Therapy Alternatives for Broke Students (No, TikTok Doesn’t Count)
Let’s be real—college is a pressure cooker of stress, existential dread, and questionable life choices. Therapy? Great idea. Paying $200 an hour to talk about your problems? Not so much when your bank account is held together by duct tape and hope.
But fear not, financially challenged friend. Here’s how to take care of your mental health without selling a kidney (or relying on questionable TikTok advice).
1. Your School’s Counseling Center (AKA Free Therapy, If You Can Wait)
Pros: Actually free, usually staffed by professionals.
Cons: Waitlists longer than the line at the dining hall during breakfast rush.
Pro Tip: Schedule an appointment before you’re in full crisis mode.
2. Support Groups (Misery Loves Company)
Many campuses host free groups for anxiety, depression, or just general "college is hard" commiseration.
Bonus: No one judges you for crying because they’re probably crying too.
3. Apps That Won’t Judge You (Unlike Your Roommate)
Woebot: A chatbot therapist that’s like texting a wise but slightly robotic friend.
Sanvello: Free CBT exercises (and no, that doesn’t stand for "Can’t Believe This").
7 Cups: Talk to volunteer listeners (quality varies, but hey, it’s free).
4. Journaling (For People Who Hate Feelings But Love Lists)
Write down your thoughts, then burn the paper for dramatic effect (optional).
Alternative: Start a "rage log" where you vent about everything annoying you.
5. The "I Can’t Afford Yoga, But I Can Lie on the Floor" Method
Free meditation: Try Insight Timer (thousands of free guided sessions).
YouTube therapy: Search "guided relaxation for stress" and pretend you’re at a spa.
Nature walks: Trees don’t charge by the hour.
6. Books That Won’t Put You to Sleep (Probably)
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* – For when you need permission to care less.
Hyperbole and a Half – Because sometimes you just need to laugh at depression.
7. The "Call a Hotline When Things Get Real" Option
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (free, 24/7, no judgment).
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+): 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
Final Reality Check
Therapy is great if you can afford it. But until then? You’ve got options. Just please, for the love of sanity, don’t rely on TikTok therapists who diagnose you with 12 disorders before breakfast.
