How to Find Affordable Low-Cost Therapy Options in NYC & Brooklyn

Like most aspects of New York City and its surrounding areas, therapy can be expensive. On average, therapists can charge $150-250 per session and finding the right fit for you can feel overwhelming. Therapy is thought to be something for people who have a lot of money and problems, but there are actually a decent number of ways to engage with therapy in an affordable way. It is all about where you look. So, let’s get started!

Tips to Find Affordable Options in NYC/Brooklyn:

1. Start by Checking Your Insurance.

This is probably the most obvious step. Look on your insurance provider’s website for suggested therapists. Not only will this help you find a therapist in your network, but you can also be referred to a specialist. Searching through your insurance is probably the most affordable option if they cover therapy. If not, you may get a better deal without it.

2. Check out Therapists Who Work With Sliding Scales.

A sliding scale is a fee structure used by therapists to give people a lower fee. The amount you will pay is calculated based on your income. The less income you bring in, the less you will pay for your sessions. A therapist will set up one scale for all of their patience. If you can afford sessions at their regular fee, you will do that, but if not, you will receive a reduced rate. Likely, you will pay 20-30% of the normal fee, but this does vary depending on income level and their scale. You should definitely consider this option, as it is very possible to find a therapist who charges less than $100 per session.

3. Try Search Engines (like Mental Treat) and Filter by Price.

Mental Treat (and other online resources and search engines) makes the process of finding a therapist easier. Our platform allows you to filter and narrow your search until you find the right fit for you. Specialization, therapy approach, insurance coverage, and issues they work with are all examples of filters you can use. All of our therapists have their own profiles with bios where you can learn more about them, their qualifications, approaches, contact information, and more!

4. If all of those options are still too expensive, check out these organizations...

Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapy

The Institute is for patients of diverse ethnic, economic, and employment backgrounds.

There is a wing focused specifically on gender and sexuality and is a queer-friendly insitution.

Costs: Sliding scale (intake interview), student discounts as low as $35/session.

Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy and New Directions

The Brooklyn Center offers therapy for all age levels in English and Spanish. They are located in North Slope on Flatbush Ave. Most insurance providers are accepted, however they do get points for accepting Medicare/Medicaid and setting service fees on a sliding scale.

Costs: $60 in take appointments, $50-60 sliding scale (copay may be less).

NAMI NYC

This is New York’s branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI NYC is a grassroots mental health organization that focuses on providing education through free and accessible classes and support groups. The group setting is aimed to give patients a sense of support and comfort. The organization is run by trained volunteers who work with patients suffering from bipolar disorder, OCD, mood disorders, and emotional issues through art therapy, movie and board game clubs, and more.

Costs: $40/year membership rate, $60/year household rate (up to 10 people).

Ackerman Institute for the Family

The Ackerman Institute is a family therapy organization. They are able to provide support and services from couples going through divorce to guidance on parenting. Families can meet with therapists who can help them with issues such as: illness, substance abuse, and more.

Costs: Income-based fees (sliding scale) make this program affordable.

IHI Therapy Center

The IHI (Institute for Human Identity) is a center that addresses mental health concerns for LGBTQ+ individuals. The founder of this organization was one of the bigger proponents of removing ‘homosexuality’ from the DSM where it was once listed as a disorder. Individual and group counseling (as well as therapy geared towards entertainment industry employees) are available through IHI.

Costs: IHI patients pay for services on a sliding scale.

Karen Horney Clinic

The Karen Horney Clinic was founded by Dr. Karen Horney in 1955. She was a pioneer in psychoanalysis. The mission of the organization is to offer affordable psychotherapy and services, as well as to provide training and opportunities for mental health professionals.

Costs: Can vary, most major insurances accepted.

MilestonesNYC

Milestones is a free psychotherapy and psychiatric services organization for New Yorkers without insurance. The name ‘milestones’ refers to the personal growth you will go through in their programs. They work with everyone from children to teens to adults to families.

Costs: None.

Regardless of your financial situation, there is some form of therapy that is accessible for you. As for sliding scales, make sure you are checking if you qualify before beginning your search. It is primarily for low-income families and individuals to find the best low-cost therapy available. For some, free mental health care services may be accessed.

It is crucial to note that the level of care you receive is the same, no matter how much you pay. An expensive therapist is not necessarily better than someone who offers free or discounted sessions. If you are searching for a therapist, do not let your finances stop you. There is an option out there for you, and we are here to help! Be sure to scroll through the rest of the Mental Treat website to filter your results and start your journey.

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