You may already have access to free therapy.
Most educators don't realize their employer offers free mental health support through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This page will help you find it — and point you to additional free and low-cost options nationwide.
What is an EAP — and how do you use it?
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential benefit offered by most school districts and education employers. It typically covers 3–8 free therapy sessions per issue, per year — at no cost to you.
Check your employee benefits portal, your HR department, or your pay stub. Look for terms like "EAP," "Employee Assistance," or "Mental Health Benefit."
Most EAPs have a 24/7 phone line. Call and tell them you'd like to use your EAP benefit for mental health counseling. They'll walk you through the rest.
They'll connect you with a licensed therapist in your area or via telehealth. You typically get 3–8 free sessions per concern, per year.
Your employer does not have access to your EAP records. What you share with your therapist stays between you and your therapist.
Common EAP providers used by school districts
Many school districts partner with one of these national EAP providers. If you recognize your provider's name, you can contact them directly to access your benefit.
Find a therapist near you
These directories help you search for licensed therapists by location, specialty, insurance, and cost — including sliding scale and free options.
The largest therapist directory in the US. Filter by insurance, specialty, sliding scale, telehealth, and more.
Find a Therapist →A directory focused on connecting BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized communities with culturally responsive therapists.
Find a Therapist →Find therapists who specialize in identity-affirming care. Includes filters for race, gender identity, sexuality, and trauma.
Find a Therapist →Answer a few questions and get matched with therapists who fit your specific needs, preferences, and insurance.
Get Matched →Affordable therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Sessions range from $30–$80 with a one-time $65 membership fee.
Learn More →The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's national directory of mental health treatment facilities.
Find Treatment →Therapy that fits your budget
Cost should never be a barrier to mental health support. These resources offer free, reduced-cost, or sliding-scale therapy options.
Federally funded mental health centers in every state offer free or sliding-scale therapy based on income. Search "community mental health center + [your city]."
Find a Center →Sessions from $30–$80 with licensed therapists. A one-time $65 membership gives you lifetime access to their network.
Learn More →Many universities offer free or low-cost therapy through their graduate psychology programs. Sessions are supervised by licensed professionals.
Learn More →FQHCs offer mental health services on a sliding fee scale based on your income. They serve all patients regardless of ability to pay.
Find a Center →A network of therapists who accept insurance. Alma helps you find in-network therapists and handles the insurance process for you.
Learn More →Free emotional support from trained volunteer listeners, plus affordable therapy with licensed professionals when you're ready.
Learn More →Culturally responsive care for Black educators
Finding a therapist who understands your lived experience matters. These organizations specialize in connecting Black communities with culturally responsive mental health support.
A directory and community connecting Black women and girls with licensed, culturally affirming therapists across the country.
Find a Therapist →A directory dedicated to connecting Black men with mental health professionals who understand their unique experiences.
Find a Therapist →Provides free mental health therapy sessions to members of the Black community, with a focus on eliminating the stigma around mental health.
Learn More →Connects Black and Latinx individuals with culturally competent mental health professionals across the US and Canada.
Find a Therapist →A national training, movement building, and grant-making organization dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black communities.
Learn More →A mental health directory and healing justice organization centering queer and trans people of color in mental health care.
Find a Therapist →If you need support right now
You don't have to be in a full crisis to reach out. These resources are available 24/7 for anyone who needs immediate support — including educators who are exhausted and overwhelmed.
Free, confidential support for people in distress. Available 24/7 by call or text. Also available en Español.
988lifeline.org →Free, 24/7 text-based crisis support. Connect with a trained crisis counselor from anywhere in the US.
crisistextline.org →Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for mental health and substance use disorders.
samhsa.gov →24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people. Call, text START to 678-678, or chat online.
thetrevorproject.org →A peer support hotline staffed by trans people, for trans people — available during posted hours.
translifeline.org →Free, confidential support for veterans and their families. Also available by text (838255) and chat.
veteranscrisisline.net →