How Much Does Therapy Cost? Understanding Insurance and Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Sara Willott, PhD, LCSW
- Jul 6, 2024
- 3 min read
Page Description: Curious about how much therapy costs? Learn how insurance, copays, and out-of-pocket fees affect what you’ll actually pay — plus affordable options for every budget.
If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy, one of the first questions that comes up is, how much does it cost? The truth is, therapy costs vary a lot depending on where you live, who you see, and whether you’re paying privately or through insurance. Understanding how pricing works can help you plan ahead and find care that fits your budget — without the stress or surprises.
On average, most therapy sessions cost between $100 and $250 when paid out of pocket. Some therapists offer sliding-scale fees based on your income, which can lower the price to around $60–$120 per session. If you have health insurance, your copay may be as little as $10 or $20 per visit. And if you don’t have insurance, community mental health centers and nonprofit clinics often offer sessions at reduced cost or for free.
How Insurance Affects the Cost of Therapy
Insurance can make therapy far more affordable, but each plan works a little differently. Your total cost depends on your deductible, copay or coinsurance, and whether your therapist is in-network or out-of-network.
In-network therapists have agreed to specific rates with your insurer, which usually means lower costs. Out-of-network therapists can sometimes be reimbursed too, but you might have to pay upfront and file a claim for partial reimbursement later.
Before your first session, call your insurance provider and ask:
Is therapy covered under my plan?
What’s my copay or coinsurance?
Has my deductible been met?
What are the benefits for out-of-network therapists?
Knowing these answers ahead of time can save you a lot of confusion and unexpected bills.
Private Pay and Out-of-Pocket Therapy Costs
Many people choose to pay privately for therapy, even if they have insurance. Some prefer the privacy — no paperwork or insurance records — while others want a therapist who isn’t in their network.
Rates vary depending on training and experience. Licensed counselors and marriage and family therapists often charge between $100 and $175 per session, while psychologists tend to range from $150 to $250. Psychiatrists, who can prescribe medication, usually cost more — around $200 to $400 per appointment.
Private pay gives you flexibility in choosing your therapist and type of therapy, and it can sometimes mean faster access to care.
Additional Costs to Keep in Mind
Even with insurance, there can be small extra costs:
Fees for missed or late-cancelled appointments
Longer or more detailed intake sessions
Specialized assessments or letters not covered by insurance
Small platform or telehealth fees for virtual sessions
These aren’t always included in the initial quote, so it’s worth asking about them early on.
Affordable Therapy Options
If therapy feels financially out of reach, you still have options:
Community clinics and nonprofit organizations often provide free or low-cost sessions.
University training clinics run by graduate psychology programs offer supervised therapy at a reduced rate.
Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Open Path Collective make it easier to find licensed therapists for around $60–$90 per session.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) may provide a limited number of free therapy sessions each year through your employer.
These can be great ways to start therapy without taking on financial strain.
Making Therapy Work for Your Budget
Therapy is both a financial and emotional investment, but there are ways to make it more manageable. Be open with your therapist about cost — many offer sliding-scale rates or can suggest lower-cost options. You can also try shorter or biweekly sessions if weekly therapy isn’t sustainable.
Most importantly, set clear goals for what you want to work on and stick with it consistently. The benefits build over time.
The Bottom Line
Therapy can cost anywhere from $0 to $250 per session, depending on your insurance, location, and therapist. While the numbers can seem intimidating, affordable options exist — from community clinics to online therapy and sliding-scale private practices.
No matter how you pay for it, therapy is an investment in your mental and emotional well-being. It’s one of the few expenses that truly pays you back in clarity, stability, and peace of mind.
