mental health 

In the US, there are some government benefit options for those who need help accessing mental health services. Keep in mind that government assistance for mental health treatment does come with certain eligibility requirements, typically related to income.

  • Community health centers deliver primary care services to underserved locations. Mental health care is provided via a sliding fee scale, depending on your ability to pay.
  • MentalHealth.gov offers plenty of resources for those with a mental illness, including how to support a loved one who is dealing with a mental health issue. The site also provides guidance for participating in clinical trials.

2. Nonprofits that offer mental health resources

In addition to government aid, several nonprofits also provide financial assistance for mental health services.

  • A nationwide peer-support service, NAMI Helpline, offers resources for people dealing with a range of mental health disorders, including support for their caregivers and families.
  • Mental Health America will help you find support groups near you that are specific to your situation, in addition to connecting you with online support communities.

3. Online fundraising for mental health

Financial assistance for mental health patients is easily accessible through mental health fundraisers. Starting a fundraiser is easy to set up—and with crowdfunding, there are no applications, eligibility requirements, or waiting periods to receive funds. You might be surprised how many people want to help you find mental health support.

  • Raise money quickly with these excellent fundraising tips, so you can find the financial support that you need, when you need it.
  • If you’re looking to use the power of social sharing to increase donations, these 25 tips will help you spread the word about your fundraiser to more potential donors.

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4. Sliding-scale therapists

Deciding to see a medical professional for your mental health concerns may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. The one thing that stops many from doing so is the worry that they cannot afford treatment. Many people wonder how to pay for therapy without insurance, and thankfully there are many counselors available who provide mental health financial assistance through a sliding scale-based payment system.

  • Open Path Psychotherapy Collective partners with private mental health clinicians in all 50 states, to help individuals and families in need access affordable therapy services.
  • NeedyMeds keeps an updated database of sliding-scale, low-cost, and clinics for those underinsured, or without health insurance.
  • Psychology Today maintains a directory of licensed psychiatrists, therapists, and treatment facilities throughout the US, many of which offer a sliding-scale payment option.
  • Good Therapy is another resource to find the right mental health professional near you, allowing you to search for a therapist by location as well as the primary mental health issue they treat.

5. University mental health services

The demands of college are often stressful, which—if left unchecked—can lead to mental health challenges. Fortunately, the majority of college campuses offer low-cost mental health services to students, in addition to the organizations below.

  • Half of Us helps college students access counseling services that are close to campus. They also provide a text chat if you need someone to talk to, as well as a toll-free crisis helpline.
  • ULifeline offers campus-specific information and resources for people living with mental health challenges. It also offers a mental health hotline.

6. Low-cost online therapy

Quite a few online sites offer low-cost programs and helplines to help people living with mental health issues.

  • An eight-session interactive therapy program, offered by the Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions, can help treat depression. The program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and is completely free, confidential, and accessible from anywhere.
  • Talkspace offers private chat therapy sessions that you can access through your phone, laptop, or tablet. Plans start at $65/ per week, which includes unlimited messages with your therapist.
  • Powered by thousands of trained volunteer listeners, 7 Cups offers an emotional support system through a 24/7 chat program. It also provides affordable online counseling at $150 per month.
  • BetterHelp provides counseling services with unlimited access to your counselor, with plans starting at $40 per week. Counseling is offered through messaging, live chat, phone, and video conference.
  • A customized CBT program through iPrevail includes behavioral tools, interactive tools, and progress charts, and can help treat anxiety. The basic program is free, with paid packages starting at $6.66 per month.
  • BlahTherapy connects people from around the world who are going through their own mental health journey, with the idea that sometimes it is easier to talk to a stranger. This service is free, and they also offer low-cost online sessions with licensed therapists.

7. Try a smartphone app

Depending on your needs, smartphone apps can be a great way to get support and encouragement when you’re going through a tough time or just need some extra support. Some of the apps listed below also offer interactive training and guided meditation.

  • We Are More is geared toward patients with chronic health conditions. The platform offers inspirational content, and helps equip individuals with the skills they need to cope with life’s ups and downs.
  • Moodpath App is designed for those living with anxiety and depression. The app helps you track your mood, and offers personalized insights into how different life situations can trigger certain emotions.
  • Calm offers more than 100 meditation sessions to help you regain control of your thoughts, reduce anxiety, and lower your stress levels.
  • Happify combines positive psychology and mindfulness in an interactive platform to help you take control of your emotional health, and form new patterns and habits that contribute to your wellbeing.

You deserve to take care of your mental health

We all deserve to live a life full of happiness and wellbeing, and finances should never stand in the way of getting the mental health treatment you need. Through online fundraising, the money you need to take care of your mental health is quickly and easily within reach.  Sign up today and start your own fundraiser, so you can get back to living a life you truly enjoy.

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Written by GoFundMe