How Much Does Therapy Cost?

What Is Therapy?

Psychotherapy is a process that someone participates in with a licensed therapist to heal something related to their mental health. They have sessions together and discuss different areas of their life, experiences, history, identity and outlook on life. Therapy often serves to help someone address a specific goal, like lowering anxiety or lessening their depressive symptoms. A therapist may use any number of techniques and approaches to best help the client reach their goals.

Who Should Consider Therapy?

Anyone and everyone should consider therapy. Therapy is just not for when things are going wrong, but when things can be going right. We often consider therapy when we are having difficulties in life or challenges and oftentimes, but therapy ahead of time could help you prepare better for the challenges that lay ahead, helping you develop and maintain healthy coping mechanisms for when stressors arise.

How Much Does Therapy Cost in the US?

Without insurance, therapy sessions can range from $60 – $250 a session, depending on where you live, your area of need, and types of interventions which may be available. It averages out at about $130 per session in the US.⁸ With insurance, you may have a deductible you may need to meet, which means you pay for the full price until you meet your deductible. Otherwise, you may have a copay of anywhere from $10 – $60 a session.

Why Is Therapy So Expensive?

While $130 may seem like a lot of money to spend for 50 minutes of someone’s time, the session fee actually has to cover a lot more than just those 50 minutes. In addition to the session itself, therapists spend time preparing for each session, writing and updating treatment plans and progress notes, and taking care of business and case management issues as they arise (i.e. scheduling, coordinating with your other providers).

Work Outside of Formal Sessions

Because of all the work that therapists do outside of sessions, very few see 40 clients a week. More commonly, therapists will see around 20 clients a week, leaving 20 other hours in the standard 40 hour work week for the tasks listed above. Additionally, therapists have to make time for continuing education, consultation and supervision, and business tasks to keep their practice running smoothly.

Licencing & Insurance

The fee you pay for therapy has to cover even more than just the time your therapist spends on you. Therapists have to pay yearly licensing fees and malpractice insurance fees. Monthly, therapists pay for their office rent, the cost of an electronic health record system or paper record supplies, and online directory profile fees.

Continuing Education & Supervision

Throughout the year, therapists pay for continuing education classes in order to keep up to date with the latest research and maintain their license. Many therapists also pay for supervision or consultation, a practice where they talk with a more experienced therapist about any clinical concerns or challenges they are facing.

How Much Does Therapy Cost With Insurance?

Some insurance plans for therapy cover the cost of therapy once you have met your deductible. What is covered varies depending on your insurance company and plan. Not all insurance plans will cover all types of therapy, or therapy for specific mental health conditions. If you want to use your insurance, it is very important to call your insurance company and ask for specific details of what is covered. Because insurance plans vary so widely, contacting your insurance company is the best way to get accurate information regarding your specific coverage.

In-Network Therapists

A therapist who is in-network with your insurance company is contracted with them to provide services for fees set by the insurance company. The insurance company may also set parameters around the type of treatment therapists can provide, or the number of sessions they will cover. To find an in-network therapist, most insurance companies offer a directory on their webpage where you can search for providers.

Out-of-Network Therapists

A therapist who is out-of-network (OON) does not contract with your insurance company. This means that they are paid directly by you and not your insurance company. Therapists who are OON will typically make a note of it on their directory profiles and website. If you would like to work with a therapist who is out-of-network, check with your insurance company to see if you have any out-of-network benefits that can be used.

Instead of being in-network with insurance companies, many therapists offer superbills. This is a list of the services they have provided you, along with the cost, that you can submit to your insurance company for direct reimbursement. Depending on your plan, as much as 90% of the cost of a session may be reimbursed to you.

Does Medicare Cover Therapy?

Therapy is covered by Medicare Part B. Part B covers outpatient and doctor/provider appointments, including psychotherapy, group therapy, and family therapy.

Does Medicaid Cover Therapy?

Medicaid also covers psychotherapy. It generally has very affordable or free therapy options for mental health care and providers. To add, Medicaid prescription costs are also low should you need medication for your mental health diagnosis.

Does TRICARE Cover Therapy?

Tricare also covers psychotherapy. With this plan, you may need a referral from your physician, however there is no limit to the number of sessions.

How Much Does Therapy Cost Without Insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of therapy typically ranges from $100 to $200 per session with a median cost of $130.⁸ Paying out of pocket, also called “fee for service” or “private pay,” is very common in therapy. In addition to the many therapists who don’t take insurance, clients sometimes prefer to pay out of pocket in order to more fully protect their privacy.

Are There Free Therapy Options Available?

If you are unable to afford therapy at all, some places may offer services for free, like community clinics, churches, or other nonprofits.

Below are some places that may offer free mental health resources:

• Free clinics
• Homeless shelters
• Domestic violence shelters
• Veterans’ groups and organizations
• Churches/spiritual organizations
• Medical schools  with psychiatry departments
• Community mental health centers
• Colleges or universities
• Non-profits supported by grants and/or donations

Common Types of Therapy to Consider

Different kinds of therapy, and different formats, can be beneficial for different people and situations. For example, CBT is often the standard treatment for anxiety and depression, while EMDR can effectively treat trauma and PTSD. Further, some people may benefit more from group or family therapy.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is where you and a therapist participate in one-on-one counseling sessions. There are many different types of approaches to therapy, some of which are outlined below. To add, many therapists will use time to learn about you and your goals in the first few sessions, so thinking about what you want to get from therapy is important.

Below are examples of individual therapy to consider:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): In CBT, sessions are usually once a week for 50 minutes, with a cost between $60 and $200 per session. This approach aims to help you consider how your thoughts impact your behaviors, and how modifying your thoughts can change your behaviors.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): DBT usually consists of a weekly individual therapy session, a weekly group session, and brief phone calls throughout the week. The cost of a DBT therapy program often ranges between $150 and $300 per week. This approach uses many elements of CBT however incorporates a mindfulness approach to help you accept your feelings.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR): EMDR may only be covered by some insurances for very specific needs if other interventions do not work. Otherwise, the cost of EMDR is anywhere from $100 – $300 a session, usually lasting 6-12 sessions. This modality helps with trauma reprocessing and stimulates areas of the brain where trauma gets stuck.
• Exposure therapy: This therapy is often covered under most insurance plans, and cost can range from $50 – $100 depending on your insurance benefits. This approach helps people overcome their fears by being methodically exposed to their fears.

Group Therapy

Therapy groups are therapeutic groups facilitated by a therapist. In these groups, all members enter knowing certain ground rules and use the relationships and dialogue within the group to support their healing. The therapist helps to facilitate this by asking different questions and inviting people to speak up.

Support Groups

Support groups can be led by a therapist, however they are often peer-led and focus more on peer support than actual therapy. Support groups are generally organized by the type of problem someone is dealing with, like having an alcoholic loved one or overcoming a fear of public speaking.

Couples & Marriage Counseling

Couples and marriage counseling is where you and your partner attend sessions with a therapist together. In this, you may discuss concerns in your relationships, your feelings, opinions, and struggles with situations within the relationship. This therapy also will dig into your individual past histories and how that impacts your relationships.

What Determines The Cost of Therapy? 

The cost of therapy can range depending on a variety of factors, including where you live, the therapist’s credentials, and what type of therapy you need.

Type of Therapy

The type of therapy being provided can affect the cost. Typical outpatient therapy, where a client attends weekly sessions, is often less expensive than more involved outpatient therapy programs. In general, the more hours per week a therapist must spend on a particular client, the higher the cost of therapy. Because there are two people receiving treatment, the cost of couples therapy is often more expensive than individual therapy.

Type of Mental Health Professional

The cost of therapy depends, in part, on the mental health professional providing it. Mental health professionals who are still in graduate school or hold associate licenses often charge less than those with full licenses. Those with a PsyD or PhD degree may charge more than those with an M.A. or M.S. degree. Additionally, therapists with advanced training in a particular modality or technique may charge more than therapists without specialized training, regardless of their degree or license.

The Therapist’s Education & Specialization

Therapists with doctorate degrees or advanced training may charge a higher rate. A therapist who has completed a Masters degree without any additional specialization is likely to charge less than a therapist who has completed a PsyD or PhD, or who has completed specialized training. While the cost of seeing these providers is higher, their additional years of training help them provide even more effective and efficient services.

Sliding Scale Options

This is an option for those who cannot afford to pay a full price. Sometimes therapists will offer sliding scale options for those who are below a certain income level, so they may pay as little as $5-$35 a session.

Flexible Scheduling Offerings

This is an option that can help people find a time for therapy week to week that fits in their schedule. Not everyone can guarantee that the same day every week will work, and in doing so, you may be able to utilize lower cost options for therapy.

Location of Services

Those who are located in a city with a high cost of living will likely charge more due to needing to make more money to cover their own cost of living and running their therapy practice.

What to Consider When Choosing a Therapist

There are a lot of things to think about when thinking about picking a therapist. It’s important to consider their cost and if they take your insurance, if they offer in person visits, and their experience treating the types of things you are needing help with. Talking to a therapist for an initial discussion to consider if they are a good fit is highly encouraged.

Cost of Therapy

The cost of therapy will depend on your insurance coverage you have, if any, the type of therapy you are looking for, and your location. It is obviously one of the bigger factors someone considers when choosing a therapist.

Online Vs. In-Person Options

Online therapy vs in-person therapy can sometimes vary in cost. It is important to consider your personal needs and preferences if you prefer one over the other. Some therapists may be able to offer both or a hybrid model, but asking about their scheduling options is important.

The Type of Therapy

It can be hard to know what kind of therapy you will benefit from, so asking a therapist about the experience and success rate they have with treating your area of concern is. You can ask them about their therapy approach and what these approaches entail.

Session Frequency

Sometimes therapists will offer sessions weekly, bi-weekly, or less frequently depending on the client’s needs and their availability. It is important to think about what you are looking for and discuss that upfront when picking a therapist to make sure they can accommodate your scheduling goals.

Where to Find Affordable Therapy Options

Below are some resources to consider when looking for affordable therapy options:

• Community counseling agencies
• Integrated primary care clinics
• University counseling clinics
• Faith-based centers
• Employee assistance programs (EAPS)
• Federally Qualified Health Centers

Is Therapy Worth the Cost?

Although the cost of therapy may seem high, the cost of not seeking help when needed may be just as high or higher. Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can significantly impact your ability to function, negatively affecting all areas of your life. Research has found that depression causes the second highest number of years lived with disability.³ Losses due to decreased productivity cost 2 billion dollars a year. On an individual level, those suffering from severe depression make $199 less a month due to missed work.² Over time, untreated depression and other mental health conditions can be far more costly than therapy.

There are also non-quantifiable losses to consider when mental health issues aren’t addressed. You may find yourself repeating unhealthy patterns, struggle to maintain healthy relationships, or find it difficult to be meaningfully engaged in your life the way you would like to be.

Therapy can help you address mental health conditions so that they have less of a negative impact on your life. It can also help you increase your understanding of yourself and others, learn new and healthy tools for dealing with challenges, and give you the insight and support to create a life that fulfills you. Therapy helps you address issues at their root, allowing you to resolve them more fully so you don’t find yourself dealing with the same issue over and over again.

The results of therapy can be long-lasting. In fact, research has shown that participating in therapy can cause changes to your brain that show up in neuroimaging scans.¹ What you learn and discover in therapy stays with you. While an investment upfront, it can pay dividends long after you’ve finished.

Final Thoughts

If you or a loved one are considering therapy, don’t let cost be a barrier. You deserve to get the care you need to feel better and be your best self!