How to Get Therapy Without Insurance

Therapy can be an extremely valuable tool, but the cost of therapy can be a barrier, especially when you don’t have insurance. How much does therapy cost without insurance? Costs can vary depending on many factors, like the counselling type and location.

Even without insurance, many affordable mental health care options are available, including non-profit organizations and sliding scale therapy. Let’s break down therapy costs and look at different options for various needs and budgets.

How Much Does Therapy Cost Without Insurance?

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Therapy sessions without insurance can range from $60 to $250 per hour or more. On average, therapy costs $150 per hour in Canada, though actual prices vary depending on factors like the therapist’s qualifications and the length of sessions.

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Provincial healthcare plans cover a limited range of mental healthcare services. However, you are generally covered when receiving treatment from a doctor, or hospital, or if you are referred to a psychiatrist by your doctor.

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If you’re looking to see a private practice therapist or counsellor, there is usually an out-of-pocket cost. However, there are options available for low-cost, income-based therapy and affordable online therapy with no insurance.

Finding Affordable Mental Health Care in Canada

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Many programs, resources, and options can make therapy more accessible when you don’t have insurance.

Sliding Scale Therapy

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If you are looking for affordable mental health care, one option is to seek out therapists who offer sliding scale fees. Therapists who offer a sliding scale pricing structure base their rates on an individual’s financial situation and income level. This type of model aims to give people access to the help they need by removing one of the most common barriers to mental health care.

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There are a few ways to find a sliding scale therapist. You can search for “income based therapy near me” to get a list of clinics, reach out to a therapist directly to see if they offer flexible rates, or browse through a directory of sliding scale counsellors. 

Employee Assistance Programs

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Even if you don’t have insurance coverage through work, some employers provide free or low-cost mental health care through an employee assistance program (EAP). These programs are designed to support employees’ mental health through services such as counselling or stress management.

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Look through your employee handbook or chat with your human resources department to see if your employer offers any mental health services. EAPs are short-term programs, so they may not be suitable for all mental health concerns.

Group Therapy

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Group therapy can be a cost-effective way to get support from a mental health professional and connect with others. In group therapy, you work with a counsellor alongside a small group of people dealing with similar issues, such as anxiety and depression, grief, or substance abuse. 

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If you can’t afford therapy, group therapy sessions can sometimes cost half as much as individual sessions. While you won’t be receiving individual support, there is the added benefit of connecting to others in similar situations. You can find group therapy options by searching for “group therapy near me” to find options in your area or inquire about public health resources in your city.

University Clinics

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If you are a student, your university may offer low-cost or free therapy services. You can contact your campus health centre to learn more about their services.

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Even if you aren’t a student, many universities offer sliding scale or reduced rates with therapists in training. These services are typically provided by graduate students working under the supervision of licensed therapists. To find one of these clinics, you can look up the psychology departments at nearby universities and see if they offer mental health services with student clinicians.

Online Therapy

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Some therapists offer virtual sessions at a lower rate than in-person sessions, though this depends on the individual therapist. Online therapy can also be more convenient and save you money on associated costs, like commuting to in-person sessions.

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You can also access affordable online therapy with no insurance through virtual therapy platforms. These platforms offer web-based therapy, usually through a monthly or annual subscription plan.

What If I Can’t Afford Therapy?

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Even discounter or income based therapy can still be a high cost for some. If you are not in a financial position to seek out therapy, or the cost of therapy without insurance feels daunting, there are free mental health care services that you can consider.

Mental Health Support Lines

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If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone immediately, contact a mental health support line. These are free of charge, and you will be connected with someone trained to support mental health crises.

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Canadians can call or text 9-8-8 for trauma-informed and culturally appropriate mental health and suicide prevention support. This is a free, 24/7 service that will connect you with trained crisis responders. Each province and territory also offers free crisis lines and mental health resources.

Community Health Clinics and Non-Profits

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There are community mental health clinics and non-profit organizations dedicated to offering free or affordable therapy to people struggling with their mental health. These clinics provide a range of services for a variety of mental health conditions and receive funding from various sources, including government grants and donations. This allows them to offer services to individuals without insurance, who could otherwise not afford therapy. 

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You can find community health clinics in your area by searching for them online. However, it’s important to note that clinics may have specific eligibility criteria or long waitlists due to high demand. 

Support Groups

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Online forums and support groups can be a safe space to chat with people who are going through similar experiences. Support groups are not always led by a mental health professional, however, they are typically organized by people with first-hand experience on a particular issue.

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Found online, or posted on community boards in your region, support groups often focus on specific topics, and meet virtually or in person. While these groups are not a substitute for therapy, they can provide valuable support and a sense of community.

Access Affordable Mental Health Care with Phare Counselling

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Therapy can be expensive, but there are options to find free or low-cost therapy without insurance. By taking the time to research different therapists, clinics, and resources, you can find a solution that meets your needs and financial situation. Remember that it is always worthwhile to invest in your mental health.

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At Phare Counselling, our mission is to break the barriers and provide accessible and affordable mental health care for everyone. We offer sliding scale therapy, and we work with you to find a therapist that meets your needs at a rate that fits your budget. Book a free intake consultation to learn more. 

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Author Bio:

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Wendy Chan is a writer and editor who is passionate about health, wellness, and self-care. She has worked in marketing and communications for nearly a decade, creating educational content for brands and companies across Canada. Since 2020, she has been a writer and researcher for Phare Counselling.

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Wendy specializes in authoring informative and accessible content on mental health, wellbeing, higher education, and technology. She holds a BFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. You can find her in Vancouver or Toronto, depending on the weather.

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