Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
Mental health therapy is an essential investment in well-being, but it can be expensive depending on the type of therapy, provider, session length, and whether it’s in-person or online.
So, how much does mental health therapy cost? And what are the best affordable options? Let’s break it all down! 👇
💲 Average Cost of Therapy in the U.S.
Type of Therapy |
Cost Per Session (Without Insurance) |
Cost Per Session (With Insurance) |
|---|---|---|
In-Person Therapy (Licensed Therapist, Private Practice) |
$100 – $250 |
$20 – $80 copay |
Psychiatrist (Medication Management) |
$200 – $500 |
$30 – $150 copay |
Online Therapy (Talkspace, BetterHelp, etc.) |
$60 – $120 per week |
$10 – $50 copay (some plans) |
Sliding Scale Therapy (Income-Based Pricing) |
$30 – $100 |
❌ Not usually covered |
Community Mental Health Clinics |
Free – $50 |
✅ Often covered |
Group Therapy |
$30 – $80 |
✅ Often covered |
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) |
Free (Limited Sessions) |
✅ Fully covered |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Private in-person therapy costs $100 – $250 per session without insurance.
- Online therapy is cheaper ($60 – $120 per week) but varies by platform.
- Sliding scale and community clinics offer therapy for as low as $30 per session.
- Some employers provide free therapy through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
📍 Therapy Costs by U.S. City
City |
Average In-Person Therapy Cost |
|---|---|
New York, NY |
$200 – $350 per session |
Los Angeles, CA |
$150 – $300 per session |
Chicago, IL |
$120 – $250 per session |
Houston, TX |
$100 – $200 per session |
Miami, FL |
$100 – $200 per session |
Seattle, WA |
$150 – $250 per session |
💡 Pro Tip: Therapy costs are higher in big cities but may be cheaper in rural areas or through telehealth options.
🖥 Online Therapy Costs: Talkspace vs. BetterHelp vs. Cerebral
Online Therapy Platform |
Cost Per Month |
Live Video Sessions Included? |
Accepts Insurance? |
|---|---|---|---|
Talkspace |
$260 – $396 |
✅ Yes (On Higher Plans) |
✅ Some Plans |
BetterHelp |
$240 – $360 |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
Cerebral |
$85 – $325 |
✅ Yes (Varies by Plan) |
✅ Some Plans |
Brightside |
$95 – $349 |
✅ Yes |
✅ Some Plans |
7 Cups |
Free (Text Support) or $150/month |
❌ No |
❌ No |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- BetterHelp & Talkspace are the most popular, costing $240 – $396 per month.
- Cerebral offers therapy + medication management, starting at $85 per month.
- 7 Cups provides free peer support, but therapy requires a $150/month subscription.
- Insurance may cover Talkspace or Cerebral, but BetterHelp does not accept insurance.
🏦 Therapy Costs With and Without Insurance
Insurance Type |
In-Person Therapy Cost |
Online Therapy Cost |
|---|---|---|
Private Insurance (Employer or Marketplace Plan) |
$20 – $80 copay |
$10 – $50 copay (some platforms) |
Medicare (Part B, Covers Psychiatry) |
$20 – $50 copay |
❌ Limited Coverage |
Medicaid (State Coverage Varies) |
Free – $10 per session |
✅ Often Covered |
No Insurance (Self-Pay) |
$100 – $250 per session |
$60 – $120 per week |
🔥 Pro Tip: If you have insurance, check for in-network therapists or use HSA/FSA accounts to cover therapy costs tax-free.
🧑⚕ Psychiatrist vs. Therapist: Cost Comparison
Provider |
What They Do |
Cost Per Session |
|---|---|---|
Therapist (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, etc.) |
Talk therapy, CBT, coping strategies |
$100 – $250 |
Psychologist (Ph.D. or PsyD) |
Specialized therapy, psychological testing |
$150 – $300 |
Psychiatrist (MD, Can Prescribe Medication) |
Medication management + therapy |
$200 – $500 |
💡 Psychiatrists are more expensive than therapists because they can prescribe medication. Many patients see both a therapist and psychiatrist.
🚀 Ways to Save Money on Therapy
💡 Here’s how to lower mental health therapy costs:
✅ Use a Sliding Scale Therapist – Many therapists offer reduced rates based on income.
✅ Try Online Therapy – It’s cheaper than in-person therapy, starting at $60 per week.
✅ Look for Free Support Groups – Organizations like NAMI, AA, and Mental Health America offer free mental health support groups.
✅ Check University Clinics – Many psychology programs offer low-cost therapy with supervised students.
✅ Use Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) – Many workplaces offer free therapy sessions for employees.
✅ Use Open Path Collective – Offers therapy for as low as $30 – $60 per session for those who qualify.
💡 Example: A private therapist in NYC costs $200 per session, but a sliding-scale therapist through Open Path Collective may cost only $40 per session!
🎯 Final Thoughts: Is Therapy Worth the Cost?
Therapy can be expensive, but it is an investment in your mental health. Whether you choose in-person therapy, online therapy, or a lower-cost alternative, affordable options exist.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ In-person therapy costs $100 – $250 per session, while online therapy costs $60 – $120 per week.
✅ Insurance can reduce therapy costs to $20 – $80 per session.
✅ Psychiatrists (for medication) are more expensive than therapists.
✅ Sliding scale therapy, community clinics, and employee programs offer lower-cost options.
✅ Online therapy services like Talkspace & BetterHelp are convenient and often cheaper than in-office visits.
💬 Have you tried therapy? Do you prefer in-person or online sessions? Drop a comment below! 👇
🚀 For real-world healthcare pricing insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com!
🧾 User-Reported Cost: You might be surprised to find that Cerebral charges around $99 to $325 per month, depending on the plan you choose, and that includes live video sessions. It’s wild how therapy costs can differ so much! Many think it’s just for serious issues, but everyone could benefit from preventative care. While some say the high prices are worth it, I really believe mental health support should be accessible for all, regardless of finances.