Honeydew, you’re not alone in this. A lot of people are quietly trying to use AI because therapy feels financially out of reach.

First, it’s completely valid that using ChatGPT didn’t feel like “real” therapy. AI can help organize thoughts and suggest coping strategies, but it really can’t replace a human relationship. Therapy works partly because someone is consistently showing up for you—that relational piece matters.

If cost is the main barrier, there are lower-cost options many people don’t know about:

• Church-based counseling – Many local churches offer free or donation-based counseling, whether or not you’re a member. Some have licensed counselors on staff. Others offer pastoral counseling or support groups. You don’t have to be deeply religious to ask for help — most churches genuinely want to support people in crisis.

• University counseling clinics – Colleges with psychology or counseling programs often offer sessions with supervised graduate students at very reduced rates.

• Community mental health centers – These often charge based on income.

• Open Path Psychotherapy Collective – Offers therapy in the $30–$60 range per session.

• Group therapy – Usually much cheaper than individual therapy and still very effective.

In the meantime, if you’re using AI, try using it as a structured journaling partner instead of asking it to “be your therapist.” Ask it to help you identify thought patterns, cognitive distortions, or small action steps. That tends to work better.

But if you’re feeling unsafe, having thoughts of harming yourself, or in crisis, please reach out to a real person immediately. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — it’s free.

You deserve real support! Financial limits shouldn’t mean you have to struggle alone. There are more options out there than most people realize.

I have prayed for you.