Free & Low-Cost Mental Health Resources

If you’re struggling with your mental health — whether you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or in crisis — you deserve care, understanding, and support.

It can be hard to know where to turn, especially if therapy feels out of reach financially or geographically. That’s why I’ve gathered this list of free and low-cost mental health resources from around the world. Some are crisis hotlines you can reach any time, others offer brief counseling, peer support groups, or affordable therapy options you can access online.

You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out. These services are here for you in the big moments and the everyday struggles. Many are available in multiple languages, and you can stay anonymous if you choose.

If you need help right now, please start with one of the crisis lines at the top of the list. If you’re looking for ongoing support, scroll down to find options that fit your situation.

You (and your dog) worthy of support, exactly as you are.

This list includes crisis lines, brief counseling, peer support, and low-cost therapy options worldwide. Many services offer English and other languages. Most can be accessed virtually.

This list will be updated whenever new resources are found.

Crisis & Immediate Support

Worldwide

• Befrienders Worldwide – www.befrienders.org
  Free, confidential emotional support via phone, email, or chat. Global network with many language options.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) – Call or text 988 | 988lifeline.org
  24/7 crisis counseling, English/Spanish + interpreter services.

• Lifeline (Australia) – Call 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au
  24/7 crisis support in English.

• Samaritans (UK & Ireland) – Call 116 123 | www.samaritans.org
  Free 24/7 phone line; email and local branches available.

• Lifeline (Canada) – Call 988 | 988.ca
  24/7 crisis and suicide prevention support.

• Samaritans of Thailand – Thai: (02) 713–6793 | English: (02) 713–6791 (callback service).

Free / Donation-Based Brief Counseling

Worldwide

• 7 Cups – www.7cups.com
  Free chat with trained listeners, plus free support groups. Licensed therapy available at low cost.

• iPrevail – www.iprevail.com
  Free peer coaching and CBT-based self-help programs. Optional low-cost therapist access.

• TherapyDen – www.therapyden.com
  Directory of therapists; filter for pro bono or sliding scale. Some offer free virtual sessions.

• UnitedGMH (United for Global Mental Health) – unitedgmh.org
  Resource hub that links to free and affordable counseling in multiple languages.

• Mental Health Innovation Network – mhinnovation.net
  Database of global community programs, many offering free online counseling.

Peer Support & Group Options

Worldwide

• Peer Support Space – www.peersupportspace.org
  Free virtual peer-led groups for anxiety, grief, trauma, and more.

• Mental Health America – Inspire Communities – mhanational.org/peer-support
  Free online peer support forums.

• TalkLife – www.talklife.co
  App-based peer-to-peer mental health support.

• The Tribe Wellness Community – support.therapytribe.com
  Free online community for ongoing support in specific topics (depression, anxiety, etc.).

• Warmline Directory – warmline.org
  List of non-crisis phone lines where you can talk to someone with lived experience. Some allow regular calls.

Low-Cost International Therapy

Worldwide

• Open Path Collective – www.openpathcollective.org
  $30–$60/session online therapy. One-time $65 lifetime membership fee.

• BetterHelp Financial Aid – www.betterhelp.com
  Online therapy; offers financial assistance for reduced rates.

• Talkspace Discounts – www.talkspace.com
  Periodic promo codes and insurance partnerships to lower cost.

Country & Region-Specific Resources (Selected Examples)

United States

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call/text 988.

• NAMI HelpLine – Call 1-800-950-NAMI or text "HelpLine" to 62640 for free info/support.

United Kingdom

• Samaritans – Call 116 123.

• Mind – www.mind.org.uk – Free info + peer groups.

Australia

• Lifeline – Call 13 11 14.

• Beyond Blue – www.beyondblue.org.au – Free phone and online chat support.

Canada

• 988 – Call or text for suicide prevention and crisis support.

Thailand

• Mental Health Hotline – 1323 (Thai).

• Samaritans of Thailand – Thai: (02) 713–6793 | English: (02) 713–6791.

💡 Tip: Many of these services can connect you to free or low-cost in-country programs if you ask directly, especially for brief counseling or group options. 💡