Business Details
14 Years
experience
Affordable Mental Health Therapy with Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
Founded in 2012, Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the mental health gap. We connect individuals in financial need with vetted therapists offering sliding-scale sessions priced between $40-$70 for individuals and $30 for student intern sessions. Our mission prioritizes accessibility, ensuring clients without adequate insurance or financial means receive affordable care.With over 35,000 therapists nationwide and in Canada, we provide a lifetime membership model that includes exclusive resources like wellness courses and mental health videos. Our team combines clinical expertise with community-focused initiatives to support both clients and therapists, fostering a network that values transparency, ethical practices, and systemic change in mental healthcare.
Services
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Online Therapy
Student Intern Sessions
Wellness Courses
Therapist Referrals
Sliding-Scale Fees
Mental Health Resources
Community Support
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer a lifetime membership with exclusive mental health resources and discounts.
- Our network includes 35,000+ vetted therapists across the United States and Canada.
- We provide sliding-scale therapy sessions priced at $40-$70 per individual session.
- Our nonprofit model directly supports thousands of clients annually through affordable care.
- We ensure confidentiality and direct therapist-client communication without third-party involvement.
What people say
Affordable therapy
Life-changing support
Compassionate therapists
Accessible care
Sliding-scale fees
Services
Individual Therapy
Personalized therapy sessions tailored to individual mental health needs. Clients work directly with licensed therapists to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and other challenges. Sessions cost $40-$70, with a focus on accessibility for those financially struggling or uninsured. Our network ensures diverse therapeutic approaches and specialties.
Online Therapy
Secure virtual therapy sessions conducted via video or phone. Ideal for clients in remote areas or with mobility constraints. Therapists use encrypted platforms to maintain confidentiality. Rates align with in-person sessions, offering flexibility without compromising quality or therapist vetting standards.
Student Intern Sessions
Affordable $30 sessions led by graduate student interns under licensed supervision. Designed for clients seeking cost-effective care while supporting emerging professionals. Interns specialize in diverse areas, providing accessible support for common mental health concerns under structured oversight.
Wellness Courses
Self-paced online courses covering stress management, communication, and emotional resilience. Free for members, these courses complement therapy by offering practical tools. Content is developed by experts, focusing on holistic well-being and preventative mental healthcare strategies.
Therapist Referrals
A streamlined directory connecting clients with vetted therapists based on location, specialty, and availability. The platform allows filtering by modality, language, and insurance status. Referrals ensure clients find qualified professionals aligned with their specific mental health needs and preferences.
People
Paul Fugelsang
Founder, Executive Director
Paul has worked in mental health since 1996, focusing on improving services for lower-income individuals. He founded Open Path to address systemic barriers in accessing affordable therapy, leveraging his clinical and organizational expertise to build a sustainable nonprofit model.
Lisa Isenhart
Deputy Director
Lisa oversees Open Path's programs and operations, ensuring alignment with the mission of affordable mental health access. With extensive experience in nonprofit management, she directs strategic initiatives to expand the organization's impact while maintaining operational efficiency and client-centered care.
Sheena Ruffin
Director of Community and Marketing
Sheena leads marketing and community engagement with 16+ years of global experience. She develops initiatives to raise awareness about Open Path's services, fostering partnerships and digital strategies that amplify the organization's reach and connect more clients with affordable therapy options.
Myleik Teele
Board Member
Myleik is a board member and founder of curlBOX, bringing entrepreneurial and leadership expertise to Open Path. Her strategic insights help guide the organization's growth and sustainability, ensuring continued expansion of mental health access through innovative business and community-focused approaches.
Samantha Lopez Carrizales
Program Associate
Samantha supports program operations with a background in medical anthropology and advocacy. Her work focuses on immigration and marginalized communities, ensuring Open Path's services address diverse client needs through culturally competent practices and equitable access strategies.
Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for Open Path membership?
Clients must have a household income below $100,000, lack adequate mental health insurance, or be unable to afford market-rate therapy. Membership is not intended for those with affordable full-fee options.
How do I find a therapist through Open Path?
Search our directory by location, specialty, or modality. Once you select a therapist, complete the $65 lifetime membership registration to access their contact information and schedule sessions directly.
Can I use Open Path if I have Medicaid?
If no Medicaid providers are available in your area, Open Path offers alternative access. However, Medicaid rates are typically lower than our fees, so we prioritize uninsured or underinsured clients when possible.
What happens if I need to change therapists?
Contact Open Path to update your Member ID with the new therapist's details. Your lifetime membership allows unlimited therapist changes without additional fees, provided you follow our formal update process.
Are therapy sessions confidential through Open Path?
Yes. All sessions remain strictly confidential between clients and therapists. Open Path does not access session details, ensuring privacy while facilitating administrative connections and membership support.
What online wellness courses are available to members?
Members access free courses on topics like anger management, communication skills, and parenting. These self-paced programs provide additional mental health resources to complement therapy and promote holistic well-being.
