How can I help someone with therapy or a therapy bill?

Recognizing that you need help and taking the step to find a therapist can be incredibly vulnerable. For many people, it brings up feelings of fear, shame, or uncertainty—especially if they’ve never been to therapy before or have had negative experiences in the past. Even just saying, “I think I need help,” can take immense courage.As a friend, your support can make a big difference. Before jumping in to offer advice or solutions, take a moment to prepare yourself with the information below. Understanding what the process might look like—and the emotional toll it can take—will help you show up not just as a helpful guide, but as a steady and compassionate presence.

Disclaimer: We strive to keep the information on this page accurate and up to date. However, programs and requirements can change, and we may not always be aware of those changes immediately. If you notice any outdated or incorrect information, or if you have suggestions for additional resources we should include, please reach out to your community's Resources and Opportunities (R&O) manager to make them aware of the changes needed.

Ask Coaching Questions

Seek Clarity:

1. Is this an urgent need?
2. Do you need to see a therapist that specializes in a certain kind of therapy?
3. Do you have health insurance?
4. What type of health insurance do you have?
5. If you already have a bill, how much is it for? By when do you have to pay it? What’s the consequence if you miss that deadline?

Get to the Root:

Not all medical emergencies can be prevented but some can…

1.  
   1. Was there a precipitating event that led to the need for therapy?
   2. If you already have a bill, did something change this month or in the past few months that prevented you from being able to pay this bill?

Ask About Options:

1. Have you been to therapy before? If so, who did you see? Did you like them?
2. What have you tried so far?
3. Do you know anyone who has tried therapy before? If so, who did you see? Did you like the person you saw?
4. Do you know anyone who has struggled to find the funds for therapy before? If so, how did they ultimately afford it?
5. Have you tried to find any organizations that could provide free or affordable therapy?
6. If you have a place in mind, have you talked with them about a sliding scale or reduced fees?

Take Steps to Advocate

1. Ask the office/clinic if you have a sliding scale fee structure or an income-based bill forgiveness program

Connect with Resources

Get Advice/Information

1. Thread’s Guide on Depression
2. Thread’s Guide on Mental Health
3. How to Connect Youth With Trauma-Informed Mental Health Services

Get Advice/Information

1. Thread’s Guide on Depression
2. Thread’s Guide on Mental Health
3. How to Connect Youth With Trauma-Informed Mental Health Services

Address the Immediate Need

1. Franciscan Center Counseling Services (410) 467-5340
2. Pro Bono Counseling Project at 410-825-1001
3. Behavioral Health System Baltimore at 410-637-1900
4. Baltimore Crisis Referral Line at 410-433-5175
5. Betterhelp
6. Villa Maria at 667-600-3900 or behavioralhealth@cc-md.org
7. Black Mental Health Alliance
8. BTST (Better Tomorrow Starts Today)

Additional Mental Health Resources

1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Offers information on finding mental health care providers, including primary care providers, federal resources, national agencies, advocacy and professional organizations, and state and county agencies..
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - Provides the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and SAMHSA's National Helpline for free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and substance use disorders.
3. Mental Health First Aid - Offers resources for finding information or getting connected with help for various mental health and substance use problems, including helplines and support groups
4. Informed Immigrant - Informed Immigrant provides resources for managing the mental health of immigrants and their families. It offers tips for managing emotional and spiritual well-being and service organizations lookup tool to find healthcare and local mental health services.
5. The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR) - offers a list of migrant mental health resources, including culturally specific services and services in Spanish. It also provides a toll-free, confidential hotline for families seeking mental health services

Attempt to Prevent Future Crises

Sign up for health insurance with HealthCare Access Maryland at 410-500-4710 or 1-855-288-3667