How can I afford mental health care?

How in the world can we afford to pay for mental health services? This is a question many of us ask! Large upfront and out of pocket expenses can be a huge roadblock to access. Even if you have insurance, many therapists or psychiatrists will require payment upfront, some do not participate in any insurance agreements or are excluded from managed care agreements (Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare).

Mind the Gap acknowledges these challenges and common pitfalls and we want to help.  

While this list doesn’t cover every angle or organization, here are some general guidelines and information for Mecklenburg County. These organizations also understand the unique challenges young people face and offer specialized programs. 

Free Crisis Resources

Call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7) https://988lifeline.org/

Insurance Options

First, check if you have insurance coverage through work or can enroll in a marketplace plan through Healthcare.gov. 

North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, so you may now qualify based on income.

You can get health care coverage through NC Medicaid if:

• You live in North Carolina,
• You are a citizen (some non-U.S. citizens can qualify),
• And if your household income meets the eligibility criteria

Nonprofit Options

Psychology For All

Psychology For All is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that delivers free counseling services for under-resourced people in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community through partnerships with diverse, licensed mental health clinicians and referral agencies, while promoting community mental health awareness.

​Launched in the summer of 2015 by a team of mental health services providers and community leaders passionate about improving the mental health of Charlotte’s residents, Psychology for All is dedicated to bridging the mental health divide and offering hope and healing. 

Clients receive up to 8 sessions from our partners and are eligible for more sessions as needed. 

Open Path Collective  

Open Path Collective is a nonprofit serving clients in financial need who are seeking affordable therapy. Open Path clients cannot afford market rates for therapy, lack adequate mental health insurance coverage, and have an annual household income below $100,000.

They help their members access their choice of affordable in-person and online care from a vetted mental health professional.

How it works:

1. Search an expansive network to find “Open Path” therapists in your area. Once you have found a therapist, you are ready to become an Open Path Member.
2. Complete a brief registration form. Pay a one-time membership fee of $65 to join Open Path. Your lifetime membership will allow you to work with an Open Path therapist as long as there is financial need. It also grants you access to a library of mental health videos, online wellness courses, and partner discounts.
3. Once you register, you’ll receive a Member ID in your inbox. Schedule appointments directly with your therapist using the information in your Member ID email. You’ll pay between $40-70/session for individual therapy ($30 for student intern sessions.)

Local Affordable Care Options

There are many local Charlotte area options. Search our Resource Hub for even more. A few great places to start are: 

• Thompson Child & Family Focus
• Alexander Youth Network
• Teen Health Connection
• C.W. Williams Community Health Center 
• Charlotte Community Health Clinic
• Camino Contigo – bilingual (spanish/english), multicultural health center
• Mental Health America of Central Carolinas 
• Promise Resource Network 
• NC Alliance for YMCAs – Mental Health Resource Hub https://www.ncymcas.org/finding-help

Financial Strategies

Guide to Paying for Therapy:

https://www.zocdoc.com/blog/your-guide-to-paying-for-therapy/

• Payment Options:
  • Ask providers about sliding scale fees
  • Negotiate payment plans for out-of-pocket costs
  • Some providers offer income-based discounts
• Online/Telehealth Alternatives:
  • Open Path Psychotherapy Collective – matches with therapists offering sessions between $30-60
  • Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp or teencounseling.com often cost less than in-person care

Additional Resources

1. NAMI Charlotte – Offers many free support groups and can help you navigate affordable care options
2. Government Prescription Assistance Programs

• www.needhelppayingbills.com is a website that lists state and local assistance programs 
• Nonprofit Prescription Assistance Programs

• NeedyMeds https://www.needymeds.org/
• RxAssist https://www.rxassist.org/
• RxHope https://www.rxhope.com/
• PatientAssistance.com 
• GoodRx https://www.goodrx.com/

School-Based Resources

• CMS School-Based Mental Health Services – Available in many Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  • The agencies below serve as CMS SBMH partners:

• Affirmed Healing
• Alexander Youth Network
• Anderson Counseling and Consulting
• Anuvia
• Atrium Health 
• Cano Family Services 
• Concrete Roses Life Center
• Continuum Care Services
• Family First Community Services 
• Jenkins Creative Counseling
• NC Health Partners
• Self Talk Counseling
• SPARC
• Thompson Child and Family Focus 
• Turning Point Family Services

• Partners Health Management – Coordinates school-based therapy services.

• 1-888-235-4673; 
• TTY Relay NC 711 or (English) 1-800-735-2962
• (Spanish) 1-888-825-6570

• Smart Start of Mecklenburg – Early childhood mental health resources
  • https://www.smartstartofmeck.org/ 
  • Increases access to high-quality childcare for low-income families through subsidies and accessible, high quality pre-school

Therapy Assistance

Mecklenburg County does offer therapy assistance through several programs:

Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS)

• 704-336-3000
• Provides vouchers through their Community Support Services division
• Can help cover therapy costs for eligible residents
• Contact their main office to inquire about current voucher availability

MeckHOPE Program

• County-funded initiative for COVID-19 mental health impact
• Offers therapy vouchers to residents impacted by pandemic
• Access through MeckHOPE website: https://cfas.mecknc.gov/programs/MeckHope or Speak with a MeckHOPE navigator: 704-444-2500