What do I do when I can't afford therapy?

The high cost of Psychotherapy can be a significant barrier to getting mental health support, but there are several options to explore. Many communities have mental health centers that offer services on a sliding scale based on income, sometimes as low as $10-20 per session. Contact your local health department or search online for 'community mental health' in your area. Some therapists in private practice also offer sliding scale fees - it doesn't hurt to ask. Many universities with psychology or social work programs offer low-cost Psychotherapy provided by supervised graduate students. Online Psychotherapy platforms sometimes cost less than traditional in-person Psychotherapy and may offer financial assistance programs. Check if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which often includes free short-term counseling. Religious organizations sometimes provide counseling services regardless of your faith background. Support groups, both in-person and online, can provide valuable peer support at little to no cost. Libraries often have extensive self-help sections and may offer mental health programs. Apps like crisis text lines are free and available 24/7. Some areas have open-access mental health services or crisis intervention programs. If you're in school, student counseling services are typically free or low-cost. Don't give up - with some research and persistence, you can often find affordable mental health support in your community.