How to Get Mental Health Services & Therapy Without Insurance

How Much Do Mental Health Services Therapy Cost

The cost of your mental health therapy will vary depending on your mental health therapy insurance coverage and treatment needs. The following are typical therapy prices. They may vary depending on location and other factors, and they may not reflect the actual cost of treatment or what you will spend.

In the United States, for example, psychotherapy sessions typically cost between $100 and $200 per session,¹ depending on the state and the length of the session. In addition, you’ll most likely have a copay with health insurance, ranging from a few dollars to $50 or more every session.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) appointments are normally 45 minutes long and cost between $100 and $200 per session, whereas Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) usually comprises of a weekly individual therapy session, a weekly group therapy session, and weekly phone discussions. The cost of DBT varies depending on the services provided. Whether the therapist is in-network or not influences this out-of-pocket cost.

Even if you have insurance, you will often be responsible for some or all of your medical expenses until your total medical expenses exceed the deductible. After that, you may be asked to pay a copay or coinsurance for each treatment, depending on your plan.

For those who do not have insurance, some therapists will provide therapy without insurance on a sliding scale. If you find a therapist who accepts a sliding scale payment plan, the cost of your sessions will most likely be determined by your income. The sliding scale fees may differ from one therapist to the next.

Jump to Section

• How Much Do Mental Health Services & Therapy Cost?
• Can Insurance Cover the Entire Cost of Therapy?
• Ways to Afford Therapy Without Insurance
• Are There Options for Free Therapy Near Me?
• Other Affordable Mental Health Services & Therapy Options
• How To Find Mental Health Services Near Me in Tennessee? 
• Resources for Mental Health Help

Can Insurance Cover the Entire Cost of Therapy?

Most insurance plans in the United States cover mental health in the same way that they cover other medical expenses. This means that sessions may be billed as a copay or count toward your deductible.² Once you’ve met your deductible, the insurance provider will reimburse you based on your plan’s benefits. However, keep in mind that you may still be required to pay a copay.

Most plans offered through the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplaces must include mental health coverage.³ Private insurance companies that the Affordable Care Act doesn’t encompass may provide mental health services, but they aren’t required to. In addition, not all mental health providers accept all insurance plans.

Furthermore, Medicaid⁴ and Medicare part B⁵ both provide coverage for mental health care.

Athena Care mental health clinic in Tennessee is in-network with most major insurance plans. To determine if your insurance plan covers your mental and behavioral health services, call your insurance provider or contact us below.

Let our highly experienced, expert care coordinators handle the difficulties of contacting your insurance carrier for more information about affordable mental health care. A care coordinator will review your policy and thoroughly explain your options. Rest assured, all submitted or discussed information is kept confidential.

Ways to Afford Therapy Without Insurance

If you don’t have insurance or find out that your insurance doesn’t cover the therapy treatment you want, you may be wondering how to pay for what may be an expensive appointment. The good news is that there are a variety of organizations, services, and strategies that can help make mental health services and the therapy cost without insurance more accessible:⁶

• Financial support from friends/family: Asking for help is sometimes the best course of action, and it’s a sign of strength.
• Sliding Scale Therapy: Don’t be afraid to ask a mental health provider if they’ll negotiate the cost of their services. Many therapists will work with clients based on a sliding scale. Your income typically determines this therapy cost without insurance.
• Join a support group: Support groups can be an excellent opportunity to connect with others going through similar experiences.⁷
• Fundraising/Crowdfunding: GoFundMe and Kickstarter are just a couple of the fundraising/crowdfunding sites.
• Credit card: This will likely incur interest rates, but it’s one way to access therapy without insurance.

Are There Options for Free Therapy Near Me?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides a toll-free hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is a fantastic resource for emergencies and locating additional free resources in the Tennessee area.

In addition to this hotline, free community health clinics with psychotherapists and psychologists are available. They often expand their services by employing student psychologists, mental health counselors, and social workers overseen by licensed, experienced experts. Services are frequently offered for free or at a significantly discounted rate.⁸

Other Affordable Mental Health Services & Therapy Options

• Local social services: Free or low-cost mental health assessments may be available at student health centers or community-based health facilities sponsored by the federal government.
• Search for therapist training or nonprofits: In some situations, therapist training colleges may provide discounted sessions with trainee therapists. These qualified therapists frequently have advanced degrees in mental health-related subjects. They will always be overseen by a clinician with years of experience. Furthermore, some nonprofit groups provide free or reduced-cost therapy to members of specific populations or those suffering from specific mental health disorders.
• University hospitals: Patients can often access interns and residents at university hospitals on a sliding scale basis. Their services are often significantly less expensive than private practice mental health providers.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Employee Assistance Programs are offered by some employers as mental health benefits. Employees have free access to these advantages because their employers pay for them. Your employee handbook or human resources department will provide additional information on any EAP benefit alternatives.
• Online Therapy: The option of virtual therapy became more mainstream in March 2020, and this is often a more affordable alternative to traditional in-person therapy.

How To Find Mental Health Services Near Me in Tennessee? 

With Athena Care, gaining access to mental health assessments and treatments in Tennessee has never been easier. A care coordinator can assist you at one of our various Tennessee locations.

When choosing a mental health provider, keep the following in mind: 

• Education, training, license, and years of experience 
• Specialties and services offered 
• Treatment methods and philosophies 
• Insurance companies they work with 
• Office hours 
• Pricing 
• Session length 

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

Athena Care mental health clinics are open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Here you’ll find a list of practitioners organized by city, along with information about their backgrounds and specialties. 

Resources for Mental Health Help

You should never delay seeking help for your mental health because you think you cannot afford it. There are always options. Below are some great resources for mental wellness:⁹

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-6264
  • NAMI is dedicated to improving the lives of millions of people in the United States who are suffering from mental illness.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):1-800-662-4357
  • SAMHSA is a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services that oversees public health initiatives to improve the nation’s behavioral health. Their objective is to lessen the impact of substance addiction and mental illness on American communities.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifelines: 1-800-273-8255
  • The Lifeline offers free and confidential support to persons in distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as preventative and crisis services for you or your loved ones.

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 at any time
  • From anywhere in the United States under any circumstance, and from a secure online platform, a live, certified Crisis Counselor gets the SMS and reacts.

• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
  • The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects veterans with a trained responder 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Regardless of whether or not they are registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare, all veterans are eligible for the service.