Money should not be the thing that keeps you from getting help.
But for many people, it is.
You might be thinking:
- "Therapy sounds great, but I can't afford it."
- "I have Medicaid, Medicare, or insurance, but I don't know what it really covers."
- "I am already behind on bills. How can I pay for one more thing?"
If this sounds like you, you are not alone. This guide will walk through simple ways to start therapy, even when money is tight.
Start with what you already have
Before you assume therapy is "too expensive," it helps to understand what help you already have.
You can:
- Check your Medicaid, Medicare, or other plan
- Ask what mental health visits are covered
- Ask what your copay is and if there are visit limits
If you are not sure how to do that, Using Medicaid and insurance for therapy can guide you step by step. It breaks down terms like copay and in-network in plain language.
Sometimes the answer is better than you expect. Many people with Medicaid pay little or nothing per visit. Some people with other plans have low copays once they meet their deductible.
Look for therapists who take your plan
One of the biggest ways to save money is to see a therapist who takes your insurance instead of paying the full cash price.
You can:
- Call the number on the back of your insurance card
- Search your plan's website for "behavioral health" or "mental health"
- Use a platform like Lavni that shows you therapists who are in-network
If you need more details on this step, How to find a Medicaid therapist near you gives simple ways to search, including using your state, your plan, and your main concern.
Ask clear money questions early
It might feel awkward to ask about money, but it is important. You are allowed to ask:
- "What is the total cost per session if you bill my plan?"
- "What will my copay or coinsurance be?"
- "Do you offer shorter sessions or less frequent visits if I need that?"
Most therapists and office staff are used to these questions. They know money is a real factor. Asking early helps you avoid surprise bills.
Use visit frequency to match your budget
If money is tight, you and your therapist can plan how often to meet in a way that still helps you.
For example:
- You might start with weekly visits for a month or two.
- Later, you might move to every other week or once a month.
You can tell your therapist:
"My budget is tight, but I still want to work on this. Can we make a plan that fits what I can afford?"
Together, you can choose a schedule that is realistic. It is usually better to go less often than to stop completely without a plan.
Get the most from each session
If you are watching every dollar, you want each visit to count. Here are ways to make sessions more useful:
- Write down 2–3 things you want to talk about before each visit.
- Note any big moments from the week: panic attacks, fights, times you felt proud.
- Ask for 1–2 simple tools you can practice between sessions.
You can bring a small notebook or use your phone to keep track. This makes your time with the therapist more focused and can help you see progress over time.
Use free or low-cost support between visits
Therapy does not have to be the only place you get help. While you wait for the next session, you can use:
- Free support groups (online or local)
- Hotlines or warm lines when you feel overwhelmed
- Simple, free apps for breathing, sleep, or journaling
These do not replace therapy, but they can help you hold on when money or time means you cannot meet as often as you'd like.
Plan for seasons when money changes
Money is not the same every month. Some months have extra bills, like back-to-school costs or holidays. You can talk with your therapist about this.
You might say:
"Next month will be hard for me financially. Can we plan ahead so I can keep coming?"
You and your therapist might:
- Adjust the schedule for a short time
- Focus on building tools you can use on your own
- Make a plan so you can come back more regularly later
This kind of honest planning can help you stay in therapy longer, instead of stopping suddenly when money gets tight.
Watch both your mood and your money
When you are on a budget, you are always weighing: "Is this worth it?"
With therapy, you can look at:
- How your mood, anxiety, or anger changes over months
- How your sleep, eating, or relationships shift
- How often you use the tools you learn in session
You can also use How to tell if therapy is working to help you notice small changes that might not be obvious day to day.
If you see even slow, steady progress, that is a sign your money is being used toward something real: your health.
Getting ready for your first session
Once you decide to start, it can help to know what the first visit will look like so you feel less nervous.
You can read What to expect in your first therapy session (with Medicaid or insurance) for a simple walk-through of:
- Forms and questions you may see
- How the therapist will start the session
- What you might talk about in the first visit
Knowing what to expect can make the step feel a little less scary.
How Lavni can help you start on a budget
Lavni is a Medicaid-first online therapy platform. We help people use Medicaid, Medicare, and major insurance plans to see licensed therapists, often with very low out-of-pocket cost.
With Lavni, you can:
- Find therapists who are in-network with your plan
- Meet by secure video from home or another private space
- Get help understanding your coverage and what you will pay
Our goal is to help you get real care, not to leave you guessing about money.
You deserve care, even on a tight budget
Needing to be careful with money does not mean you do not deserve support.
You do.
By:
- Using your insurance or Medicaid
- Asking clear money questions
- Planning your visits with your therapist
- Using free support between sessions
you can still get help, one step at a time.
You do not have to wait until your life is "perfect" or your bank account is full. Starting small is still starting.