Financial Support for Therapy

One of the most common concerns I hear from parents and young adults is, “We need support, but we’re not sure we can afford therapy right now.” If that’s a question you’ve found yourself asking, you’re not alone and there may be a helpful resource available to you.

At Deep Waters Therapy, we believe that access to mental health care should not be limited by financial barriers. That’s why we are grateful to partner with the Emotional Relief Fund (ERF), a nonprofit organization that helps make therapy more accessible for children, teens, and young adults.

What Is the Emotional Relief Fund?

The Emotional Relief Fund (ERF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals ages 12–26 access mental health care when financial barriers might otherwise stand in the way. ERF offers financial assistance that can be applied directly toward therapy sessions with approved providers, allowing clients to receive consistent care at a reduced cost.

This resource is designed to support adolescents and young adults during important developmental years — a time when emotional support, coping skills, and a safe therapeutic relationship can make a lasting impact.

How Does It Work?

If approved, ERF provides funding that is applied directly to therapy sessions, helping offset the cost of treatment. This allows therapy to feel more sustainable and accessible over time. We have seen clients receive enough funds to cover up to 16 sessions at our self-pay rate!

ERF works directly with participating therapists to ensure that clients can focus on their healing rather than financial stress.

Who Might Benefit from ERF?

The Emotional Relief Fund may be a good fit for:

• Parents seeking therapy for a teen or young adult between ages 12–26

• Young adults who are motivated to engage in therapy but facing financial limitations

• Families experiencing life transitions, stress, or emotional challenges who need support but are unsure how to afford it

How to Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in using the Emotional Relief Fund, the first step is to learn more about eligibility and complete an application through ERF’s website. You can find more information at emotionalrelieffund.org.

If you have questions about how ERF works at Deep Waters Therapy, or want help determining whether this option might be a good fit, we are happy to talk through next steps. Therapy should feel like a place of support and relief, not added stress.