When Therapy Feels Like a Financial Stretch: Making It Work

You know you need support. You’ve done your research, found therapists who might be a good fit. Then you see the price tag: $100, $150, sometimes $200 per session. Your heart sinks. How can you possibly afford that right now?

At Televero Health, we hear this concern every day. “I want help, but I can’t afford it.” “I feel guilty spending this much on myself.” “I’m worried about starting something I can’t sustain.” These feelings are valid, and you’re not alone in having them.

The reality is that therapy can be expensive, and for many people, it does represent a financial stretch. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely out of reach. There are ways to make mental health care more affordable—and reasons why, even when it’s a stretch, it might still be worth considering.

Understanding the Real Costs

Before we talk about how to make therapy more affordable, let’s acknowledge something important: untreated mental health concerns have costs too.

When we’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other challenges, it affects many areas of our lives. It can impact our work performance, our physical health, our relationships, and our ability to function day to day.

These impacts have real financial consequences—from missed workdays to medical bills to impulsive spending as we try to cope. They also have enormous costs in terms of our quality of life and well-being.

This doesn’t mean you should spend money you truly don’t have. But it does mean that when we think about whether therapy is “worth it,” we need to consider not just what we pay for it, but also what we might pay by going without it.

Insurance Options You Might Not Know About

If you have health insurance, start there—but don’t stop at the obvious. Many people don’t realize all the ways insurance might help:

Check your benefits carefully. Some plans cover mental health services fully or partially, even when providers are out-of-network. You might have coverage you don’t know about.

Ask about out-of-network reimbursement. Even if your therapist doesn’t accept your insurance directly, your plan might reimburse a portion of what you pay. This often requires submitting receipts and forms, but it can significantly reduce your costs.

Look into Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Many employers offer a certain number of free therapy sessions through EAPs. These are separate from your regular health insurance and often aren’t well publicized.

Consider Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). If you have access to these, therapy is usually an eligible expense, allowing you to use pre-tax dollars.

The insurance landscape can be confusing, and it sometimes takes persistence to understand your benefits. Don’t hesitate to call your insurance company directly and ask specific questions about mental health coverage.

Finding More Affordable Options

If insurance doesn’t fully cover what you need, consider these alternatives:

Community mental health centers often offer services on a sliding scale based on income.

Training institutes where therapists are completing their clinical education typically offer lower rates while still providing quality care under supervision.

Group therapy can be more affordable than individual sessions while still offering meaningful support and insight.

University counseling departments sometimes provide low-cost services to the community, not just to students.

Online therapy platforms may offer more affordable options than traditional in-person therapy.

Ask therapists directly about sliding scales or reduced fees. Many reserve a portion of their practice for clients who can’t afford their full rate.

While these options might involve some compromise—perhaps a therapist with less experience, or a format that’s not your first choice—they can still provide valuable support when finances are tight.

Creative Scheduling Approaches

Another way to make therapy more manageable financially is to adjust how often you go:

Consider meeting every other week instead of weekly, especially after the initial phase of therapy.

Ask about shorter sessions. Some therapists offer 30-minute appointments at a lower cost than standard 50-minute sessions.

Look into “maintenance mode” after you’ve made initial progress, where you might check in monthly rather than weekly.

Remember that therapy doesn’t have to be a forever commitment. Some people benefit from even a brief course of therapy—say, 8-12 sessions—focused on specific goals.

These approaches won’t work for everyone or every situation, but they can make therapy more sustainable over time.

Having the Money Conversation

Many people feel uncomfortable discussing finances with their therapist. But being open about your situation is important:

Be direct about your budget constraints from the beginning.

If your financial situation changes, bring it up rather than simply disappearing.

Ask if your therapist can suggest creative solutions or alternative resources.

Most therapists understand financial realities and want to help you find sustainable options. They won’t judge you for having budget limitations.

Investing in Yourself

If therapy still represents a stretch financially, but is within the realm of possibility, it might help to reframe how you think about it:

Therapy is not a luxury or an indulgence. It’s health care.

Consider it an investment rather than an expense—an investment in your well-being, your relationships, your ability to work effectively, and your future.

Look at your overall budget honestly. Sometimes we have more flexibility than we initially think when we examine our spending patterns.

Consider the cost per day rather than per session. A $120 weekly session breaks down to about $17 per day—less than many people spend on coffee, takeout, or subscription services.

None of this means you should go into debt or sacrifice necessities for therapy. But it might help you decide whether therapy is a priority worth making room for.

The financial aspects of therapy are real, and they can be challenging. But they don’t have to be insurmountable. With creativity, persistence, and a willingness to explore different options, many people find ways to access the support they need—even when money is tight.

And remember: reaching out for help with understanding your options is itself an act of self-care. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Need help finding care that fits your budget? Let us help you explore options that work for your financial situation.