Joint Accounts
When Therapy Causes More Money Anxiety
How to talk to your therapist about your financial stress if they’re the source of it
Welcome to Joint Accounts, a weekly advice column about money and relationships of all kinds. Have a question? Email jointaccounts@medium.com.
Dear Joint Accounts,
I’m in the process of looking for a new therapist. I ended my last stint because of how expensive it was, and it was stressing me out to pay so much each week. People talk about the benefits of therapy, but we never really break down what that means if: a) you need a therapist who works really well for you, and b) it’s financially exhausting to find and maintain a relationship with one.
I know there are cheaper mental health services, but I’m not looking for an app or group therapy or a master’s degree student. Those are great options for many people, but I’ve gone down similar routes before and what I feel I truly need at this point is one-on-one time with someone who has a lot of experience. My question is: How should I handle talking about money with my therapist when the high cost of therapy is, and will continue to be, the source of a lot of my anxiety?
— Financially anxious
