Where to Find Low-Cost or Free Therapy in Houston
Therapy can feel like a luxury—especially in a big, fast-moving city like Houston. If you're burned out, anxious, grieving, overwhelmed, or just trying to hold it together, the last thing you need is a $200/hour price tag or a months-long waitlist.
But here's the good news: there are affordable options out there, and you don’t have to go without care just because money’s tight.
Whether you’re a student, a parent, a service worker, a caregiver, or somewhere in between, this guide will walk you through where to find low-cost or free therapy in Houston, what a sliding scale actually means, and who you can talk to today if you’re just not okay.
What Is a Sliding Scale—and What Isn’t It?
A sliding scale means that the cost of therapy adjusts based on your income, household size, or financial situation. It's designed to make therapy more accessible for people who don’t have insurance or who can’t afford a full private-pay rate.
Sliding Scale & Free Therapy Options in Houston
Nick Finnegan Counseling Center
Provides individual, couples, and family therapy with a sliding scale based on income. Services cover anxiety, grief, relationships, parenting, and life transitions.
Website: finnegancounseling.org
The Montrose Center
An affirming mental health center supporting LGBTQ+ clients and Houston’s broader community. Offers sliding scale services, support groups, and grant-funded counseling for those who qualify.
Website: montrosecenter.org
University of Houston – Psychological Services Center
Offers low-cost therapy with doctoral students under licensed supervision. Open to the general public—no student status required.
Website: uh.edu/class/psychology/clinics
Depelchin Children’s Center
Provides trauma-informed therapy and parenting support for children, teens, and families. Accepts Medicaid and offers sliding scale care.
Website: depelchin.org
Catholic Charities of Houston
Offers mental health counseling rooted in respect and compassion. Open to all backgrounds. Sliding scale and Spanish-language services available.
Website: catholiccharities.org
Crisis & Peer Support Hotlines in Houston
If you need someone to talk to today, there are people ready to listen—free, confidential, and without judgment.
Harris Center 24/7 Crisis Line
For emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or mental health emergencies.
Call: 713‑970‑7000 (press 1)
Website: theharriscenter.org
Here For Texas Warm Line
Need to talk but not in crisis? This warm line offers peer support from people who’ve been through their own mental health journeys.
Call or text: 972‑525‑8181
Website: herefortexas.com
NAMI Greater Houston Helpline
Help finding therapy, navigating mental health systems, and locating support groups.
Call: 713‑970‑4483
Website: namigreaterhouston.org
Affordable Online Therapy Options for Houston Residents
Sometimes you just can’t make it across the city—or maybe you prefer therapy from the comfort of home. That’s where online counseling comes in.
Sagebrush Counseling (Serving Houston Clients Online)
I offer online therapy for adults and couples across Texas. A few sliding scale spots ($75–$100 per session) are available each month. I specialize in burnout, anxiety, relationship struggles, infidelity repair, and neurodivergent support.
Email: contact@sagebrushcounseling.com
How to Get Started—Even If You’re Nervous
Reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when cost is a concern. Here are a few ways to make it easier:
Start by emailing one or two clinics to ask about sliding scale spots
Get on a waitlist now—even if you’re unsure; you can always decide later
Consider virtual therapy if commuting or privacy is a barrier
Try a warm line if you need someone to talk to today
Be honest about your budget—most providers are willing to work with you or point you to someone who can
You Deserve Support—Without Financial Stress
You shouldn’t have to choose between your mental health and your rent. If you're struggling with anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship stress, or just feeling disconnected from yourself, support exists—and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Whether it’s through a nonprofit clinic, a graduate training center, or affordable online therapy, help is out there. You’re not too late, and you’re not alone.
Want to talk more about next steps?
Call: (512) 790‑0019
