Financial & community resources
Affordable therapy options
Therapy is not only for people who can afford $200 a session. These resources connect you with quality care at reduced cost -- or free. Illinois-focused where noted; many apply nationally.
Sliding scale directories
Open Path Collective
NationalNetwork of therapists offering sessions at $30–$80 for individuals in financial need. One-time $65 membership fee.
Psychology Today (filter: sliding scale)
NationalUse the 'Pay' filter to find therapists offering sliding scale fees near you.
Therapy Den
NationalTherapist directory with strong social justice and inclusion focus. Easy sliding scale filtering.
TherapyTribe
NationalDirectory with free, low-cost, and sliding scale filter options.
Illinois community resources
DHS Behavioral Health Treatment Finder
IllinoisIllinois Department of Human Services directory of state-funded mental health and substance use treatment programs.
Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC)
IllinoisState-funded centers providing mental health services on a sliding scale statewide. Many serve uninsured and Medicaid clients.
Illinois Medicaid (IL-MMAI / Healthcare and Family Services)
IllinoisIf you are uninsured and have low income, you may qualify for Illinois Medicaid, which covers therapy and psychiatric services. Check eligibility at hfs.illinois.gov.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Illinois)
Illinois · CrisisCall or text 988. The 988 line can also connect you with Illinois-based crisis services and referrals to local care.
NAMI Illinois
IllinoisFree support groups, education programs (Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer), and advocacy. Peer-led, no insurance needed.
University training clinics
Graduate training clinics offer therapy by supervised doctoral and master's-level students at significantly reduced rates -- often $10–$40 per session. Trainees work under the direct supervision of licensed faculty.
The Family Institute at Northwestern University
Evanston, ILComprehensive outpatient services with supervised therapist training. Sliding scale available.
Loyola University Chicago Counseling Center / Psychology Clinics
Chicago, ILSupervised training clinic offering low-cost therapy.
DePaul University Community Mental Health Center
Chicago, ILSliding scale services provided by supervised graduate students.
Free peer support
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
NationalFree support groups and education programs nationwide. NAMI Peer-to-Peer and Family-to-Family are free 8-week programs.
Mental Health America
NationalPeer support tools, screening resources, and local affiliate connections.
7 Cups
OnlineFree online chat support with trained listeners. Not a substitute for therapy, but a place for emotional support anytime.
How to ask for sliding scale
A direct, honest request is always appropriate. You can say: “I am interested in working with you. I am currently unable to afford your full rate. Do you have sliding scale availability, and if so, what is the lower end of your range?”
Most therapists with sliding scale spots prefer clients who ask directly over clients who quietly drop out because of cost. You are not a burden for asking.