How to Use Your Insurance (or if you lack insurance)

As of this writing many people still do not have health insurance. If you are in this situation and cannot pay therapists their full fees, then there are alternatives. A number of private therapists have sliding scales for their fees, meaning that they will charge less for patients who have less ability to pay. Even with a sliding scale, however, this may be fairly expensive. Yet in most areas you can find a community mental health center that will offer low-fee therapy with a sliding scale that is usually lower than that found with private therapists.

Often in community mental health clinics many of the therapists are still in training and working under supervision. Supervision is usually pretty good in these places and the therapists are often new to the field, enthusiastic and very highly motivated.

A similar option that most people are unaware of is a training clinic attached to a doctoral program for psychologists. Many doctoral programs have such clinics, and trainees working there have a very small number of cases and are supervised quite closely by licensed psychologists. The fees are usually extremely low. Search engines like Google can tell you what doctoral programs in clinical or counseling psychology are in your area.

Thomas B. Hollenbach, Ph.D.

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Summary FAQ's

What should I do if I don’t have health insurance but need therapy?

You can look for private therapists offering a sliding scale, meaning they adjust fees based on your income. You can also explore community mental health centers, which typically offer low-fee therapy on a sliding scale and are often staffed by supervised trainees.

Are training clinics a good option for affordable therapy?

Yes. Many doctoral psychology programs run training clinics where trainee therapists work under close supervision. These clinics offer quality care at very low fees and can be found via search engines like Google.

Are trainees in community or training clinics adequately supervised?

Absolutely. Most community clinics and doctoral training programs require therapists to work under licensed supervision, ensuring both quality care and ongoing oversight.

How to Find Professional Help

How to Use Your Insurance (or if you lack insurance)

Types of Mental Health Treatment

Types of Mental Health Professionals

Licensed vs. Unlicensed Psychotherapists

Psychotherapy or Psychiatry?

How to Use Your Insurance

If You Lack Health Insurance

Summary FAQ's