Read on Twitter
Six Ways to Find an Affordable Therapist
THREAD
THREAD
I understand that pursuing therapy can be difficult enough, especially for the Black community where help-seeking behaviors are often viewed as “taboo.” However, therapy does not have to be expensive. The following ways may assist with finding affordable therapy.
1. Ask Your Insurance Provider What They Cover
Mental Health services are among the 10 essential benefits that the ACA requires insurance plans. These plans cover a least a portion of mental health services, if not all.-
Mental Health services are among the 10 essential benefits that the ACA requires insurance plans. These plans cover a least a portion of mental health services, if not all.-
If you don’t have insurance, there are still additional options below. Coverage details should be included in the plan information but to make things easier, you can call your insurer to ask questions like:
What is my co-pay for therapy visits?
Do I need a referral or preapproval from the insurer?
Is there any coverage for out-of-network therapists?
If so, how much, and what’s the process for getting reimbursed?
Do you cover some forms of mental health professionals and not others?-
Do I need a referral or preapproval from the insurer?
Is there any coverage for out-of-network therapists?
If so, how much, and what’s the process for getting reimbursed?
Do you cover some forms of mental health professionals and not others?-
Your insurer can also provide you with a directory of recommended therapists, just tell them what you are looking for. You can also ask about the potential of having your preferred therapist covered by insurance.
2. Ask About Sliding Scale Fees
On average, an out of pocket therapy session will cost $100-250 depending on the provider/locale. However, most therapists operate on a “sliding scale” meaning they consider other factors, such as your income.-
On average, an out of pocket therapy session will cost $100-250 depending on the provider/locale. However, most therapists operate on a “sliding scale” meaning they consider other factors, such as your income.-
Do not be afraid to ask a therapist about their rates and if they offer sliding scale fees. Be prepared to tell them how much you make and how much you would be comfortable paying for a session. Most therapists will work with you.
3. Community and Federally-Funded Health Centers
These facilities offer low-fee, sliding scale, and even free care to people in lower-income brackets. Google your city’s department of behavioral health. You will find information about these types of centers and can see if you-
These facilities offer low-fee, sliding scale, and even free care to people in lower-income brackets. Google your city’s department of behavioral health. You will find information about these types of centers and can see if you-
qualify. Call a provider at one of these centers and say “I’m interested in accessing services, can you tell me what the criteria are?”
4. Ask Your Local College/University To See a Clinician-In-Training
If you want someone with tons of experience, this is not the option for you. However, they typically charge reduced rates or even offer pro bono (free) sessions.-
If you want someone with tons of experience, this is not the option for you. However, they typically charge reduced rates or even offer pro bono (free) sessions.-
They are under the close supervision of a licensed professional to ensure you receive quality care. They are training to be the best at their jobs, therefore they may approach each case with more eagerness to learn and grow.-
If you live near a college/university, hit them up to see if their training clinic is open to the public.
5. Consider Tele-therapy
Telehealth is typically less expensive than in-person therapy but can be just as effective. Sessions can be held via video chat, over the phone, email, or even through text. It is relatively new and growing.-
Telehealth is typically less expensive than in-person therapy but can be just as effective. Sessions can be held via video chat, over the phone, email, or even through text. It is relatively new and growing.-
You can find directories on google, psychology today, thero, and many other outlets. Be sure to ask specifics to determine if this style of therapy is right for you.
6. Try Group Therapy
There is no substitute for individual counseling but group therapy can also be an effective way to address your concerns with people who may share your experience. It is super cost-effective, if not free.-
There is no substitute for individual counseling but group therapy can also be an effective way to address your concerns with people who may share your experience. It is super cost-effective, if not free.-
These groups are judgment-free and are also a great way to build support and camaraderie. You may even find a new friend.
What options have you considered for therapy? What questions do you have? Feel free to reply or slide in my DMs and I will assist as best as I can.
#DetoxWithBoxx
#BoxxIn #DidYouSelfCareToday?
#DetoxWithBoxx
#BoxxIn #DidYouSelfCareToday?
