Affordable Therapy in Austin: Where to Find Sliding Scale & Low-Cost Counseling
Therapy Should Be Accessible and Not a Barrier
The finances of mental health care and the cost of therapy feel like a barrier.
If you’ve been searching for affordable therapy in Austin, you may have felt discouraged by high session rates. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, or career help, help is available at a price that works for you.
Sliding Scale Therapy: How It Works
Many therapists offer sliding scale fees, which means your session cost is based on your income and financial situation.
How much does therapy cost in Austin? Standard private therapy rates in Austin range from $120-$300+ per session, but with a sliding scale, you might pay as little as $10-$100 (depending on where you go). Below, you will find different options in the Austin area. When you open up options for virtual there are options here as well.
Sliding Scale & Low-Cost Therapy Clinics in Austin
Here are some of the best resources for budget-friendly and sliding-scale mental health care in Austin:
1. Capital Area Counseling
Low-cost therapy for individuals, couples, and families
2. St. Edward’s University Community Counseling Clinic
Therapy provided by supervised graduate student therapists
3. Mindful Wellness Center of Austin
Offers sliding scale therapy with graduate-level interns & associates
4. Integral Care
Provides mental health services on a sliding scale, including psychiatry
Fees: Income-based (low-cost or free for those who qualify)
5. Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
Nationwide network offering therapy at reduced rates
Fees: $40-$70 per session ($30 for student interns) with a one-time $65 membership fee
Free & Low-Cost Therapy Resources in Austin
If you need free or very low-cost therapy, these nonprofits and organizations may help:
6. SAFE Alliance
Free therapy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking
7. Austin Family Institute
Sliding scale therapy for individuals, couples, and families
Fees: Income-based; call for rates
8. LifeWorks Austin
Low-cost therapy for youth, adults, and families
Fees: Sliding scale and free services available
Location: Multiple locations in Austin
9. The University of Texas at Austin Counseling Services
Low-cost therapy for UT students
Fees: Free for students, low-cost for some services
10. Austin Child Guidance Center
Sliding scale therapy for children and families
Fees: Income-based pricing
How to Find Affordable Therapy in Austin, Texas, That Works for You
Still not sure where to start? Here are some tips to find the right therapist for your budget:
Look for sliding scale therapists. Many private therapists adjust their rates based on income—ask.
Try graduate therapy clinics. Universities train future therapists and offer low-cost sessions with supervised interns.
Consider online therapy. Platforms like Open Path or local telehealth providers can be more affordable than in-person therapy.
Explore nonprofit mental health centers. Many offer free or reduced-cost therapy based on financial need.
Therapy should never feel out of reach.
Prioritize Your Mental Health Without Financial Stress
If you’ve been waiting to start therapy because of cost, now is the time to explore your options. If you’re looking for affordable couples or individual counseling, we offer a few sliding scale spots; check to see if we have availability by reaching out today.
Affordable mental health support is available.
Reach out today for the right therapy option for you and your needs.
Because taking care of your mental health shouldn’t come at the cost of your financial well-being.
