How to Find Free Online Therapy

Let’s face it — therapy is expensive. In the U.S., the average cost of a single in-person therapy session usually ranges from $120 to $250. Even if you have insurance coverage, high deductibles, limited in-network providers, and long waitlists can make mental health care feel more like a luxury than a necessity.

The good news? Online therapy can be an affordable alternative, and there are more free options available than you might think. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or simply need someone to talk to, help is out there — and it doesn’t have to cost you a thing.

In this blog article, we’ll detail what free online therapy services and mental health resources are available. We'll also explain what you can expect from these services, and how to access them.

How online therapy works

Online therapy is used to address a range of mental health issues and improve patient’s mental well-being. Appointments with an online therapist may be conducted over video, phone calls, or text-based chats.

Many individuals have a hard time fitting therapy into their daily schedule. Because of this, online mental healthcare services can be a great way to seek professional help without leaving home. Online therapy can also a good option for those managing autism, since there's no requirement for in-person interaction.

Most types of online therapy require a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space from which you can conduct your visit.

Some mental health issues that can be addressed online include:

• Depression and bipolar disorder
• Anxiety
• Eating disorders
• Trauma-related disorders (like post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Substance abuse disorders
• Marriage and family therapy
• Stress management
• LGBTQ+ identity support
• Anger management
• Personality disorders
  
  

The range of mental health care you can receive online depends on the platform and provider. In addition, it’s important to note that therapists (LPCs, LMHCs, LCSWs) cannot usually medication for mental illnesses.

Clinicians who can prescribe medications include psychiatrists (MDs or DOs), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) and physician's assistants (PAs).

If you want to discuss medication during your appointment, you should check the provider’s site or the online therapy platform to confirm that you can receive a prescription or refill an existing one during your appointment.

Best free online therapy options

Below, you can find a list of free mental resources, from text-based support to live phone sessions and nonprofit programs:

Bliss Free Online Therapy from the Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions (CIMHS)

The CIMHS offers a free therapy program called Bliss Free Online Therapy for Depression.

While the CIMHS is based in Canada, the Bliss program is globally available. It consists of a online questionnaire and interactive tools you can use at your own pace. These tools can help you manage and improve your overall mental wellness.

The Bliss program is totally free and easy to sign up for. However, you will not be connected to a provider for a one-on-one session. Therefore, it is not a effective option for individuals who are looking for talk therapy or for those who are experiencing a mental health crisis.

7 Cups

Consider 7 Cups if you are seeking an online emotional support service. It connects individuals to volunteer listeners for emotional support. Chat rooms are open 24/7 and are accessible to those who register on the site. In addition to online chats, 7 Cups offers community support groups and forums connecting site users.

It's important to note that the peer support offered by 7 Cups is different from therapy. You can use these listening sessions to express your concerns or stresses. However, listeners on 7 Cups are not licensed therapists and cannot provide treatment plans or medication.

You can, however, enroll in 7 Cups’ online therapy program for $150 per month. This paid version of the site gives you access to online counseling services and therapy.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a nonprofit organization. It provides a range of free services to individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.

NAMI offers a free phone & text helpline for anyone seeking information about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available services. The helpline then connects those people to staff who can address their questions and concerns. The NAMI staff can offer guidance on navigating emergency mental health situations and connect individuals with crisis services, social workers, and hotlines.

The NAMI organization also facilitates free support groups for individuals living with mental health conditions and their family members. These peer-led groups create a safe and confidential space where participants can share their experiences and receive emotional support from others who understand their challenges.

Additionally, NAMI conducts free educational programs and workshops that aim to provide valuable information about mental health conditions, treatment modalities, and strategies for coping and recovery. These programs are designed to empower individuals and families with knowledge and skills to manage mental health issues better.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a U.S. government agency that provides a wide array of free services and resources to promote mental health and address substance use issues.

SAMHSA operates the National Helpline, a free and confidential 24/7 hotline that offers support and information for individuals and families dealing with mental health and substance use concerns. While SAMHSA does not offer free talk therapy, their trained professionals can help provide guidance, referrals, and crisis intervention for those who are dealing with mental health crises, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

Other SAMHSA services include an online Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator that can help people find support facilities. Additionally, you can find free educational materials, toolkits, and resources on their site to educate yourself about mental health and substance use disorders.

Crisis Textline

The Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential crisis intervention services via text messaging. Their primary service is a 24/7 crisis hotline that allows individuals in crisis to text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. This service provides immediate support to those experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.

One of the critical advantages of Crisis Text Line is its accessibility. It allows people to seek help discreetly and without the need for a phone call or face-to-face interaction. It caters to a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, bullying, and relationship problems.

In addition to its crisis hotline, Crisis Text Line offers educational resources and initiatives to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote mental well-being.

How Sesame can help

While the resources above provide many options for people looking in need of mental health support, they do have some limitations. Free services are usually targeted to a specific group or problem. They also rarely offer free video talk therapy.

If you are looking for a low-cost option where you can speak with a therapist face-to-face during a video call, consider Sesame!

Sesame is a platform where therapist and other mental health professionals can list online therapy services at low, upfront cash prices — no insurance needed. You can even read reviews from other patients before choosing a provider!

Simply browse therapists, choose a time and price that works for you, and pay for your appointment. You'll get a link to join your call at the scheduled time, and you can join your call from the Sesame mobile app or your laptop.

Each session typically spans 30 to 50 minutes. Your therapist can help you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They can also help you develop strategies to manage and overcome anxiety, depression, stress, relationship conflicts, and more. No long waits for care. No surprise bills. No insurance needed.