Lie on the couch without going broke

Seeing a psychotherapist is becoming mainstream. Once reserved for people with a lot of money (and time) to undergo extensive analysis, counseling is becoming more available and if you know where to look more affordable. Depending on where you live, fees for a master's level counselor in private practice can range from $50-$125 an hour.  You may qualify for free or low cost counseling if you know where to look.

First, think about why you want to enter into therapy. The first questions I asked my clients are why are you here and what do you want to change. The answers to these questions can help steer you in the right direction in the search for affordable therapy. If you are a survivor of trauma, check to see if your area has a rape crisis center, women's center, veterans assistance, or victim assistance program. If you want a better marriage and you are religious, check out faith based programs. If you want support parenting, see if there are any support groups, play groups, or parenting classes in your area. Ask your local clinic if they offer counseling services. Do you have insurance or medicaid? Ask who you can see under those programs.

If you want counseling because of a general dissatisfaction with your life. You may have to pay out of pocket, so contact local counseling agencies and ask if they have a sliding scale. Consider seeing a less experienced intern. Your local university may have a student counseling clinic. In most states counselors have to be supervised for thousands of hours before entering into private practice. During this internship, they have very reduced rates.

To get the best value in therapy, show up prepared to work. Be honest with yourself and your therapist. I have seen clients gain insight, make changes, and become happier in  a few sessions. Some people can be in therapy for years with little progress. Add some cookies, a mediocre therapist and the weekly  session may just as well be tea time. Psychotherapy is an expensive way to spend a 50 minute hour if you are not prepared to delve deep into your issues and do difficult emotional work.

So, affordable counseling does exist and you can lie on the couch without going broke. But to get the biggest bang for your buck... tell the truth.