Budget-Friendly Healing: Where to Find Free Online Therapy and Counselling in India

Have you googled “free therapy online” or “free counselling online” only to find expensive services that don’t fit your budget? As we normalise conversations around mental health, more service providers have opened up, often providing very expensive care. 

But what if you just want to talk to a professional and understand how therapy can help you? Here are a few institutions, clinics, and hospitals that provide free online therapy to help you get a taste of what mental health is really about.

What Is “Free” Online Therapy?

Generally, you find two types of free online therapies in India:

Pro bono: Pro bono sessions are completely free. Students completing their master’s course usually provide them. They gain real, hands-on experience while you receive free therapy.

Sliding scale: Sliding scale therapy bases its cost on your income. This means you get therapy at lower costs or sometimes completely free if you do not have access to sufficient resources. 

Therapy has started to become more and more affordable with the rise of counselling and online mental health platforms. You can now find several providers who offer free or subsidised online sessions, especially for those just starting out.

Is Online Therapy Useful?

Yes. Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy and is highly effective at treating various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. 

Online therapy gives you a convenient option. It lets you fit sessions into your busy schedule and take them from the comfort of your home.

It also removes location barriers, giving you more options for service providers and helping you connect to a therapist from anywhere in the country. Whether you’re looking for anxiety treatment in Delhi or simply want someone to talk to, online therapy can be a solid starting point.

Places That Offer Free or Low‑Cost Online Therapy

BetterPlace Health

BetterPlace Health is a one-stop destination for comprehensive mental health care, offering psychiatry, psychology, clinical assessments, and brain stimulation therapy, all under one roof.

You receive a consultation with both our psychiatrists and psychologists, who collaborate to thoroughly evaluate and diagnose your condition, creating a personalised treatment plan that fits your unique needs.

Anamkaaruh Therapy Care & Counselling

Anamkaaruh is an online-first therapy and counselling provider. They offer free online therapy and free online counselling services to students and people with fewer resources. If you’re looking for free sessions, you can visit their website and book a session with one of their interns.

NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences)

NIMHANS is a renowned mental health institute in India. They launched MindNotes, a free mental health app, to help people experiencing common mental health symptoms who are unsure about seeking professional help.

BetterPlace Health

BetterPlace Health is a one-stop destination for comprehensive mental health care, offering psychiatry, psychology, clinical assessments, and brain stimulation, all under one roof.

You receive a consultation with both our psychiatrists and psychologists, who collaborate to thoroughly evaluate and diagnose your condition, creating a personalised treatment plan that fits your unique needs.

While our services are not free of cost, we ensure our high-value initial consultations remain accessible and affordable compared to many others. This allows you to experience comprehensive, expert-led care right from the start. If you’re seeking depression treatment in Delhi, our team can help you take that first step with care and clarity.

Wysa

If you’re looking for free online therapy that feels private and approachable, Wysa is a great place to start. It’s an AI-driven mental health app that lets you chat with a friendly AI companion whenever you need to talk. You’ll get access to self-help exercises based on CBT, DBT, and mindfulness, perfect for managing stress, anxiety, or low mood. The best part? You can explore free counselling online tools and conversations without spending a penny. And if you ever want to go deeper, you can book affordable sessions with licensed therapists right through the app. Whether you’re after free therapy online or just need someone to listen, Wysa’s always available to support you.

YourDOST

YourDOST makes online counselling free and easy to access. You can chat anonymously with qualified psychologists, counsellors, and life coaches who truly understand what you’re going through. Whether it’s relationship stress, anxiety, or career pressure, you can open up safely without judgement. If you’d like more structured help, YourDOST also offers affordable paid therapy sessions. So, whether you’re after free online therapy or a deeper, ongoing conversation with a professional, YourDOST gives you the flexibility to get the support you need, when you need it.

Live Love Laugh Foundation

If you want reliable free counselling online, the Live Love Laugh Foundation is a brilliant place to turn to. Founded by actress Deepika Padukone, the foundation focuses on breaking the stigma around mental health while offering free therapy online resources and screening tools. You can also explore their curated list of mental health professionals across India to find the right support for you. They run several outreach and education programmes to make online counselling free and accessible for everyone, no matter where you are. It’s a compassionate, community-driven way to get help, learn, and heal.

Important Disclaimer

While free online therapy is a useful starting point, you must understand the realities of the process. A few sessions will not immediately resolve negative behavioural or mental patterns that you’ve developed over many years. Therapy is a slow and long process and requires hard work from both the client and the professional. 

The counsellors or therapists on these free services may be interns, students, or volunteers. While many are qualified, the level of training and experience often varies significantly compared to those at established, licensed practices such as BetterPlace Health.

If you’re looking for long-term support from a counselling psychologist in Delhi, make sure you choose someone trained and experienced in working with the issues you’re facing.

What’s Next?

There are numerous options available if you’re seeking therapy on a limited budget. While free or low-cost services may not always provide the same depth or continuity as private therapy, taking that first step to seek support is a significant achievement in itself. These options can serve as a powerful starting point, helping you begin the journey of understanding yourself better and improving your mental health, especially if you’re unsure where to start.