Millions of people around the country get therapy, whether for a short period of time or ongoing. They may get it for trauma they have experienced in their life, to help with stress, anxiety, depression, or a host of other issues. Not all therapy is affordable, however, and health insurance doesn’t always cover it. Plus, millions of people have no health insurance. The good news is that there are ways to get free therapy for seniors.
Seniors who need therapy don’t have to forgo it out of a lack of funds to pay for it. There are options available and places that will provide free therapy. Having access to this information can make a big difference in the life of a senior who may need therapy, but feels they don’t have a way to pay for it. Getting the free therapy can be life changing anyone, including seniors who may feel lonely, isolated, and have issues that need to be treated.
Therapy is a popular option for those who are experiencing psychological distress. Therapy provides treatment that will help people work through issues so they find a sense of contentment. Depending on the type of therapy you do, some therapists may also include prescription medications as part of the treatment.
Options for Free Therapy for Seniors
Below are options that you can contact to locate free therapy services. They may also have additional programs they can refer you to. Contact as many of the options as you feel are a good fit, until you find one that provides the type of therapy services that match what you are looking for.
Medicaid – This is a healthcare program provided by the federal government. It is available to all seniors who are age 65 and up and are citizens or legal non-citizens. The program will pay for therapy for seniors who need it. There is no income requirement to be approved for this program, and there are no time limits for how long you can get assistance through it. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Veterans Administration (VA) – Seniors who are veterans can contact their local VA office to inquire about getting free therapy services. They will either be able to provide you with the free service there or refer you somewhere that you can get it for free. To find your local VA office, click here.
Pro Bono Counseling – This organization provides free counseling services to those who need it, including seniors. The counselors are all volunteers who believe that everyone should have access to therapy, regardless of their income level. To get more information, click here.
Health Department – Most counties around the country have a health department. They provide free and low cost services to those who live in the county. Call your local health department to see if they provide free counseling for seniors, or if they can refer you to a place in the area that does. They are a good place to find local health-related resources.
Salvation Army – This national organization offers a variety of services to help people in need. They do offer therapy services, including group therapy programs and individual counseling services. Contact a location in your area to inquire about their services. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization is similar to Salvation Army, listed above. They have many locations around the country and provide a range of services for those who need assistance. They are faith-based, but you do not have to be religious to get help through their organization. They provide counseling and therapy services to groups and individuals. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
211 – This number is provided by the United Way organization. Seniors and others who need assistance can call the number and get referrals to programs in their area that can help them with their situation. The referral service is free and open to everyone. To get more information about the program, click here.
Churches – Many churches around the country provide free counseling services. Seniors can contact the churches in their area to inquire about the programs they provide. The therapy and counseling services they provide are usually faith-based. You don’t have to be a member of the church to use their services. They usually have a mission of helping the people in the community who need it, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Council on Aging – There are Council on Aging offices around the country. Search to see if there is one in your area and if there is, contact them to inquire about free therapy or counseling services. They may have a program they offer or be able to provide you with a referral to a local program that can be helpful. To find some of these places in your area, click here.
Additional Option
Many professional counselors and therapists offer their services on a sliding scale fees. This means that they allow discounted rates for those who cannot afford their normal rates. Contact some offices in your area to inquire about if they offer this and what the fee would be based on your income. Some places may offer free therapy for seniors who have a very low income. They may also be able to refer you to local programs that can be of service.
Additionally, locate any college counseling or therapy programs near you to see if they offer free services to the community. They may provide the services under the guidance of the professors, as they give the students experience in the field. They may also have resources that they refer you to in the area that provide the services.
There are many places in the community that will provide free therapy services for seniors and others who need it. Look around and ask others to see what is out there in your area so that you can get the assistance that is needed. The programs exist, but they are not always offered by national programs, so you have to find the ones in your local area, too.