When You Can’t Afford Weekly Therapy: 5 Honest Options No One Tells You About

Your nervous system deserves care — even if your wallet’s nervous too.

Let’s be real: therapy is an investment — of time, money, and emotional energy. And in tough economic times, many people find themselves needing support the most right when it feels least accessible.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I can’t afford weekly therapy anymore, but I don’t want to stop,” — you’re not alone. Here are five honest, therapist-approved options to stay connected to support when weekly sessions feel out of reach.

1. Every-Other-Week Sessions When You Can’t Afford Weekly Therapy (Yes, You’re Still Doing Therapy)

Many people assume that if they can’t do weekly sessions, therapy isn’t “real” anymore. Not true.

Biweekly therapy can still be meaningful — especially if you and your therapist structure it intentionally. Some clients even find the extra week between sessions gives them more space to reflect, apply insights, and avoid burnout.

Tip: Ask your therapist how to make the most of off-weeks — they may offer check-in journaling prompts, voice memos, or self-guided exercises.

2. Try Shorter Sessions

Not all therapists offer this, but some (myself included) have 30-minute sessions as a lower-cost option. These are great for:

• Check-ins

• Focused support during high-stress weeks

• Maintenance when you’ve already done deeper work
  

Short doesn’t mean shallow — it just means more focused.

3. Return to Therapy Seasonally or As-Needed

Therapy doesn’t always have to be forever. Some people benefit from a season of therapy, then take space to live and integrate what they've worked on — and come back when something new arises.

There’s no shame in this ebb-and-flow model. It’s often more sustainable, especially when finances are tight.

4. Explore Group Therapy or Workshops

Therapy groups or psychoeducational workshops can offer powerful support at a much lower price point. They’re especially useful if you:

• Feel isolated in your struggles (i.e. anxiety, self-doubt, relationship/communication difficulties, female-identifying issues, professionals in crisis, etc.)

• Want support and structure between 1:1 therapy sessions

• Crave connection and accountability
  

Even one good group can offer validation and tools you’ll carry for years.

5. Have an Honest Money Conversation with Your Therapist

This one can feel awkward, but it’s worth it.

You don’t need to have it all figured out — just say something like:

“I’m having a hard time financially right now, and I want to keep working together if possible. Can we talk through options?”

Many therapists (again, myself included) expect these kinds of conversations and often have creative solutions — from sliding scale to bridge sessions to spacing out appointments.

Bottom Line

It’s okay if you can’t do weekly therapy forever. That doesn’t mean you’re failing, and it doesn’t mean you have to give it up completely. The best support is the kind that meets you where you are — financially, emotionally, and logistically.

And if you’re someone who’s been putting off therapy altogether because of money, you’re still allowed to reach out. We’ll figure it out together.

Ready to Talk?

If you’re considering therapy but worried about the cost, reach out. I offer flexible options — including shorter sessions and limited sliding scale spots — and I’m happy to help you figure out what’s realistic and supportive for you.

📩 Contact me here or visit rebelliouswellnesstherapy.com to learn more.

You don’t have to do this alone — and you don’t have to do it perfectly.