Is Free Therapy Good Therapy?

One of the reasons mental health often goes untreated is because, well, it’s not that easy to find treatment. And, once families are able to find help, the cost is often too high to justify over other essentials.

The good news: a lot of people are trying to find ways to fix those issues.

The not-so-good news: changing underlying policies and funding models to make mental healthcare more accessible could take years.

While organizations work to remove barriers and increase access to mental health services for all, some non-profit organizations are developing outreach programs that offer low- or no-cost therapy to patients. How? Funding to employ fully trained mental health professionals comes from philanthropic foundations and government grants. 

These funding organizations generally expect detailed plans, metric tracking, and evidence of training and credentials to ensure the highest levels of professionalism and oversight in caring for patients. 

This model allows therapists to have greater flexibility to set the length or duration of sessions, and to design the most appropriate treatment plans with less concern for patient costs.

So, while “free” doesn’t always equate to “quality” in other situations, these organizations are bringing fast, quality help closer to those who need it most. With little or no expectation for payment, lengthy paperwork, or other administrative burdens, access to mental health treatment is open to everyone.

About

UpStreet is a mental wellness program that offers free drop-in consultations with therapists, scheduled therapy appointments, text-based peer support, and support groups for teens ages 12-22. UpStreet aims to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health support, to avoid escalation of symptoms to a crisis stage, and enhance teens’ quality of life. Reach out to an UpStreet team member now using the chat bot located at the bottom of the page.