Clients and others in my life often ask why I became a play therapist and…
How to Pay for Therapy When You Don’t Have Insurance
Make Your Mental Health a Priority
Deciding to seek mental health counseling is one of the most self loving acts you can make. Fortunately, even if you don’t have insurance, you CAN afford therapy.
Self-love doesn’t always look like face masks and pedicure dates. Working on your mental health is just as, if not more important. While you may not be able to see physical results like a new nail color or outfit with consistency you will FEEL better.
Mental health services have had a reputation of being a “luxury” rather than a necessity but I am happy to say there are more options than ever to invest in your mental health.
Free or Cheap Options for Therapy
Employee Assistance Programs even if you don’t have health insurance, your employer or your partner’s employer may offer this benefit. Check with HR to see if this is an option for you.
Cash Pay / Sliding Scale – many therapists don’t contract with insurance companies and only work on a cash pay basis. Ask a therapist you want to work with if they offer a discounted rate or sliding scale based on income. Some therapists even allow payment plans.
Community Mental Health Center – most community health centers receive federal, state, or local funding to provide mental health services in the community to those who are underinsured or uninsured. You may still have a small co-pay, but it may only range from $10.00 to $20.00 a session. See the list of community health centers at the bottom of this post.
Research Local Practices and Ask to See a New Therapist / Intern – when therapists first get out of graduate school, or are doing a practicum while still in grad school, they have to practice under a provisional license. They are usually unable to be on insurance panels, and offer steeply discounted cash pay rates.
Conclusion
Mental Health Services should be available to everyone and anyone. As I listed above, there are opportunities for these services to be feasible for the everyday person. As a provider myself I strive to provide as many payment options as I can to my clients. Affording therapy when you don’t have insurance doesn’t have to be impossible.
Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding services and/or payments with me.
Kansas City Area Community Mental Health Centers
Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center
UMKC Counseling and Assessment Center
MNU Community Counseling Center
