The cost of therapy: What to expect and how to plan

Considering therapy but concerned about the cost? You’re not alone.

Understanding therapy costs is crucial whether you’re using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or seeking affordable options. With health insurance, therapy becomes significantly more affordable.

In the past few decades, improvements in insurance coverage have made mental health care more accessible for many Americans.

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How much does therapy cost with insurance?

With insurance, psychotherapy costs generally range from $0 to $50 per session. However, your actual expenses will depend on your specific insurance plan, including whether you see an in-network or out-of-network provider, your plan’s deductible, and any copay or coinsurance requirements. To avoid unexpected costs and make therapy more affordable, it’s important to verify your mental health benefits through your insurance company’s online portal or by calling the number on your insurance card.

If you have insurance, your therapy should be covered per the Mental Health Parity Law of 2008. This law required insurance providers to cover mental health services on par with physical health care, and the Affordable Care Act (2010) has further improved access to affordable mental health options. Both Medicare and Medicaid also provide mental health coverage for eligible individuals.

How much does therapy cost without insurance?

Without insurance, therapy can be costly. Sessions typically range from $100 to over $200, and specialized treatments can be even pricier. About 50% of patients need 15 to 20 sessions to recover from symptoms of mental health concerns. Many therapists offer sliding-scale fees based on income, so it’s worth asking even if it’s not advertised.

To make therapy more affordable, consider options like online therapy through platforms. Community mental health clinics and non-profit organizations like Open Path Collective offer low-cost services. Universities may provide reduced-rate therapy through supervised graduate students.

Why is therapy so expensive?

Therapy can be expensive for several reasons. Therapists spend years in school, complete supervised training, and continue learning throughout their careers, which is reflected in their rates. Independent practitioners often have business costs such as rent, insurance, and record-keeping systems. Many insurance companies pay therapists low rates, so those who don’t take insurance may charge more to keep their practice running.

Whereas most medical appointments are short (15-30 minutes), therapy appointments are longer, typically 45-60 minutes. In addition to time spent with clients, therapists also spend time on paperwork, treatment plans, and professional development.

Demand for therapy is high, and there aren’t enough therapists in many areas, which raises costs. To provide quality care and avoid burnout, therapists see fewer clients per day than other healthcare providers, making each session more expensive. While therapy is a financial commitment, it’s an investment in better mental health, stronger relationships, and increased overall well-being.

Did you know?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 20% of U.S. adults experience a mental health condition each year — yet cost remains one of the most commonly cited barriers to seeking care. Adults with lower incomes are significantly less likely to receive mental health treatment despite having similar or higher rates of need.

Are some types of therapy more expensive than others?

Therapy costs can vary based on several factors. Mental health professionals with specialized training in methods like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) often charge more due to their advanced education and expertise.

Provider credentials also affect pricing. Psychiatrists (MDs) typically charge the most, followed by psychologists (PhD/PsyD), with licensed therapists, counselors, and social workers (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, etc.) generally charging less.

Group therapy is usually more affordable than individual therapy, while still providing professional guidance and peer support. Location also plays a role. Attending in-person therapy can add costs like transportation, parking, childcare, and lost work time. Therapy in big cities tends to be more expensive than less populated areas where the cost of living is lower.

How long is the average therapy session?

Most insurance companies reimburse for what’s called a “clinical hour,” which can range from 45-50 minutes depending on the service being provided. This allows therapists time for notes and brief breaks between clients.

Some therapy-related services offer different session lengths:

• Initial consultations – Often 60-90 minutes to gather comprehensive background information

• Brief therapy sessions – Some therapists offer 30-minute sessions for check-ins or focused work

• Extended sessions – 75-90 minute sessions are common for couples therapy, EMDR, or trauma work

• Group therapy – Typically 60-90 minutes, sometimes up to two hours

Most therapists maintain consistent session lengths rather than charging by the minute, allowing you to budget predictably for treatment.

How many therapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions each person will need varies. According to the American Psychological Association, most people see significant improvement after 12-16 sessions. Many clinicians feel that early sessions help clients understand their challenges, while around six sessions may reveal symptom patterns and the need for longer treatment.

Several factors affect treatment length. Complex mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can take longer than life adjustments like grieving the loss of a loved one. Other factors that influence the rate of progress include:

• Seeking therapy for more than one mental health concern

• The quality of the relationship between the therapist and their client

• The ability to apply skills outside sessions

Short-term approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) require fewer sessions, while others, like psychodynamic therapy, take longer. Many start with weekly sessions and transition to biweekly or monthly check-ins. To estimate costs, multiply your per-session rate by the number of sessions you expect to have per month. While therapy requires time and money, its benefits often last well beyond treatment.

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for therapy?

Yes. Therapy is an eligible expense under both Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). This means you can use pre-tax dollars to cover your copays, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket session costs — which effectively reduces what therapy costs you.

If your employer offers either account, it’s worth checking how much you’ve contributed and whether therapy sessions qualify under your specific plan. Some FSAs have a use-it-or-lose-it rule at the end of the plan year, so if you’ve been thinking about starting therapy, using those funds is a practical reason to act sooner rather than later.

Learn more about using HSA, FSA, and EAP benefits for therapy.

How much do therapies like CBT and EMDR cost?

The cost of specialized therapies like CBT and EMDR can vary widely. Prices depend on factors such as the therapist’s experience and qualifications, location (with urban areas often being more expensive), and whether sessions are in-person or online.

Insurance coverage for both therapies varies, and some providers offer sliding scale fees based on financial need. The total cost also depends on the number of sessions required, which will vary based on your needs.

Is therapy worth the cost?

Around 75% of people who go to therapy report positive changes in their lives, such as better relationships, increased productivity, and improved overall well-being. It helps individuals gain self-awareness by understanding their patterns and strengths while providing a safe, judgment-free space to process difficult emotions—especially important for those who have experienced trauma.

Therapy isn’t just a bunch of talking. Therapists use evidence-based methods to treat mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which affect about 20% of U.S. adults. The skills learned in therapy, such as communication and emotional regulation, can strengthen both personal and professional relationships and equip individuals to handle future challenges on their own.

By addressing mental health issues early, therapy can prevent more serious physical health problems and reduce long-term costs related to untreated conditions.

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Can I get therapy for free?

Free therapy options are available. Federally funded community mental health clinics offer free or low-cost services based on income. University training clinics often provide low-cost therapy with supervised graduate students.

Organizations like Give an Hour and The Headstrong Project offer free mental health services to specific groups, such as veterans. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides free support groups for peer support. Crisis services, like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, offer immediate support. Warmlines offer emotional support for everyday mental health challenges.

Many employers offer short-term counseling through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Free clinics and hotlines offer essential mental health services to those in need. Free clinics help uninsured and low-income individuals, providing therapy services that are either free or very low-cost.

These clinics are often staffed by licensed psychotherapists who supervise unlicensed student counselors. Mental health hotlines provide immediate support and crisis intervention. Staffed by trained professionals, hotlines offer emotional support and can refer callers to crisis centers, therapists, and other resources as needed.

With Grow Therapy, you can search for providers based on your location, insurance, and specific mental health needs. Whether you’re looking for in-person or online therapy, we make it easy to find a provider who fits your budget.

Cost shouldn’t stand between you and support.

With insurance, most Grow clients pay $21 or less per session. Enter your information and see what’s actually available to you.

Want to learn more?Read the beginners guide to insurance

Frequently asked questions

Does therapy cost count toward my deductible?

Yes, in most cases. If your insurance plan has a deductible, therapy session costs will typically count toward it. Once you’ve met your deductible for the year, you’ll usually pay only your copay or coinsurance per session. If you’re early in your plan year and haven’t met your deductible yet, you may pay the full session rate until you do. Your summary of benefits will show how mental health services are structured under your specific plan.

Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?

Often yes, though not always. Online therapy eliminates costs like transportation, parking, and time off work, which can make it meaningfully more affordable in practice. Some platforms also have lower session rates than traditional in-person practices. On Grow Therapy, in-person and virtual sessions are typically the same rate — but virtual sessions give you access to a wider pool of providers, which can make it easier to find someone in-network with your insurance.

What is a sliding scale fee and how do I find one?

A sliding scale fee means the therapist adjusts their rate based on your income or financial situation. Not all therapists offer this, but many do — especially those in private practice who don’t take insurance. It’s worth asking directly when reaching out to a provider, even if it isn’t listed on their profile. Directories like Open Path Collective specifically list therapists who offer reduced-rate sessions.

Does therapy get more expensive over time?

A therapist’s rate may increase slightly over time, particularly if they raise rates to reflect inflation or expanded experience. However, many clients reduce the frequency of sessions as they progress — moving from weekly to biweekly or monthly check-ins — which can offset rate increases. It’s reasonable to discuss rates and expectations with your therapist at the start of treatment.