Help more young people get the care they need.
Emotional Relief Fund partners with mental health providers to help eligible teens and young adults continue therapy when cost stands in the way.
Our reach is growing. With approved providers across the following states, we’re helping more families access the care they need, wherever they are.
FAQs
How does it work?
Emotional Relief Fund awards up to $2,500 per eligible applicant per lifetime, to be used within 12 months of approval. Funds are paid directly to licensed providers approved by Emotional Relief Fund for sessions delivered after the applicant’s approval date.
No. Emotional Relief Fund pays providers only, not applicants.
No. Emotional Relief Fund pays only for sessions delivered on or after the applicant’s approval date.
Most applications are reviewed by Emotional Relief Fund’s approval committee within 10-15 business days, assuming all income documentation is provided.
Applicant process
All applications must be submitted by the parent of the teen applying for assistance, or the young adult applying for assistance for themself, through Emotional Relief Fund’s online application portal at: https://www.emotionalrelieffund.org/apply/, which includes income verification and necessary consents.
No. Applicants (or their parent/guardian if patient is a teen) must complete the application themselves. Providers may guide or assist but cannot submit the form on an applicant’s behalf.
Applicant eligibility and approval
Young people who:
- Have achieved the age of 12 but who are not yet age 26, and
- Live in a household whose income from all current wage earners and sources of income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, and
- Complete the online application and receive written approval, and
- Be working with an approved provider.
Emotional Relief Fund copies the provider on the email approval notice sent to the approved
applicant that includes:
- Approval date
- Award amount (lifetime maximum is $2,500, but some applicants request a lower amount)
- Confirmation that the applicant has 12 months from approval to use the funds
Applicants may choose any appropriately licensed provider who has been approved by Emotional Relief Fund. Provider approval process must take place through the Emotional Relief Fund Provider portal at: https://www.emotionalrelieffund.org/for-providers/
Provider eligibility
For approval – All the information requested at: https://www.emotionalrelieffund.org/for-providers/, including current active clinical mental health license, malpractice insurance and an NPI number. Group practices are also asked to provide a clinician roster including names, license types, license numbers, states of licensure, and NPI numbers.
Provider billing
To get established to receive payment, provider must complete the following forms:
Once established, provider must use the Provider Reimbursement Form to submit one invoice per approved applicant, no later than the 15th of the following month.
Required information for each invoice from previous month:
- Applicant name or initials
- Dates of service
- Session type
- Fee per session
- Total billed amount
Invoices should reflect the provider’s standard rates and be mindful of the client’s lifetime maximum
Approved invoices are paid within 30 days of receipt, solely via ACH direct deposit. All payments are contingent on the availability of charitable donations.
Yes. At the time Emotional Relief Fund sends payment for a monthly invoice, the provider will also receive a list of their clients being supported by Emotional Relief Fund that shows each client’s remaining day and dollar balance.
No. Emotional Relief Fund does not influence clinical decisions or operate as an insurer. Providers keep full clinical independence. From time to time, applicants may apply without having a provider, and at such time Emotional Relief Fund may refer an applicant to a provider who has been approved by Emotional Relief Fund.
Once an applicant’s award is exhausted, the provider will receive notice from Emotional Relief Fund and be responsible for notifying the applicant of the following:
- Emotional Relief Fund cannot cover additional sessions
- Continuation of care and other payment options with the applicant (self-pay, sliding scale, etc.) will be at the provider’s discretion and based on ethical standards
Emotional Relief Fund:
- Pays for up to two no-show or late-cancel sessions per applicant
- Does NOT pay for sessions delivered before the Emotional Relief Fund approval date
- Does NOT pay for sessions delivered after the applicant’s lifetime funds are exhausted Providers may charge the applicant directly for any additional missed-session fees or uncovered sessions, according to their standard practice policies.
Provider responsibilities
Generally, no. Emotional Relief Fund relies on patient authorization and does not perform functions that make it a HIPAA business associate. A BAA is used only if future workflows expressly require it.
Providers agree to:
- Maintain all required licenses
- Deliver clinically appropriate services
- Invoice Emotional Relief Fund according to the requirements outlined in item 9 above
- Notify Emotional Relief Fund of significant changes in care (termination, missed sessions, transitions to higher care)
No. Emotional Relief Fund does not review, direct, or influence clinical care. All clinical decisions are made solely by the provider.
Additional Questions?
Email us“We are so incredibly thankful for your funding and the ability to get youth the services they deserve.”
– Approved provider
“We are tremendously grateful that we crossed paths last year and can confidently say you have helped provide services for individuals and families that would not otherwise be receiving services right now.”
– Approved provider