There's no denying that healthcare is expensive, insured or otherwise. Austinites who are curious about therapy but held back by the cost have a chance to explore options for just $1 per session at the Greater Austin YMCA through the month of May.
The deal applies to new clients as well as existing clients who want to try a different counseling service. Clients can schedule one 50-minute session for $1, as long as they finish the scheduling by May 31, 2025. At most, they'll have to wait five business days; a huge improvement from 48 days, the national average wait time for behavioral health services according to the Health Resources and Services Administration in late 2024.
Clients at the YMCA can meet in person or virtually, and sessions can be held in English and in Spanish.
Departing from the one-on-one approach, the YMCA is also offering two free educational events that anyone can join online:
- May 21, noon to 1 pm: Prioritizing Self-Care for Helping Professionals and Caregivers
- May 28, noon to 1 pm: Eating Disorders in Teens and Young Adults: Understanding the Impact of Social Media and Body Image Pressures
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and it has been for a surprisingly long time — since 1949. According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, there are numerous goals wrapped up in "awareness," including public education, encouraging open conversations, advocating for improved mental health policies, and of course, promoting mental wellbeing and self-care.
One of the goals is also "highlighting the importance of early intervention and access to treatment." Although people may believe they can — or should — just wait out hardships, lowering barriers of entry to care for a limited time could encourage people just to give it a try.
"Mental health challenges affect many in our community, yet barriers to quality care are significant," said Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Kristen Pierce-Vreeke in a press release. Vreeke is also associate vice president of operations at Greater Austin YMCA. "By offering these $1 sessions during Mental Health Awareness Month, we're not just raising awareness — we're taking concrete action to make professional mental health support accessible to everyone."
The YMCA offers mental health services at various levels year-round. Clients can book as many appointments as they need with clinical interns, provisional licensed therapists, and fully licensed therapists, ranging from $70-125 per weekly appointment for individuals. Members also receive discounts.
Counselors at the YMCA can help with family conflict, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, parenting, and more. Adults, children, and couples are all welcome.
Although one session won't entirely solve anyone's problems, clients can use it as a start to discover what it feels like to talk to a professional with no commitment, get resources, or find an idea of what they should look for when seeking longer-term help. There are many types of therapy and other interventions people may never have heard of, much less considered without professional guidance.
Our commitment extends beyond May," added Vreeke," as we continue working to ensure that financial circumstances never prevent someone from receiving the care they deserve."
