Therapy Doesn't Have To Be Pricey: 6 Quality, Budget-Friendly Options To Try

FAQ

Is in-person therapy better than online therapy?

“Psychotherapy is optimal in a high emotional bandwidth medium,” Lam says. “In-person has the highest emotional bandwidth as you can see the whole person – verbal, nonverbal, facial expression, body posture, etc. followed by video, phone and then text.” With that being said, the caveat s that it does depend on your needs. If you’re too busy to fit in a standing face-to-face therapy, it will be difficult to see progress if you can’t bring your full self to the session. Online therapy may make more sense if you’re looking for therapeutic help on your timetable and what makes sense with your schedule.

What is a normal price to pay for therapy?

Therapy services can vary depending on the therapist’s training, specialties, and insurance plan coverage. As seen in the affordable therapy options listed above, prices differ between individual sessions vs. packages, one-time sessions vs. subscriptions, and the geographical location.

How often should you go to therapy?

There is no right or wrong way to do therapy. Lam notes that therapy traditionally takes place once a week, but it’s really up to you and your therapist to decide what you need. “I invite clients to trust themselves and what they need and have a collaborative conversation with their therapist to jointly determine the right cadence for them.”

What happens if you don’t find the right fit right away?

If you don’t energetically match with your therapist immediately, that’s OK and par for the course. Lam recommends scheduling out a few sessions with a therapist and checking in with yourself to see if you feel safe and seen during your sessions. This will directly contribute to the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Take your time—if you don’t feel understood by your therapist, it’s okay to look for another one.

Can you quit therapy and take a break?

“Therapy has a beginning, middle and end, just like any other human experiences.There are many different therapeutic modalities and I do not believe a client needs to do continuous therapy forever,” Lam advises. “Trust yourself and have a collaborative conversation with your therapist about your goals and progress towards your goals.”

Is there ever a “right” time for therapy?

You can seek therapy when you’re going through a tough period or even if you just want dedicated time to talk about things that matter to you. What’s important is that you participate in the therapeutic relationship and feel comfortable learning about yourself in the process.