Currently in the United States there are over 52 Million individuals with a mental health diagnosis, and of this community over 9 Million also have a diagnosed substance use disorder. With therapy being one of the top recommended treatment options, it’s assumed that every individual with a mental illness has access to therapy and mental health resources. But this is simply not the case. In an effort to increase awareness around therapy resources, and provide ANY individual with a starting point, we’ve compiled a mental health resource list of either affordable or free options anyone can utilize. Finding therapy is a daunting task, here is your starting point. Keep reading to find a therapy option that works for you!
Why is Mental Health Therapy Important?
Therapy is one of the top recommended resources for individuals who are struggling with their mental health. Attending therapy sessions cultivate a safe and open environment where individuals can work with an outside source on building life-long coping skills. This can be life-changing for so many, as many may not have the opportunity to do this outside of this setting. In the grand scheme, therapy can help you to manage life’s many challenges, and assist you in living a more fulfilling life.
While everyone is expected to utilize therapy, it’s simply not easy for everyone to obtain therapy – especially when it’s not state-funded. Just under half of individuals with a mental health diagnosis are able to access therapy because of how limited access to therapy is.
48% of individuals with a mental health diagnosis are able to access treatment, including therapy.
Free & Affordable Mental Health Resources… For You!
Minnesota offers various sliding scale options, as well as low pricing by financial status and free walk-in resources in the Twin Cities area. Check out the in-person and virtual options available below!
Ellie Mental Health
Available nationwide, Ellie Mental Health has privately owned locations state-by-state. Virtual and in-person options available, Ellie will match you to the provider most equipped to help you. Find your options here, and get started today!
Hope & Healing Counseling Services, LLC
Open Monday through Saturday, you can schedule a consultation here. Affordable therapy options for individuals and family, they offer both in-person and virtual sessions.
Mental Health Minnesota
Don’t know where to start? Get a free screening done and check on your mental health here. If you’re concerned with your mental health and would like support, getting a screening is the first step in receiving effective care. Once your screening is complete you will receive some local options. Feel free to look into these resources, or check out some of the options listed below.
NAMI
If you’d rather speak to someone on the phone, call NAMI’s helpline for one-on-one support.
Open Counseling
Including both free and affordable mental health resources, their page has something for everyone. Start looking now and find the right fit for you!
Relate Counseling
Find free counseling every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., in a private room or via phone call. You can get an appointment set up now by calling their schedule line at their site here.
Threads of Hope Counseling
Offering group sessions as well as individual counseling, Threads of Hope is in network with many major insurance providers. Check out their site here to see more options available.
Walk In Counseling Center
Offering in-person and virtual options, Walk In Counseling Center is completely free, anonymous and no appointment required. Check out their hours of availability on their website and get started right away.
ZenCare
This site includes sliding scale options – session prices that vary depending on economic status. Explore all of the options available to you today on their site here.
It May Take Some Time
Many people do not find a therapist that feels like the right fit immediately – it can take a couple tries. It’s important to find someone who you are comfortable around, so devote some time to finding a good match. Our hope is that, after checking out some of the options above, you are able to choose a therapist that is equipped to help you along your mental health journey. You deserve to have options.
Find More Support
In recovery, it’s also becoming more commonplace to include a Peer Professional in your care team. Peer Professionals are people in recovery who have lived experience, and can guide you along your recovery in a non-clinical setting. They provide recovery resources, community building opportunities and offer a foundation to help guide you forward in recovery. Get started with a Peer now!
Sources:
NAMI. “Mental Health By the Numbers.” National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2023. https://www.nami.org/mhstats#:~:text=Access%20to%20Treatment%20is%20Severely,serious%20mental%20illness%20received%20treatment.
Accessed 19 May 2023.
SAMHSA. “Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results From the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association, 2019. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29393/2019NSDUHFFRPDFWHTML/2019NSDUHFFR090120.htm#mhisud.
Accessed 17 May 2023.
