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How to Find Low-Cost Affordable Therapy in Los Angeles

It may come as no surprise that mental health resources can be expensive. Therapists and other professionals can charge high fees and sometimes it can feel impossible to have access to the kind of services we need. However, Los Angeles, California is full of accessible mental health resources at an affordable price. Here is how you should go about your search, and some places that we recommend:

Start with Checking your Insurance

Not all insurance coverage is created equal, so make sure that you do your research to find out what yours covers. Check your official information with your insurance provider directly to learn more about what it will cover. Start by reaching out to your primary care doctor (as you already know they accept your insurance) and see if they can connect you with someone. Ask your employer if they offer an EAP (Employer Assistance Program). EAPs are employer-subsidized programs that are designed to help employees have access to free or cheap personal problem resources. If your insurance does not cover any kind of therapy, there are still plenty of options to explore.

The main health insurance companies are:

  • United
  • Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
  • Aetna
  • Humana
  • Cigna

Try Searching Online

Whatever kind of therapy you are searching for, looking online is a great way to filter and find the best match for you. The internet is full of therapist directories (including Mental Treat) where you can put in your zip code and find a match. We will even let you filter your options by price! Or, you can take a look at social media channels to find someone whose vibe you best match with. When all else fails, ask Google. Google will find thousands of results in seconds and give you plenty of options to choose from. On Mental Treat we have a variety of tips on how to use the internet to find a therapist.

Check out Therapists Who Use Sliding Scales

What are sliding scales? This is a payment system that therapists use so clients pay based on their ability to do so. Essentially, it is a way for people who make less money to pay less for their therapy. If a therapist typically charges a fee of $150/session, when a potential client comes in whose income falls just above the federal poverty threshold, they could potentially pay 20% of the session fee. This is a way of keeping things even and every therapist who does this can do it differently.

Therapists typically have these sliding scale rates available for clients to view, so if you are worried about affordability, ask your therapist (or prospective therapist) if they have the option! Be aware that because it is based on income,you may need to divulge some of that information to them.

There are various pros and cons to sliding scale payment is right for you. If you cannot afford therapy because of your income, it may be a great way to save money. If you have insurance, check the summary and benefits to see if they will cover the costs at a lower rate. If you do not, sliding scale could be a great way for access! If your goals for therapy include access to specialized services, sliding scale may not be a great option because these sessions can be so limited.

When All of the Above Are too Expensive...

Here are some Los Angeles area centers that offer free services:

  • Los Angeles LGBT Center (for those who live or work in West Hollywood)
  • Open Paths (free virtual group support)
  • Institute for Multicultural Counseling & Education Services
  • Make the Connection
  • Village Family Services: Drop-In Center for Homeless Youth
  • Pacific Clinics
  • L.A. County Department of Mental Health Helpline
  • California Youth Crisis Line
  • LAUSD Mental Health Hotline
  • Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic

If You Are in a Crisis...

If you or someone you know is at imminent risk of self-harm or hurting someone else:

  • Call 911 or a local emergency number
  • Stay with the person until help arrives
  • Remove anything that could potentially cause harm

You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

These hotlines are staffed by trained volunteers who are equipped to answer these kinds of stressful and dire situations.

No matter what your situation is, if you want to start working with a therapist, there are many accessible resources available. Do not give up on your search just because some options are out of your range. Check out as many options and resources as you can as you start this journey. We wish you the best in finding the right therapist for you!

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