How to Find Free Online Therapy

How to Find Free Online Therapy

Free therapy can be an invaluable asset to those struggling with anxiety, depression or other emotional troubles. Unfortunately, finding affordable online therapists can prove challenging.

Telemental health, also known as online therapy or telemental health, utilizes video or phone calls to connect you with a therapist. These services tend to be more affordable than in-person visits and some health insurance companies cover the cost of telemental health.

Employee assistance programs and benefits centers are excellent resources for finding low-cost mental health services. In some cases, these organizations may even provide free trials of various online therapists and counseling websites.

Cherry Creek and Aurora school districts have implemented telehealth programs called I Matter that don’t require an appointment and provide low-barrier options for youth who require extra support.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched I Matter in December to reduce stigma and provide a “front door” for students who might otherwise go without seeking mental health care. Since its start, 230 students from Aurora and 200 from Cherry Creek have benefited from this program.

BetterHelp provides a free, secure way for people to connect with a therapist via video chat or messaging from any device. Licensed therapists from around the world collaborate with BetterHelp in providing high-quality counseling chat and therapy sessions.

TRICARE, a government health program for military service members and their families, and The National Resource Directory maintained by Defense Health Agency’s Recovery Coordination Program both offer telemental health services. Furthermore, many community clinics and other organizations are striving to expand access to mental health services by offering free or discounted counseling.