FEELING AT HOME · 4 MIN
Finding counseling in your language, at low cost
In short
Where to find a therapist who speaks your language, free and low-cost options, what insurance covers, and how a first session works.
Seeing a counselor or therapist is common in the US. Many people go for stress, sadness, family problems or adjusting to a new life. It is private and does not affect your visa.
Kinds of professionals
Psychiatrist: a medical doctor who can prescribe medicine.
Psychologist: has a doctorate, gives therapy and tests.
Licensed counselor or therapist (LPC, LMHC, LCSW, LMFT): gives talk therapy.
Free and low-cost options
Students: your university's counseling center. Sessions are usually free or low cost.
Workers: an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Many employers offer a few free, confidential sessions. Ask HR or look in your benefits website.
Community health centers: charge by income on a sliding scale. Find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Community mental health centers run by your county.
University training clinics: therapy by supervised students, often low cost.
Nonprofits that serve immigrants, refugees, or people from your region, often in your language.
Places of worship often offer counseling or referrals.
Using insurance
1
Call the number on your insurance card and ask: "Does my plan cover mental health visits? What is my copay?"
2
Ask for a list of in-network therapists, or search the insurance app.
3
Many plans cover telehealth (video sessions).
Finding someone who speaks your language
Online directories (such as Psychology Today and others) let you filter by language, insurance and location.
Ask your community organization or diaspora group for names.
Telehealth therapists can be anywhere in your state. A therapist must usually be licensed in the state where you live.
You can also ask for an interpreter at many clinics.
The first session
The therapist asks about what brings you in, your history and your goals.
It is fine to ask: "Have you worked with immigrants before?" "How long are sessions and how much do they cost?"
If it does not feel right after two or three sessions, try someone else. That is normal.
Helplines
988: call or text for crisis, 24/7.
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357, free, 24/7, for referrals for mental health and substance use, in English and Spanish.
Common mistakes
Waiting until things are very bad.
Thinking you cannot afford help. Start with the free options above.
Paying for a therapist abroad who is not allowed to treat you where you live, without checking.
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