Free and low-cost mental health care
The cost of therapy keeps many people from getting help. In Los Angeles County there are real ways around it. Some are free. Some charge on a sliding scale tied to income. Most involve a trade-off — a waitlist, a trainee clinician, less choice about who you see — and it helps to know those going in.
The therapists listed on this site run independent practices and set their own fees. Some of them reserve reduced-fee spots, so it's worth asking directly.
Details below were checked in October 2026. Fees, hours, and eligibility change; confirm with the provider before you go.
Through Los Angeles County
LA County Department of Mental Health (DMH). The county's 24/7 help line, (800) 854-7771, handles mental health and substance use questions and can point you to county-run and county-contracted clinics. DMH states that no one is denied services because they can't pay, and it uses a discounted fee schedule based on income and family size. Its adult services are aimed at people who are low-income, uninsured, or in a situational crisis, and county services generally prioritize more serious mental health needs. If you're looking for weekly therapy for milder symptoms, the help line can help you explore available options. dmh.lacounty.gov
Medi-Cal. Full-scope Medi-Cal covers mental health care, generally at no cost. Depending on what you need, care is arranged either through your Medi-Cal health plan or through the county. Your plan's member services line can tell you where to start. If you think you qualify but aren't enrolled, you can apply online through BenefitsCal.
Medi-Cal changed in 2026 for some adults. Since January 1, 2026, new full-scope enrollment has been frozen for adults 19 and older without satisfactory federal immigration status. People already enrolled can generally keep their coverage if they stay eligible and complete their renewals. Children under 19, pregnant people, and former foster youth under 26 who were in foster care at 18 are exempt from the freeze. If these rules may affect you, check with Medi-Cal or a benefits counselor. The DMH policy on inability to pay still stands, and 211 LA can help sort out what's available.
Community health centers. Federally qualified health centers charge on a sliding scale by income, and many offer behavioral health alongside primary care. You can search by address with HRSA's Find a Health Center, or dial 211 to reach 211 LA.
Low-fee counseling centers
These nonprofits offer sliding-scale counseling, often provided by prelicensed clinicians working under supervision. Ask about availability, fees, and how long you can continue with the same counselor.
Airport Marina Counseling Service. Individual, couples, family, child, and group therapy from its Westchester clinic, with virtual sessions for anyone in California. Fees are on a sliding scale based on income. (310) 670-1410. amcshelps.com
Los Angeles LGBT Center. Individual, couples, and family counseling and groups for LGBTQ+ people and their families, at sites in Hollywood, Boyle Heights, and South LA, with many sessions by telehealth. Accepts most insurance and offers a sliding scale. New patients: (323) 993-7500, option 3. lalgbtcenter.org
Maple Counseling. Individual, couples, family, child, and adolescent therapy, plus groups, in person on South La Cienega or by video. Fees are on a sliding scale, with a published average of $25 a session, and Maple says no one is turned away for inability to pay. (310) 271-9999. tmcc.org
Southern California Counseling Center. Individual, couples, family, and group counseling at sites in Mid-City and Watts, with evening and Saturday appointments. The intake is free and sets your ongoing fee from an income-based schedule. Accepts Medi-Cal. Request an intake online or call (323) 937-1344. sccc-la.org
University training clinics
UCLA Psychology Clinic. Individual, couples, and group therapy, plus psychological testing, provided by clinical psychology doctoral students supervised by UCLA faculty. Individual therapy is on a sliding scale, in person or by telehealth. Care can follow the academic calendar, so ask about continuity. (310) 825-2305. psych.ucla.edu
USC Psychology Services Center. Individual, couples, and family therapy for $20 a session, and groups for $5, with a lower fee possible in cases of financial hardship. Treatment covers anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma, among other concerns, in person or by telehealth. All sessions are recorded for supervision. Wait times range from days to several months. (213) 740-1600. dornsife.usc.edu/usc-psc
Reduced-fee networks
Open Path Collective. A national network of therapists who see clients at reduced rates: $40 to $70 for individual sessions, $40 to $80 for couples and families, and $30 with a student intern where available. There's a one-time $65 membership fee. It's for people without insurance, or whose insurance doesn't adequately cover mental health, with household income under $100,000. openpathcollective.org
For veterans and service members
Vet Centers. Free counseling — individual, couples, family, and group — for veterans and service members with qualifying service, including combat deployment, and for anyone who experienced military sexual trauma in any era. VA enrollment and a service-connected disability are not required, and veterans with any discharge character may be eligible. Family members can join counseling that supports the veteran's goals. Call center, 24/7: (877) 927-8387. va.gov/los-angeles-vet-center
The Veterans Crisis Line is 988, then press 1.
Free emotional support without an appointment
California Peer-Run Warm Line. Free, nonemergency support by phone, text, or chat from counselors with their own lived experience of mental health challenges, for anyone living in California. It's for when things are hard and you want to talk, not for emergencies. Call or text 855-600-WARM (9276). Hours are limited and listed on the site. mentalhealthsf.org
If you have insurance
Check your plan's mental health benefits before assuming therapy is out of reach. California law requires state-regulated health plans to cover medically necessary mental health care, and in-network sessions often cost a set copay.
Some private-practice therapists join insurance networks through a third-party service rather than contracting with each insurer themselves, which makes them in network for those plans, for video sessions and sometimes in person. If a therapist you're interested in doesn't list your insurer, ask whether they take your plan that way. Your cost depends on your plan, your deductible, and whether the therapist is in network for your specific plan, so confirm that before booking.
For plans regulated by California's Department of Managed Health Care, nonurgent appointments with nonphysician mental health providers generally must be available within 10 business days, unless a longer wait is clinically appropriate. If the in-network list is all full or unreturned calls, ask the plan to find you an appointment. If it doesn't, the Department of Managed Health Care's Help Center can step in: (888) 466-2219. dmhc.ca.gov
If your plan has out-of-network benefits, a therapist outside the network can give you a statement, often called a superbill, to submit for partial reimbursement.
If you're employed, ask HR whether your employer has an employee assistance program. Many EAPs cover a short run of free, confidential sessions, which can be enough to get started or to get a referral.
If you're paying out of pocket
If you're uninsured or choosing not to use insurance, you can request a written good faith estimate of expected charges before scheduling. Providers generally must also give you one when you schedule care at least three business days ahead.
Ask private-practice therapists whether they offer a sliding scale or reduced-fee spots. Many don't advertise it, so asking directly is the only way to find out.