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Free Counseling & Low Cost Mental Health Resources

Free Counseling & Low Cost Mental Health Resources

Mental health is expensive but critically important, so it’s no wonder why so many people search for free counseling. Counseling can easily cost $100 or more per hour which keeps many low income people from getting the help that they need.

America is currently experiencing a mental health crisis. We are doing what we can to help by finding low cost mental health resources and free counseling for those who can’t afford mental health care on their own.

woman breaks down and needs free counseling

Crisis Resources

If you are in a mental health crisis and need immediate assistance, contact one of these resources.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at
1-800-273-8255. They also have an online chat.

Crisis Text Line

You can text NAMI to 741-741 to receive free crisis support via text message.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can help victims escape and overcome their challenges. Call 800-799-7233 for help.

National Sexual Assault Hotline

If you are the victim of sexual assault, you can talk to a trained staff member that can connect you with local resources. Free chat support is available here or you can call 800-656-4673.

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Chat with a Mental Health Specialist!

Mental health is important. If you’ve got questions, you can ask a doctor right now from the comfort of your own home!

Free Counseling & Low-Cost Therapy Resources

These options can help you find ongoing care at low (or no) cost.

Medicaid and Government Health Care

If you are low income, you may qualify for Medicaid or other government-funded health care programs. These programs typically cover mental health services, although the eligibility and services vary by state.

Federally-Funded Health Centers

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), federally-funded health centers serve those without health insurance and/or those who don’t have resources to pay for their own health care. These centers charge a sliding-scale fee based on your income. Many of these clinics offer mental health services, so it’s a great place to look for free counseling! Find one near you here.

Work with a Graduate Student

Many colleges and universities offer low-cost therapy because students need experience. You can also reach out to hospitals and ask if they currently have anyone in training who may be able to help you at a reduced rate. You can also look for training clinics here.

If you pursue treatment through these options, you will work with a graduate student who is supervised by someone with more experience. You’re helping them gain the experience they need for their career, and in exchange you’ll get mental health service for a very low cost.

Look for a pro-bono or low-cost therapist.

There are many organizations that maintain lists of free counseling and low-cost therapy options. You can check the lists at ADAA and Psychology Today to see if there are any resources near you.

You can also contact the National Alliance on Mental Health and ask for help finding an affordable therapist in your area. You can reach NAMI here.

Find a Support Group.

There are many support groups that offer safe spaces and supportive environments. You can find one here.

Try an online therapy app.

You can use services like Teledoc, Talkspace and BetterHelp to chat with a therapist via phone, text or chat. These services are still high-cost but usually more affordable than traditional therapy options. Sometimes, they’re even covered by your insurance!

Save Money & Get Free Stuff!

Nicole is the owner and lead researcher for Low Income Relief. She has over 20 years of professional research and writing experience, and she has been solely dedicated to investigating low income topics for the last 10 years. Nicole started Low Income Relief after a personal experience with poverty. When her husband was medically discharged from the US Army, their family experienced tremendous financial hardship. Nicole was able to gather help from multiple community agencies and move into a nearby low income housing unit in just two weeks! Since then, Nicole has been dedicated to helping low income families in crisis. She regularly spends hundreds of hours combing through countless resources to make sure that Low Income Relief has the most comprehensive and complete resource directories on the internet today. Prior to starting Low Income Relief, Nicole worked as a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and content creator. Her work has been featured in various print and online publications, including USA Today, The Daily Herald, The Chronicle and more. Her work has also been featured by Google for Publishers and other leading industry publications.

Lori Anthony

Monday 6th of July 2020

Thank you so much for your continuing hard work to help others!!

Hannah Benge

Wednesday 8th of July 2020

We are so glad we can help! Thank you! -Hannah

Adriana J. Herring

Thursday 9th of January 2020

Thank you for all the work you do. Your website is incredible! I am a New Jersey Retired Social Service Worker. I have 17 yrs experience as a Human Service Specialist III (assistant supervisor Cash, Food Stamps, & Medicaid). I am available to help, should you need it, and I would be willing to donate my time, for any research, etc., to you. Just give me a shout-out. Kuddos, for all you do, this information is invaluable!

Sarah Humble-Ketcher

Monday 6th of July 2020

Mrs. Herring, It is because of wonderful selfless people such as your self and Nicole's entire team that change lives every minute. I first ran across Nicole's site right after Hurricane Harvey. My husband was a welding student who finally graduated with his full associates in welding but started in a program paid for everything except the 54 dollar book for structural welding certification. They even paid the 200 or so for the test!! This was all provided by the TWC and because of him being spotted by the same lady 5 days in a row from open until closing and with a clueless look on his face , she said Sir can I help you with anything and he replied do you have a notebook and pen as they both chuckled. Point being, the knowledge of that Angel that afternoon forever changed our course, then it went to Nicole as my daughter's and mine. We help alot of homeless with various independent charities or women from Family Services which BTW also offers anger management 2x a year I Believe and are a great resource for counseling. Catholic Charities usually offers it as well. Depends on the city I think. I just want to say though that with every piece of knowledge you post or answer for LIR team could be saving a life, helping a family eat or getting home health before officially disabled by SS. We all know it takes forevver. So thank yall from the bottom of our huge SE Texan hearts and us Beaumonters are now Silsbee gulp, welcome y'all for a cookout and free lodging anytime. Preferably at my Fathers since he's a surgeon and had more square footage, lol! All our love, Sarah, Kiah and Caroline Ketcher

Nicole Thelin

Thursday 16th of January 2020

Thank you so much! I'll send you an email soon. :)