Completely free options
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Free 24/7 crisis support by call, text, or chat. Not just for suicidal crises — 988 counselors support anyone experiencing emotional distress. No insurance required. Text or call 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 text-based crisis support. Particularly useful for those who prefer text over voice calls.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
If you're employed, your EAP almost certainly provides free confidential counseling sessions — typically 3–8 sessions per issue per year. Check your HR benefits portal or ask HR directly. This is the most underutilized free mental health benefit in the US.
Community mental health centers and FQHCs
Federally Qualified Health Centers are required to serve patients regardless of ability to pay, using a sliding scale fee structure. For very low-income patients, care can be free. Find your local FQHC at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
University and training clinics
Graduate psychology and counseling programs operate training clinics where supervised students provide therapy at no cost or very low cost. Services are provided by advanced students under close professional supervision — appropriate for many concerns, particularly if you're not in acute crisis.
Peer support groups
NAMI support groups, SMART Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and many condition-specific peer groups are free and available in most communities. Not a substitute for professional therapy but valuable alongside it.
Low-cost options ($20–80 per session)
Open Path Collective
A network of licensed therapists who offer sessions at $30–80 for individuals meeting income requirements. Membership is $65 one-time. openpathcollective.org
Sliding scale private practice therapists
Many private practice therapists reserve 2–5 slots for clients with financial hardship. Ask directly: "Do you offer a sliding scale?" A therapist who offers this appreciates directness. BehavioralHealthGuide.org lets you filter for sliding scale availability.
Community mental health center outpatient
Beyond crisis services, community mental health centers provide ongoing outpatient therapy on a sliding scale. Income-based fees typically run $10–50 per session for low to moderate income patients.
Reducing costs with insurance
If you have insurance — including Medicaid or Medicare — therapy is likely covered. Call your insurance company and ask specifically about your outpatient behavioral health benefits. Many people discover their therapy would cost far less than they assumed.
The National Alliance on Eating Disorders helpline: 1-866-662-1235. SAMHSA National Helpline (substance use): 1-800-662-4357. Both free and confidential.