Wondering, "how much does therapy cost?" The cost of an online therapist, the cost of therapy sessions, or the cost of mental health therapy can present a significant challenge for many people. However, you can take steps to find effective therapy or other affordable mental health care services, even if you’re unsure which service to choose and what the long-term cost of therapy entails.
Paying for an online psychologist, therapy sessions, or mental health services can present a significant challenge for a variety of people, due to multiple factors. There are numerous things you can do to find effective therapy or other mental health care services.
Paying for mental health care and addressing mental health disorders can be complex, showcasing the need for complex solutions. A mental health provider, such as a therapist, can work online or in person to offer therapy. Depending on your health insurance plans and budget, online therapy can be a more budget-friendly choice for mental health care, when addressing therapy prices. Additionally, many therapists offer online therapy sessions, which can increase accessibility. Below, we will explore, "how much does therapy cost?"
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Explore affordable and convenient online therapy options
Therapist pricing: Understanding how much therapy costs
Finding a precise answer to "How much does therapy cost?" can be challenging, as the mental health industry can be complex. The average cost of therapy and how much it costs may depend on what type of therapy you receive, such as family or couples therapy, and whether your insurance even covers mental health therapist visits and therapy expenses. Whether you attend an in-person treatment or an online therapist, treatment can also make a difference in therapy rates. The therapist's training and experience can also affect the therapy cost of treatment and how much a session may be.
Considering the type of therapy or wellness service
Consider the type of therapy you seek from a therapist, the modalities therapists offer in your area, your insurance plan, and other benefits, such as employee assistance for mental health coverage or whether you qualify for therapy coverage under the Affordable Care Act. It's also worthwhile to check if your health insurance companies provide adequate coverage for therapists, including out of network benefits, when determining how much the cost of therapy.
How much does therapy cost? Free therapy opportunities and lower cost therapy options
It can be important to note that free therapy opportunities per session rarely exist, although some community mental health agencies and universities offer free services and low cost therapy. Still, it can be possible to access free or low-cost therapist options or counseling costs to address various mental health concerns. For those dealing with substance misuse, these agencies can be particularly helpful.
How much does health insurance affect therapy pricing?
For those seeking a therapist, the Affordable Care Act has outlined income requirements for government mental health benefits and health support for finding affordable therapy options. However, health insurance companies may only offer mental health coverage to those seeking mental health support from in-network therapists, which can lead to a lack of availability of health coverage in one’s area. In these cases, alternative resources and a qualified therapist may provide low-cost therapy to clients without insurance to cover mental health and therapist services. Reach out to providers to determine how much their services cost.
Types of therapy
The type of talk therapy that suits you might vary depending on what you look to achieve with your sessions. The type of therapy might also affect the cost of therapy per session. All therapists and other mental health practitioners should be licensed and have liability insurance plans. As part of the therapist licensing requirements, therapists may also have thousands of supervised clinical hours in the field and often hold at least a master's degree. You can consider a few types of therapists, including the following.
Group therapy
Group therapists offer support to and oversee a group of clients to teach a therapeutic modality, offer support, or discuss common symptoms. The therapist should serve as a leader and facilitate a medically reviewed discussion during the session. The group then talks through their challenges with one another while the therapist monitors the conversation. Group sessions can be beneficial, as it allows individuals to socialize and find connections with others during therapy, potentially reducing loneliness. Group sessions can be held in a therapist's office or online, and are one of many affordable therapy options.
Support groups
Support groups offer those with many similar life challenges the opportunity to provide insight to individuals who are going through what they experienced. Support groups differ from a group psychotherapy setting in that support groups may not be led by a licensed therapist and could allow group participants to offer support or advocacy for one another. Support groups can allow individuals to work together to create a non-judgmental environment for health support.
Couples therapy
Couples therapy may help those in a relationship resolve interpersonal conflicts and improve relationships. These sessions often occur with both parties present. However, the sessions can also be one-on-one or a combination of both. Each session might have a different rate due to the varying price of therapy. Unique therapy types, such as pre-marital therapy, may have different pricing than long-term couples therapy.
Marriage therapy
Marriage therapy can help couples navigate and work through the ever changing dynamics of a relationship. Marriage therapy can help equip couples with the appropriate tools and communication skills to improve their marriage.
Individual therapy
Individual therapists, counselors, and social workers usually support clients in understanding behavior, the influence of their environment, and their interactions with their surroundings. This study of behavior might help you identify why you are experiencing specific thoughts or behaviors. Individual therapists can address a variety of mental health conditions, breaking down into many types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral, art, dialectical behavior, and more. Many therapists work in individual practice, offering personalized care to their clients.
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If you are struggling with substance use, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.
The cost of different types of therapy
Therapy type (can affect pricing)
Cost of the average therapy session with no health insurance
In-person therapist
$100
Psychiatrist
$100-$200
Couples therapy
$70-$250
BetterHelp
Costs range from $65 to $100 per week and $260-$400 monthly (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply) to have sessions with a qualified therapist.
Considerations for the average cost of therapy
Factors affecting how expensive your therapy rate and price is
Depending on the type of therapy, the average cost can vary based on a number of factors that go into therapists determining their rate. Support groups are many times free per session, whereas groups with a therapist may require a fee. Many times, group sessions are a more affordable option than individual therapy, as the therapist can divide the cost between multiple clients. Therapy treatment programs like rehabilitation or long-term retreats may be more expensive than regular group sessions. Whether or not the therapist can accept insurance, and whether they can accept your insurance plan specifically, may also impact the cost of therapy per session.
Payments and costs based on therapy length and session
Some therapy treatment programs determine payments by the length per session, and these programs can differ in rates. Depending on the therapist and what therapists charge in your area, a 60-minute session may be the same cost or more than a 45-minute session. Inquire about the therapist's rates per session and options at every clinic, practice, or online venue you seek out.
Factors influencing the price of mental health treatment and therapy costs
What could affect the rate of a therapist? How much the cost of therapy is for you may vary depending on the type of therapy you choose and the specialty of the therapist. Another factor to consider is the number of therapy sessions you hope to schedule with the therapist throughout the year. If you are looking for medication management within your mental health treatment plan, this service could also impact the cost of the session. Note that psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals that can offer medication prescription or management.
How much does therapy cost: Sliding scale rates & tips for how to pay for and find therapy
Does the cost of therapy services stay the same?
After an initial session, some therapists may let their patients pay on a sliding scale system or sliding scale therapy, allowing discounted sessions based on income. For example, according to a sliding scale payment plan, you may only pay half of the typical cost if your income falls under a certain threshold. Sliding scale rates can help many individuals afford mental health and therapist services. In many practice settings, therapists can decide their own cost of therapy, and some therapists hope to support under-resourced individuals by offering easy options. In some cases, therapists choose to offer their services at reduced costs.
Some clients may look for therapists that offer free or low-income-based therapy options. Check with the provider or local community mental health clinics to learn more about your options for free care. Additionally, you might find therapists who offer free initial consultations.
Average therapy cost can differ with each provider when paying for therapy
If money or the cost of a therapy session is an issue, flexible scheduling could allow you to get the support you seek from a potential therapist. For example, a qualified therapist may agree to see you once every other week instead of every week. A therapist might offer half-sessions, so you can connect for a short time, or give the option of several sessions for a set fee. Some therapists may also have a strong therapist's reputation for offering affordable care.
Location, providers, clinics, and online therapy available
A licensed therapist's availability of mental healthcare may depend on where you reside. Community mental health services can vary as well as their affordability. For example, you may find that therapists in the Midwest charge less for their services than those on the East or West Coast. Depending on where you live, online mental health therapy can be an affordable alternative option.
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Explore affordable and convenient online therapy options
Alternative therapeutic resources to in-person therapists
Find affordable online options to spend on in your budget
Perhaps you feel unsure about attending therapy in person or which resources to use to locate a provider. Trying to find a therapist can feel stressful, and you may already feel apprehensive about sharing the details of your mental health affairs with a stranger face-to-face. Attending therapy in a therapist's office may not be feasible for everyone due to location or scheduling constraints. However, there are alternative options to traditional in-person psychotherapy. If you are wondering what the cost of therapy is per session, consider looking into online therapist options. Consulting a professional therapist via the internet can be a valuable option for those looking to preserve their budget.
Online therapy services have been proven as effective in treating many mental health concerns or conditions as in-person psychotherapy, and there may be positive benefits to receiving virtual support from a therapist. Due to reductions in overhead costs, online treatment rates are often less expensive than in-person therapy. BetterHelp is $65 to $90 per week. The rate of sessions with a therapist may be higher based on:
If you do not have the financial means for mental health care with a therapist, you can also apply for financial aid to help pay for session rates. This can make paying for a therapist or covering the price of therapy more manageable.
Learning the cost of therapy per session and finding ways to to fit it into your budget can be crucial, whether you’re living with a mental illness or looking for a therapist's support in improving your problem-solving skills. If these costs seem high to you, talk to patient services at your insurance provider. Insurance companies may have different reimbursement rates for mental health services and therapists, which can affect the cost for the patient. You also might be able to count treatment towards your deductibles or get help with out-of-pocket costs to cover mental healthcare.
Important consideration in selecting a mental health therapist
Due to the high demand for mental health services, finding an available therapist at a good cost may take time. When selecting a therapist, consider the therapist's reputation, qualifications, and experience to ensure you receive quality care. By exploring different options, you may find a solution that allows you to receive treatment from a professional therapist without a significant financial burden.
Takeaway
Therapy can address mental health conditions, stress, life changes, worries, and other challenges. However, some forms of treatment can be expensive and come with a high cost. Virtual therapy with an online platform may allow an affordable and convenient way to integrate therapy into your life.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.
Is therapy expensive? What are the costs of therapy?
The cost of a therapist and a therapy session can vary based on:
How often you'd like to meet with your therapist impacts cost
Additional psychiatric or mental health assessments can add to overall therapy costs
Your health care insurance company and what is covered impacts therapy cost
Your location and the location of your therapist impacts cost of therapy
Individual preferences (therapy rates can be higher for more specialized therapists) impacts cost
Online therapy services in the mental health industry have platforms like BetterHelp that can be $65 to $90 per week (pricing dependent on location, billed every four weeks). This can make costs of therapy and paying for therapy more affordable.
In comparison, in-person therapy costs can be an average of $100 to $200 per session and may involve sliding scale fees. Your location could also play a role. Living in Los Angeles or New York could impact the affordability of your session, as the cost of living in these cities is often higher.
With insurance, your payment for in-person therapy may be less than without. You might have co-pays or not have to expect to pay anything at all. However, not all health insurance plans offer these options, and some might require that you see specific therapists. A free therapist might be an option under your insurance.
The following are questions you might have related to online counseling or online therapy:
Due to reductions in overhead expenses, such as rent for an office space, online treatment rates often may be less expensive than paying for therapy in-person.
What does BetterHelp cost?
What does therapy cost at BetterHelp? Therapy costs with an online platform like BetterHelp are $65 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks) but the rate may be higher based on individual preferences, location, and therapy availability.
What is a therapy session? How can I afford it with my budget?
A therapy session is a safe space where a client meets with a therapist or counselor to resolve unwanted behaviors, work through adverse experiences, understand relationship conflicts, and manage one's emotions, feelings, and beliefs. In a session with a therapist, you might work through symptoms causing difficulties in your life through a specific therapeutic modality. Depending on your insurance coverage, it can help bring down the average cost of a therapist. Not all therapists accept insurance but they may offer a sliding scale payment plan.
What are some types of therapy?
1. Talk therapy
Talk therapy refers to psychotherapy sessions offered by a licensed counselor, clinical social worker, or therapist. It can involve talking to a therapist in an individual, group, or couples setting about life challenges, mental health, and personal growth. A few forms of talk counseling include the following:
Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy
Dialectical behavior (DBT) therapy
Acceptance and commitment (ACT) therapy
Person-centered therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
2. Sex therapy
Sex therapy is a type of psychotherapy focused on addressing sexual challenges, whether personally or within a relationship. The rate per session of in-person sex therapists can range between $75 to $200. Online sex therapy can be more affordable, costing from $50 to $ 90 every session. Common topics discussed with a sex therapist can include:
Sexual dysfunction in therapy
Sexual desire in therapy
Reigniting sexual attraction in a relationship in therapy
Sexuality and identity in therapy
Traumatic experiences in therapy
Body positivity (effects of social media) and confidence in therapy
3. Art therapy
Art therapy is an alternative therapeutic modality focused on helping clients achieve treatment goals through creating art, learning the creative process, and applying psychological theory. Depending on the therapists, a one-on-one sessions can range between $100 to $200. The benefits may include:
Art therapy can reduce stress
Art therapy can increase ability to cope with challenges that many have difficulty putting into words
Art therapy can improve confidence and self-esteem
There tends to be a release of challenging emotions during the therapy session
This can result to a deeper understanding of one’s thoughts in the therapy session
This can serve as a visual representation of one’s challenges within therapy
4. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often referred to as the “gold standard” of psychotherapy. For example, if you are experiencing mental illness (like depression and anxiety), this therapeutic modality combines cognitive techniques like cognitive restructuring with behavioral therapy to change maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. Standard techniques in CBT include:
Exposure and desensitization in therapy
Progressive muscle relaxation in therapy
Deep breathing exercises in therapy
Mindfulness and meditation in therapy
Roleplaying in therapy
Activities and worksheets in therapy
Imagery and visualization in therapy
How can insurance cover costs or therapy payments?
The cost of a therapist using insurance can depend on your:
Insurance provider policy and if your therapist accepts it
Deductibles
Therapist rates or cost
Mental health or illness diagnosis can impact therapy costs
The years of experience a mental health provider has
Location
Below are a few of some psychotherapy codes that your psychologist or therapist might use when dealing with insurance in the US. Contact your insurance provider to further understand CPT codes and what kinds of therapeutic services are covered.
CPT Code
Psychotherapy Codes Descriptors
90832
Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient
90834
Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient
90837
Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient
90849
Multiple-family group psychotherapy
90853
Group psychotherapy (other than of a multiple-family group)
90846
Family psychotherapy (without the patient present), 50 minutes
Does free counseling exist?
Therapy is a professional service offered by therapists who have spent years receiving education and clinical supervision to provide clients with ethical, empathetic, and relevant care. Because of therapists' education and experience, their rates can range from $100 to $200 on average for a single session. However, low-cost options, crisis support, and temporary volunteer therapists may be available to those who cannot afford this cost. The variety of therapist services can depend on what the therapists choose to offer.
What are sliding scale pay rates for in-person therapy?
Many therapists may provide sliding scale rates to accommodate clients with varying financial situations. Some therapists offer free or low-cost services to make their services accessible to all. By reaching out to local clinics or mental health centers, you may be able to access free or low-cost therapist options. You can call 211 to receive up-to-date recommendations on these resources. If you’re in crisis, you can call or text the 988 Lifeline anytime for free short-term crisis peer support. For long-term support, consider looking into sliding scale therapists, online therapists, support groups, or local low-cost clinics.
"How much does in-person and online therapy cost?"
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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