7 Ways to Seek Therapy Without Breaking the Bank

Dominique Apollon, M.Ed, LPC

Dominique Apollon, M.Ed, LPC, is a clinical mental health therapist working at NVision You, a Chicago-based private practice in the Loop. Dominique is a member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and serves on their public education committee. Dominique also serves on the steering committee of the Social Isolation and Pets Consortium, initiated and supported by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mars Petcare.

Dominique applies evidence-based treatments, including mindfulness-based techniques, for clients who experience anxiety, depression, OCD, and other stress-related disorders. She strives to help her clients discover what it means to live intuitively, embrace their vulnerabilities and learn to challenge and face uncertainty with more confidence.

May 6, 2019

7 Ways to Seek Therapy Without Breaking the Bank

Friends and family are great at being the go-to support for the occasional ups and downs we experience in our day-to-day lives. Venting to them can feel uplifting, but in order to learn tools to overcome life’s challenges feel and feel empowered in the long run, seeking professional help may be the best route. However, sometimes there is a barrier. The most common being the costs that seems to get in between people wanting to create change but not having the funds to do so. The good thing is that you can find quality therapy without breaking the bank, so do not let funds get in the way of improving your mental wellness. Here are a few ways you can find affordable or free healthcare in your community:

If you are currently in the workforce, ask your employer if they offer an employee assistance program (EAP). The goal of EAP’s is to assist in helping employees overcome personal and professional life challenges that may impact the employee’s job performance. It’s also important to acknowledge that not all employers offer these services, but it’s certainly worth asking about.
If you are a student, take advantage of your university mental wellness services. Most universities offer free counseling sessions with their school psychologist or counselors and can also provide additional referrals and resources even after you graduate.
Reach out to your local hospitals that have trainees who are able to see you at a reduced rate.
Another option is to seek out support groups. This allows you to have a safe space to process your life transitions or challenges with people who you can relate to. To find a support group near you check out the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).
You can also check out ADAA or Psychology Today for therapist around you who either offer pro-bono work or sliding scale options. Don’t shy away from speaking with your therapist about all possible options, referrals and additional resources that you could benefit from.
Utilize the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at [email protected]. They can help you in your search for affordable mental healthcare.
Lastly, the crisis prevention hotlines such as Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line are available even if you're not an immediate suicide risk.