Getting mental health care should be very simple and straightforward, but it’s not always so easy. Many don’t have mental health coverage with their insurance. Or, if they do, sometimes the co-pay is too much. Even if there is an affordable therapist available, the stigma of seeking mental health care is still strong. It may be the final hurdle you face. With these challenges there is still a great option for therapy: cheap, affordable, or free therapy online that is available to everyone with access to the internet. There are many different options – here are cheap or free therapy online options you can try today.
6 free therapy online options
Let’s start with free options. These are a mix of apps, online communities, text or chat messages, and direct services. They all offer mental health services you can use right now.
Blah Therapy
Blah Therapy is free therapy online with two options: free talking to a stranger, or a paid option to talk with a trained therapist. Why choose one over the other?
For people who need to vent and get a sympathetic ear while maintaining anonymity, Blah is a great way to go. Clients can go online at any time and either vent in general or sign up for a chat, all for free. Wait times may vary for the chat, but there is nearly always someone available.
If affordable, trained therapy is what you need, Blah Therapy’s reasonable fee may be the way to go. It may be less than many insurance co-pays for therapy and available as often as you need it, this option is also protected by confidentiality laws regarding therapy and can help you get specific help and advice.
iPrevail
iPrevail is free therapy online that follows a peer-to-peer model. Log on to chat with a trained “peer specialist” for support, or fill out a health questionnaire to get more tailored advice. Their peer-to-peer model is completely free.
One thing that sets this system apart from other free online therapy is the evidence. iPrevail conducted a clinical trial of their method and found that it removed barriers to care and provided therapy that was comparable in success rates to face-to-face therapy.
Huddle.
Huddle is a free iOS app that uses video sharing to connect with other people around the world in shared safe spaces. While it’s not direct therapy, many find that they can find their support system through this app, with dedicated groups for:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- LGBTQ+ groups
- Physical disability
- Addiction
- Many more
