How To Find An Affordable Perinatal Therapist

Finding affordable therapy can be a challenge. Honestly, I get it, and I’ve been there. You want to take care of your mental health, but at $150-300 every week, or every few weeks might not be in the budget. Especially when you are postpartum and have limited funds coming in, taking care of your mental health can be a financial challenge. Here are some steps to help you find an affordable perinatal therapist that fits your needs and budget.

1. Utilize your insurance: Check if your insurance covers therapy and if so, what is your coverage limit. Most people look for therapists that are in-network with their insurance companies. If you can find one, this is ideal, but many (even most) therapists don’t sign up for insurance panels because they are reimbursed at low rates. This can be frustrating, but if you want to see an out-of-network therapist, you can look up your out-of-network mental health premium. This tells you the % you will pay to see whatever licensed therapist you would prefer to see. The way it works is this; you go to therapy, they provide a “Superbill” or a receipt, and then you submit a claim to your insurance company. Depending on your plan, and what your insurance year has included, you will be reimbursed for some, if not most of the cost. If you are a new mom looking for therapy in the insurance year that you delivered, you may have met your out-of-pocket max and have all your services covered!
2. Seek out a support group, run by a licensed practitioner. Often times, doctors know what’s available in your area, so your PCP or OBGYN might be a good person to ask. The benefit of this is not only the ability to gain theraputic skills at a fraction of the cost, but you might be able to make friends and built a support network, which can be invaluable to healing. These groups are usually lead by local, licensed perinatal therapists, so should you need more support, you’ll know who to call.
3. Seek out student clinics: Many graduate programs in psychology offer therapy services through student clinics. These clinics are staffed by graduate students who are supervised by licensed therapists, and they typically offer therapy services at a reduced rate.
4. If your symptoms are manageable and they are not disruptive to your functioning, you might benefit from psychoeducation. This could look like an online course, reading a book written by a mental health professional, or listening to a podcast. While consuming this education content won’t be a replacement for therapy, if you are generally stable, but looking to feel better, this might be a good path for you! If you are a postpartum mom, check out my course to get support in feeling like yourself again.
5. If you have a therapist you love, but can no longer afford their fee, you can talk to them about it! You can ask for a temporary discount for a few sessions, or work to spread out your therapy sessions to make them more affordable. Most therapists will work with you to find a solution.

In conclusion, there isn’t a one-size fits all option, and what’s best for you will be dependent on your symptoms and circumstances. There are many options available to get you the support you need. Finding an afforable perinatal therapist can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible. Remember, therapy is an investment in yourself and you are worthy of investment.

If you are in CA and are looking for a perinatal therapist, feel free to reach out to me at kylie@kyliehempy.com.