Affordable Mental Health Care

Affordable Therapy in Pasadena

Quality mental health care shouldn't be out of reach. These trusted organizations offer low-cost therapy, sliding scale fees, and affordable counseling services in the Pasadena area.

Access to Mental Health Care for Everyone

The centers listed below are committed to making therapy accessible regardless of your financial situation. Many offer sliding scale fees based on income, accept insurance, or provide significantly reduced rates through training clinics and nonprofit programs.

Fuller Psychological and Family Services (FPFS)

Pasadena

This clinic is on a graduate campus, providing high-quality and affordable mental health care to individuals and families in Pasadena and surrounding communities. All therapists are trained to relate to you in a holistic manner – mind, body, and spirit.

Services Offered

  • Individual, couples, and family therapy
  • Play therapy and EMDR
  • Faith-integrated counseling available
  • LGBTQ+ affirming
  • Affordable rates with sliding scale

Contact Information

Payment: Most major insurance accepted

Lake Avenue Counseling (Worku Counseling)

Pasadena

This clinic provides low-cost, comprehensive and compassionate mental health services to individuals of all ages, couples, children, and families.

Services Offered

  • Individual, couples, and family therapy
  • Child and adolescent counseling
  • Support groups
  • Grief counseling
  • Sliding scale fees

Contact Information

393 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Payment: Most major insurance accepted

Rose City Center

Pasadena

This center offers affordable, high-quality psychotherapy in Pasadena, and virtually throughout California. Rose City provides psychoanalytic psychotherapy (insight-oriented/depth therapy) on a sliding scale to ensure access regardless of financial status.

Services Offered

  • Individual and couples therapy
  • Psychoanalytic/depth psychology
  • Virtual therapy throughout California
  • LGBTQ+ affirming
  • Sliding scale fees

Contact Information

595 E Colorado Blvd # 719, Pasadena, CA 91101
Payment: Does not accept insurance - sliding scale only

Open Path Psychotherapy Collective

Nationwide (serves Pasadena area)

This directory offers affordable, in-office, and online therapy sessions to make mental health more accessible. With 35,000+ therapists nationwide, Open Path provides therapy for only $30-$70 per session, plus a one-time lifetime membership fee of $65.

Services Offered

  • Access to 35,000+ vetted therapists
  • In-person and online therapy
  • $30-$70 per session
  • One-time $65 lifetime membership
  • Wellness courses and resources

Contact Information

301 N Prairie Ave Suite 510, Inglewood, CA 90301
Payment: Self-pay only: $30-$70 per session

Wright Institute of Los Angeles (WILA)

Los Angeles

This non-profit provides affordable and low-cost therapy to individuals, couples, and families in Los Angeles. WILA is devoted to providing high-quality therapy on a sliding scale with socially conscious therapists.

Services Offered

  • Individual, couples, family, and group therapy
  • Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic approach
  • Bilingual therapy (English/Spanish/Korean)
  • Social justice focused
  • Sliding scale fees

Contact Information

11845 W Olympic Blvd #505w, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Payment: Does not accept insurance - sliding scale only

Additional Affordable Options

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Many employers offer 3-8 free therapy sessions through their benefits. Check with your HR department.

Community Mental Health Centers

Publicly funded centers offer services on a sliding scale or for free to qualifying individuals.

University Training Clinics

Graduate students in training provide therapy under supervision at significantly reduced rates.

Church & Religious Organizations

Some local churches in Pasadena offer subsidized or free counseling services to members and the community.

Need Help Finding the Right Fit?

Browse our full directory of therapists in Pasadena or request personalized matching assistance. We'll connect you with providers who match your needs and budget.

Tips for Finding Affordable Therapy

Ask About Sliding Scale Fees

Many therapists reserve a few spots for clients who need lower rates. Don't hesitate to ask during your initial consultation.

Check Your Insurance Benefits

Call the number on the back of your insurance card to understand your mental health coverage, copays, and whether you need a referral.

Consider Group Therapy

Group therapy is often more affordable than individual sessions while still providing valuable support and therapeutic benefits.

Look Into Telehealth Options

Virtual therapy can sometimes be more affordable and eliminates travel costs while maintaining the same quality of care.