Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular and effective treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. But how much does it cost?
The price depends on session length, therapist credentials, location, and whether it’s in-person or online. Let’s break down the cost of CBT therapy, insurance coverage, and ways to make it more affordable.
How Much Does CBT Cost?
Type of Session |
Cost Without Insurance |
Cost With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
In-Person CBT (Per Session) |
$100 – $250 |
$20 – $75 copay |
Online CBT Therapy (Per Session) |
$60 – $150 |
$20 – $50 copay |
Online Therapy Subscription (Unlimited Text & Video Chats) |
$200 – $500 per month |
May not be covered |
Group CBT Therapy (Per Session) |
$40 – $100 |
$10 – $50 copay |
🔹 Total Cost for a Full Course of CBT (12-20 sessions): $1,200 – $5,000 without insurance.
Factors That Affect CBT Costs
- Therapist’s Credentials – Licensed psychologists and psychiatrists charge more than social workers or counselors.
- Session Length – Standard sessions are 45-60 minutes, but longer sessions cost more.
- Location – Therapists in large cities charge higher rates than those in smaller towns.
- Online vs. In-Person – Online therapy is often cheaper than traditional face-to-face sessions.
- Insurance Coverage – Many insurance plans cover CBT, but copays and deductibles apply.
CBT Therapy Costs by Location
Location |
Average Cost Per Session (Without Insurance) |
|---|---|
New York City |
$150 – $300 |
Los Angeles |
$120 – $250 |
Texas |
$90 – $200 |
Florida |
$80 – $180 |
Midwest (Smaller Cities) |
$80 – $150 |
🔹 Therapy costs more in urban areas but can be lower in rural or suburban locations.
Does Insurance Cover CBT Therapy?
Insurance Type |
CBT Coverage |
|---|---|
Employer/Private Insurance |
Often covered (copay required) |
Medicare (Part B) |
Covers 80% after deductible |
Medicaid (Varies by State) |
Often fully covered |
No Insurance |
Full cost ($100 – $250 per session) |
🔹 Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most insurance plans must cover mental health care, including CBT.
Online CBT Therapy: Is It Cheaper?
Many online therapy platforms offer lower-cost alternatives to in-person therapy.
Online Therapy Platform |
Cost Per Month |
Features |
|---|---|---|
BetterHelp |
$240 – $360 |
Unlimited messaging + video sessions |
Talkspace |
$260 – $500 |
Video, chat, and text therapy |
Cerebral |
$100 – $300 |
Therapy + medication management |
Online Licensed Therapist (Self-Pay) |
$60 – $150 per session |
1-on-1 video therapy |
🔹 Online therapy can be more affordable than in-person CBT and offers more flexibility.
Ways to Save Money on CBT Therapy
- Check insurance coverage – Many plans cover therapy, but copays vary.
- Use an FSA/HSA – You can use pre-tax dollars for therapy costs.
- Try group therapy – Group CBT sessions cost less than individual therapy.
- Find a university clinic – Some universities offer low-cost therapy with supervised trainees.
- Use online therapy services – Platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace can save money.
- Look for sliding scale therapists – Some therapists adjust fees based on income.
Is CBT Worth the Cost?
CBT is one of the most effective forms of therapy for treating mental health conditions. While the upfront cost can be high, it often leads to long-term improvements, reducing the need for future therapy.
Condition Treated |
Success Rate with CBT |
|---|---|
Anxiety Disorders |
60 – 80% improvement |
Depression |
50 – 70% improvement |
PTSD |
50 – 70% reduction in symptoms |
OCD |
60 – 80% reduction in symptoms |
🔹 CBT is an investment in mental health that can improve quality of life and reduce future medical expenses.
Final Thoughts
The cost of CBT therapy ranges from $100 to $250 per session, but many insurance plans cover it.
- Online CBT is often more affordable than in-person therapy.
- Many therapists offer sliding-scale fees or group therapy for lower-cost options.
- Insurance, Medicaid, and HSAs can help offset therapy expenses.
Have you tried CBT? How much did it cost? Share your experience in the comments.
For real-world healthcare pricing insights, visit CostHowMuch.com. 😊
