Low Cost Therapy Options for College Students
College can a time of incredible growth, but it can also quite challenging. The pressures of academics, social life, and the uncertainties about the future can sometimes feel overwhelming. The good news is, you don't have to navigate these challenges alone. In this post, we'll explore the best ways for college students to access high-quality, low cost therapy.
1. Low Cost Therapy Programs
Many therapy practices, including Self Space, offer low-cost therapy programs to make therapy more accessible to people who may be at a transitional time in their lives, like college. At Self Space, our low cost therapy program allows people to meet regularly with advanced graduate students who are closely supervised by licensed clinical supervisors. This structure assures quality of care while also keeping therapy costs low for college students.
2. University Counseling Centers
Most colleges and universities have counseling centers on campus that offer free or low-cost counseling services to students. These centers are staffed with trained professionals who can help you navigate the challenges of college life, from academic stress to personal issues. Counseling centers can provide critical help and care, though sometimes are not available for longer term care that goes beyond a few sessions or a semester. Often, students will begin at their university counseling center and then transfer into another form of therapy to ensure there is the time available to truly work through whatever may be going on.
3. Mental Health Apps
There's an app for just about everything, including mental health support. Many apps offer guided meditation, stress relief techniques, and even some skills and resources used in therapy. While not a substitute for traditional therapy, these apps can be a helpful complement to your mental health journey.
5. Group Therapy and Support Groups
Consider joining group therapy sessions or support groups. These settings can provide a sense of belonging and shared experiences. Often, they are more affordable than individual therapy, and the power of shared understanding can be incredibly healing.
6. Individual Therapy
If you prefer one-on-one sessions, individual therapy can be an excellent option. If the cost of therapy feels like a challenge, remember that you have options. You can check with your insurance company and try to find a therapist who is paneled with your insurance, which can be a very cost effective option. Some people, however, can struggle to get in with a paneled therapist (a recent lawsuit in California found that under half of people looking for a therapist paneled with their insurance company were able to actually get an appointment). Many insurance companies also do reimburse a significant percentage of out-of-network therapists as well - check with your insurance company to get a sense of how much they cover.
9. Talk to Your Professors or Academic Advisors
Your professors and academic advisors are there to support your educational journey, but they can also provide valuable guidance on finding mental health resources on and off campus. These teachers and mentors have worked with many college students and may be familiar with your struggles and have good ideas about ways to get help and relief.
10. Seek Peer Support
In college, friends and peers can be a powerful area of care and support. They might have recommendations for therapists, apps, or resources that have been helpful for them and you might find that you also find significant relief in simply being able to talk about your troubles.
Your mental health is important, and you deserve to have access to the support you need during your college years. Don't hesitate to explore these various therapy options and discover what works best for you. Remember, reaching out for help is a courageous and important step towards a healthier, happier you.