No matter how you feel day-to-day, therapy is valuable. Talking to a professional can help you grow your self-esteem, improve relationships, and more.
Unfortunately, many people avoid therapy because of the cost. “Is therapy worth it?” is a common question.
Although therapy is an extra expense, it’s a worthwhile investment in your well-being.
So, how much is therapy exactly? While the amount you’ll pay depends on several factors, a typical therapy session in the U.S. will cost between $100 and $200.
To help you access therapy, we’re exploring those cost factors, as well as affordable options and budgeting tips.
What is Therapy?
Therapy is a form of mental healthcare that aims to identify and manage emotional challenges, including those caused by mental health conditions. Through therapy, patients can better understand themselves and their loved ones, address the causes of their problems, and, eventually, move through life with ease.
Ultimately, therapy sessions can help you process many obstacles to your mental well-being, including:
- Trauma
- Grief
- Stress
- Relationship troubles
- Depression
- Anxiety
Types of Therapy
All therapy addresses mental health struggles, but each different type of therapy does so in a unique way.
Let’s look at the three most popular varieties of psychotherapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an approach that focuses on changing negative thought patterns. The idea behind CBT is simple: If our psychological problems stem from our thinking and behavior, we can improve by modifying the way we think and act.
CBT is effective in treating issues like:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Addiction
- Eating disorders
- Marital struggles
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy emphasizes unconscious processes. Psychodynamic therapists draw on your past experiences and conflicts to understand how your subconscious thoughts, memories, and dreams affect your conscious life.
When you become aware of these deep, underlying feelings, you can gain better control over your surface emotions.
Humanistic Therapy
While other forms of therapy look for patterns, humanistic therapy focuses on your individual nature. This client-centric approach to mental healthcare encourages you to tap into your true self and use your unique worldview to navigate life.
The results? Personal growth and self-actualization. Patients who undergo humanistic therapy live with more joy and fulfillment because they recognize their worth.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Therapy
Depending on which kind of therapy you prefer, your per-session rate may change. However, therapy type isn’t the only variable that impacts your invoice.
Some of the other factors that influence the cost of therapy include:
Therapist’s Qualifications
Therapists have different levels of education and experience, and these qualifications affect pricing. For example, a counselor with a PhD and 20 years of practice can justify charging more than a therapist fresh out of their master’s program.
Job title also influences price. There are five official titles you’ll run into:
- Therapist – A general term for a licensed mental health counselor trained to provide psychotherapy (examples include LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs, etc.).
- Psychologist – A licensed professional with a master’s or doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology who provides psychotherapy and may conduct psychological testing. Psychologists do not prescribe medication in most states.
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – An advanced practice registered nurse with specialized training in psychiatric care. PMHNPs can diagnose mental health conditions, provide therapy, and prescribe psychiatric medications.
- Physician Assistant – A licensed medical provider with a master’s-level medical education who works under a supervising physician. PAs can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications for mental health conditions.
- Psychiatrist – A medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness, including prescribing medication.
In general, the above list goes from least expensive to most expensive.
Location
Where you live plays a role, too. In high-cost-of-living urban areas, therapists must charge more to earn a living wage. In rural areas, therapy (along with most other goods and services) tends to cost slightly less.
Session Length and Frequency
Naturally, therapists will bill more for longer sessions. The standard appointment length is 50 minutes, but some patients need 75 or even 90 minutes to enjoy the full benefits. If you prefer having more time, expect to spend more money.
Another factor impacting overall cost is frequency. Clients who visit every two weeks will pay twice as much annually as those who go once a month.
Payment Options for Therapy
Whether your sessions cost $100 or $350, the good news is that you may not have to cover your entire bill out of pocket. Several payment options can help ease the financial burden of counseling.
Insurance Coverage
Most workplace insurance plans include some amount of coverage for psychotherapy. Depending on your group policy, you could:
- Have a per-visit co-pay (for example, $50 per visit)
- Have a percentage of each visit covered
- Enjoy full coverage up to a certain number of sessions
Keep in mind that you’ll always pay more for out-of-network providers than in-network therapists. So, whenever possible, confirm with your insurance company that a provider is in your network.
Finding an Affordable Therapist
If you prefer the traditional approach of one-on-one therapy, you still have options—even if you don’t have insurance coverage. If you know where to look, you can find someone who will work within your budget.
Here are some ways to connect with affordable mental healthcare professionals.
Online Directories and Resources
When you’re seeking support, the internet can be your best friend. Online directories like Psychology Today or Zocdoc can guide you to accessible counseling in your area. You can also use services like Geode Health to find therapists and resources.
Before you book a consultation, be sure to check reviews and qualifications.
University Clinics and Training Institutes
Another way to access lower-cost therapy is to meet with a student. Future therapists must work with patients at a reduced rate as part of their practicum.
Each counseling session is also supervised by a licensed therapist, so you can rest assured you’ll receive quality care. Still, with an extra person in the room, the experience may feel unusual.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Many companies now offer EAPs to help employees manage their mental health. These short-term programs allow you to talk to a counselor on the phone or via secure email without the usual online therapy cost.
Speak with your HR department to find out whether your organization offers EAP benefits.
Benefits of Investing in Mental Health Care
Therapy may have a higher price tag, but most patients agree it’s worth it. Let’s look at the benefits of couples therapy, group therapy, individual counseling, and more.
Long-Term Savings
If you’re hesitant to spend money on therapy, think of it as an upfront investment in yourself. By addressing your current mental health issues, you can reap the rewards later.
In fact, therapy can save you money in the long term by:
- Preventing hospitalization
- Decreasing your reliance on costly medications
- Reducing the number of missed workdays
- Improving physical conditions triggered by stress
Personal Growth and Well-Being
More importantly, therapy can improve your overall well-being.
How much will therapy help? If you commit to the process, it’ll make a big difference. Counseling can alleviate the emotional pain and stress you feel every day.
Does therapy help with anxiety? Absolutely. And that’s not all. Talk therapy can also treat depression, phobias, and more. Imagine how much better your career, relationships, and daily functioning could be without these challenges.
Common Misconceptions About Therapy Costs
People often have endless questions about counseling before they get started. Is therapy worth the cost? How much is couples therapy?
Below, we’re addressing some of the most common concerns while busting a couple of therapy myths in the process.
Myth: Therapy is Always Expensive
As we’ve covered, therapy doesn’t have to be out of reach. Remember, affordable options exist, including:
- Sliding-scale sessions
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Geode Health
- Community mental health services
- Student therapists
Myth: Insurance Doesn’t Cover Therapy
This may have been true in the past, but now that the importance of mental wellness is discussed more openly, many insurance plans cover therapy.
In fact, your provider may already cover mental health services; contact your insurance company or HR department for the specifics.
Tips on Budgeting for Therapy
Finally, if therapy still feels financially unattainable, you may find these budgeting tips helpful.
Prioritize Mental Health Spending
Instead of viewing mental healthcare as optional, see it for what it really is: an essential investment in your health.
Cutting back on a few non-essentials throughout the month, like a dinner out or a new sweater, can give you the funds you need to see a counselor.
Explore Financing Options
Don’t have the means to pay upfront? Some therapists allow you to pay in installments; ask during your consultation.
Alternatively, you may be able to take advantage of a Health Savings Account (HSA), a fund you can use for medical expenses like therapy.
Access Affordable Mental Healthcare
The cost of counseling may vary by location, provider, and income level, but one fact remains: Therapy is invaluable. Thankfully, there are more and more affordable options to explore.
At Geode Health, we recognize the importance of accessible therapy. That’s why we offer a range of free resources for those in need.
From answering questions like “How much is marriage counseling?” to providing insurance coverage information, we’re committed to sharing our knowledge with you, because we believe mental well-being is for everyone.
Visit book.geodehealth.com to find a provider near you and schedule your appointment today.
Sources:
American Psychiatric Association. What is Psychotherapy? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy
Psychology Today. How Much Does Therapy Cost? https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/therapy/how-much-does-therapy-cost
American Psychology Association. What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
National Institutes of Health. Psychodynamic Therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK606117
Psychology Today. Humanistic Therapy. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapy-types/humanistic-therapy
Mental Health America. Science Behind Therapy. https://mhanational.org/science-behind-therapy
