Affordable Mental Health Support for Students

College can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. Classes, money, work, relationships and being away from home can all affect your mood, sleep and focus. The good news is that affordable mental health support for students is out there, and you do not have to figure it out alone. This guide walks through free and low-cost options, what the research says about online therapy, and simple steps to get started.

How this guide was written: evidence-based practice

This guide follows evidence-based practice. That means combining the best available research with clinical expertise and each person's own values and preferences when making health decisions.⁶ Health care that follows evidence-based practice is linked to better patient outcomes.⁷ Every clinical point below is linked to a peer-reviewed study or a National Institutes of Health (NIH) page from the last five years, with numbered references at the end.

How common are mental health problems in college students?

Very common. In a national survey of more than 350,000 students at 373 campuses, over 60% of students met criteria for one or more mental health problems in 2020–2021, nearly a 50% increase from 2013.³ The same study found that students of color had the lowest rates of using mental health services.³

There are signs of progress. A 2026 analysis of the same national survey found that positive depression screens fell from a peak of 44% in 2021–2022 to 37% in 2024–2025.⁸ Between 2020 and 2025, the share of students using therapy rose from 27% to 38%, and the share who felt that others would judge someone for getting help (called stigma) dropped from 51% to 36%.⁸ These are population trends from survey reports, so they show patterns, not cause and effect.⁸

If you are struggling, you are far from alone, and more students than ever are reaching out for help.

Why do students skip mental health care?

The most common reasons are wanting to deal with problems on your own, not having enough time, and money worries.⁴ In a study of nearly 5,900 students at 26 U.S. colleges who screened positive for a mental health condition but were not in therapy, these three barriers came up most often.⁴ Black, Hispanic/Latine and Asian American students reported more financial barriers, and the researchers called for low-cost, brief care options that students can reach easily.⁴

Reviews of many studies point to other barriers as well:

• Stigma: worrying about what others will think.^9,10
• Self-reliance: feeling you should handle it yourself.⁹
• Low mental health literacy: not knowing the signs of a problem or where to go for help.⁹
• Practical and cultural barriers: logistical hurdles and cultural beliefs about mental health.¹⁰

What helps? Knowing more about mental health, encouragement from friends and family, and good past experiences with care all make students more likely to seek help.^9,10 Reading a guide like this one is a real first step.

Where can students find free or low-cost mental health support?

Start with your school, then widen the search. The NIH's National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists several places to look:¹

• Your school: students may have access to mental health services and peer support groups through the school's health center. Search your school's website for mental health resources.¹
• A primary care provider: a primary care clinician can do an initial mental health screening and refer you to a mental health professional such as a social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist.¹
• Federal locators: the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) runs a helpline and an online locator for mental health services.¹
• State and county agencies: your local health department website can list services in your area.¹
• Your insurance plan: if you have insurance, including a student health plan, the insurer can tell you which providers are in network.¹
• Your job: if you work, ask whether your employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a free and confidential service paid for by the employer.¹

Campus services differ from school to school. When you contact your counseling center, ask how many sessions are included, whether there is a wait list, and whether services continue over summer and breaks. When you contact a community clinic, ask whether it offers reduced fees based on income.

Quick comparison of options

If insurance is confusing, our guide on how to check if telehealth primary care is covered walks through the questions to ask your plan.

Does online therapy work as well as in-person therapy?

For many people, yes. A meta-analysis of randomized trials found that video-based therapy was roughly as effective as in-person therapy for reducing depression symptoms, and people dropped out at similar rates.² The bond between patient and therapist, called the therapeutic alliance, was also about the same by video as in person.¹¹

The evidence is not perfect. A 2025 review found that results vary by condition and type of telehealth, and that in-person care had a small advantage for depression, although that finding was based on low-quality evidence.¹² The NIMH notes that therapy can be virtual or in person, and many students now use remote or hybrid care.^1,8

For students, video visits can save travel time and fit between classes or work shifts. The most important thing is choosing a licensed clinician and a format you will actually stick with. Telehealth is not right for every situation; a clinician may recommend in-person or emergency care when needed.

Are mental health apps worth trying?

They can help a little, but they are not a replacement for care when symptoms are serious. A 2026 review of 122 studies in university students found that smartphone mental health apps had small-to-moderate benefits for anxiety, depression, stress and well-being.¹³ About 17% of students dropped out of app programs, and how closely students followed them varied a lot.¹³

Apps and self-care can support your mental health between visits. The NIMH suggests regular exercise (even 30 minutes of walking a day), regular meals, steady sleep, relaxing activities and staying connected with people who support you.⁵

When should a student get professional help?

The NIMH recommends seeking professional help if you have severe or distressing symptoms that last 2 weeks or more.⁵ Watch for:

• Trouble sleeping
• Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
• Struggling to get out of bed because of your mood
• Trouble concentrating
• Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
• Not being able to keep up with classes, work or daily tasks
• Feeling irritable, frustrated or restless

These signs come from the NIMH list.⁵ If you notice them, a good first step is to talk with a primary care provider, who can help you figure out next steps.⁵ If you are already in treatment, do not stop without talking to your health care provider.¹

What should you ask before your first visit?

A short list of questions helps you find a good fit and avoid surprise bills. The NIMH suggests asking:¹

1. What experience do you have treating someone with my concern?
2. How do you usually treat it?
3. How long do you expect treatment to last?
4. Do you accept my insurance?
5. How much will treatment cost?

For telehealth, also ask whether the clinician is licensed in the state where you will be during the visit, and how your privacy is protected. Treatment works best when you have a good relationship with your clinician, so it is okay to speak up or change providers if something is not working.¹

How Tonies Health can help

Tonies Health offers mental health telehealth and telehealth primary care by secure video. Visits are with Lucas Tonies, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CCRN, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, and can include a mental health screening, a care plan, and referrals to counseling or other services when needed. If medication is something to consider, that decision is made only after a clinical evaluation.

• Clear pricing: a new patient visit is $150. See every visit type on our pricing page.
• Insurance: insurance and coverage details are confirmed in the patient portal when you book. Medicaid is not accepted.
• Where: video visits for patients located in California and 8 other states. See the full list on our states we serve page.
• Language: care in English and Spanish. Telemedicina en español.

Telehealth is not right for every condition, and Tonies Health is not a crisis service. If you are in crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.

Book through the new patient portal

Frequently asked questions

How can students get free or low-cost therapy?

Start with your school's health or counseling center, which may offer mental health services and peer support to students.¹ You can also ask a primary care provider for a screening and referral, use the SAMHSA treatment locator, or check your state and county health websites.¹ Ask each place about session limits and reduced-fee options.

Can students get mental health support without insurance?

Yes. School services, state and county programs, the SAMHSA locator and employee assistance programs are all places to look, and the 988 Lifeline is free.^1,5 Before any visit, ask how much treatment will cost so there are no surprises.¹

Is online therapy effective for students?

For many people it is. Video therapy was about as effective as in-person therapy for depression symptoms in a meta-analysis of randomized trials, with similar dropout rates.² Results can vary by condition, so talk with your clinician about the best format for you.¹²

When should I call 988?

Call or text 988 if you are having thoughts of suicide or are in emotional distress. The Lifeline is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day.⁵ If someone's life is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.¹