Looking after mental health the way we maintain our bodies is an essential part of whole-person wellness. Routine mental-health checkups, preventive measures, timely interventions and sustained support all play a role in preserving emotional balance. Still, many people can only access this care through free or low-cost mental health services. Whether you or someone you love is dealing with addiction or experiencing temporary emotional strain, tapping additional supports can make a meaningful difference.
Why Mental Health Care Can Be Costly
For those without health coverage, fees for mental health practitioners can create a real obstacle to getting help. Estimates cited in Psychology Today indicate an uninsured therapy session often costs between $100 and $200. Mental Health America’s 2024 State of Mental Health in America report found that more than half (54.7%) of Americans receive no treatment for mental health conditions. Frequently, lack of insurance is the reason people don’t pursue care. The report also noted that over 40% of people with a mental illness went without needed care because it was unaffordable. The silver lining: a wide range of free services and clinics provide confidential counseling throughout communities nationwide. More From Savinly:How Credit Card Debt Works
In Crisis? Call 988 to Reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you or someone you care about is thinking about harming themselves or others, call 988 immediately. Similar to 911, 988 connects callers directly with trained mental-health responders rather than emergency services. A 988 call is routed to one of over 200 local crisis centers that participate in the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and SAMHSA’s national helpline. Calls to the older Lifeline number (800-273-8255) are redirected to 988; you’ll speak with a trained counselor at a nearby crisis center and, if needed, be routed to backup centers. If you’re not in immediate crisis but need mental health care, there are still many other avenues to pursue — you don’t have to wait until it’s an emergency. Make managing money simpler. Sign up for Savinly’s newsletter today.
14 Ways to Locate Affordable or Free Mental Health Services
Rather than skipping care or accumulating medical debt, consider these options for finding budget-friendly or free mental health support. More From Savinly:Is Solitaire Cash Legit?
1. Check Medicaid or Medicare Eligibility
See if you qualify for government health programs like Medicaid or Medicare (the latter typically for those 65 and older). If mental health care is financially out of reach, you may be eligible for assistance from these programs. More From Savinly:100+ Places That Will Give You Free Stuff on Your Birthday
2. Seek Out a Training Clinic
As with many medical fields, clinical experience is part of training for psychologists. That means university-affiliated training clinics can offer cheaper therapy. Graduate clinicians see clients under licensed supervision and clinics often use sliding-fee scales — sometimes even offering services at no cost. To locate one nearby, check the Association of Psychology Training Clinics directory or search “(your city) psychology training clinic.” More From Savinly:Everything You Need To Know About Debt
3. Use a Community Mental Health Center
Community mental health centers often provide support groups, individual counseling and educational resources about mental health. You can find local centers via your state Department of Human Services or through nonprofit organizations. The YMCA, for instance, offers sliding-scale behavioral health and family services in many locations. Search for mental health programs at your nearby Y. More From Savinly:Our Picks for The Best Savings Accounts for This Month
4. Join a Support Group
Support groups won’t replace personalized therapy or full confidentiality, but they’re often free and can be a powerful source of comfort and practical advice. They’re particularly useful for people in recovery from substance use or coping with depression. Groups such as the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) host free meetings in-person and online. If you prefer a specific therapist who charges privately, ask whether they lead group sessions — these typically cost less per person. More From Savinly:The Top 0% Interest APR Credit Cards in 2025
5. Ask for Discounts and Negotiate
Medical bills are often negotiable — much more than you might expect. If you get a bill you can’t afford, contact the provider instead of just paying and falling into debt. Many providers will reduce fees substantially if you can pay a lump sum or will set up a manageable payment plan. Start discussions before the balance is sent to collections and request a monthly payment that fits your budget. More From Savinly:How To Budget: Create A Household Budget in 4 Simple Steps
6. Try an Online Therapist
Telehealth can be both convenient and less expensive than in-person visits. Apps like Teladoc connect you with providers who can assess conditions, suggest treatment and prescribe medication when appropriate. Therapy platforms such as Talkspace and BetterHelp give access to licensed therapists via messaging or video for a monthly fee that often ranges from about $70 to $150 per week (billed monthly). These services can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional visits. More From Savinly:Ditch Overpriced Car Insurance Now — Save $500 Today
7. Turn to Your Faith Community
If you participate in a religious congregation, you might find support within that community. While severe mental illnesses often require clinical care beyond what faith groups provide, many organizations offer referrals to social services, host free support meetings or provide pastoral counseling for individuals and couples. If privacy is a concern in a small community, remember many people seek help for the same reasons you do. More From Savinly:The Dumbest Things We Keep Spending Too Much Money On
8. Use Services at School or College
Students and staff at colleges and universities generally have access to on-campus mental health services, funded in part by tuition or institutional budgets. K–12 students may be able to see school counselors as well. Use these options if private therapy is unaffordable for your family. More From Savinly:8 Ways Savvy Shoppers Are Outsmarting Inflation at the Grocery Store
9. Search the Internet for Trusted Resources
While web self-diagnosis is no substitute for clinical evaluation, reputable professional organizations provide helpful, evidence-based information when you already suspect what’s going on. For anxiety, for instance, check resources from:– Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (abct.org)– Anxiety and Depression Association of America (adaa.org)– International OCD Foundation (ocfoundation.org)Many people also find value in online communities and therapist content on social platforms, but take unsolicited advice cautiously and never replace professional care with recommendations from strangers. More From Savinly:Free Baby Stuff for Expecting Mothers in 2025 (38 Freebies & Deals!)
10. Call NAMI or SAMHSA for Guidance
Besides 988, you can contact the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-6264 or SAMHSA’s national helpline at 1-800-622-4357 to ask about symptoms, treatments and local resources. These phone lines don’t provide clinical services directly but can help you locate programs in your region. For international aid, Johns Hopkins has compiled global organizations — including the U.N. and WHO — that offer mental health support, such as services for refugees and disaster survivors. More From Savinly:What is Debt Consolidation — And Should I Consider It?
11. Review Your Employer Benefits
Many workplaces provide an employee assistance program (EAP) that can include a number of complimentary counseling sessions. Ask HR whether such benefits exist and how to access them. Confirm confidentiality upfront — some counselors are contracted by the employer and may have reporting arrangements, so clarify privacy protections before beginning. More From Savinly:The 6 Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards of 2025
12. Visit an LGBTQ Center
LGBTQ centers and advocacy groups often provide affirming support, referrals and counseling resources tailored to queer and trans communities. Search for “LGBTQ center in (your town)” or explore organizations such as The Trevor Project for youth-focused crisis assistance, and PFLAG for family-oriented support. These groups can connect you with safe care. More From Savinly:Smarten Up, Americans. No Offense But Millions of Us Haven’t Used These Money Secrets
13. Consider a Therapy Collective
Nonprofit therapy collectives like Open Path provide affordable counseling for people who need financial help. A one-time membership fee (around $65) grants access to sessions typically costing $40–$70, with slightly higher rates for couples or families. The directory helps you find local therapists or online providers and generally expects members to be uninsured, underinsured, or earning under a specified income threshold. Another option is 7 Cups, which offers volunteer listeners, an online library of self-help materials and paid counseling plans starting at about $150 per month. More From Savinly:If You Have More Than $1,000 in Your Checking Account, Make These Money Moves
14. Don’t Overlook Veterans Affairs (VA) Services
If you’re a veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides mental health care for veterans and their families, including treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression and grief. The VA also offers telehealth mental services and counseling supports for caregivers. More From Savinly:31 Ways to Make Money Online & From Home in 2025
A Word About AI-Based Counseling
AI chatbots and virtual “therapists” have emerged as an available resource, but experts caution about their limitations. While these tools can simulate empathy, they may miss subtle cues, fail to identify high-risk situations and raise privacy concerns. Research continues, and AI may play a supporting role in mental health care someday, but for now it’s wise to approach these tools carefully and not rely on them for crisis situations or complex diagnoses. More From Savinly:The 5 Top Apps for Saving Money in 2025
If you’re looking for community-based, low-cost care like group-led services, consider options such as budget friendly community acupuncture where available, and explore local directories and helplines to connect with the right support for your situation.
