How much does therapy cost in 2024?

In a world where self-care has become more than just a buzzword, understanding the costs of seeking therapy in the US is crucial. Navigating the healthcare system to improve your mental well-being can be daunting, particularly when it comes to budgeting for something as personalized as therapy. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we break down the average prices of therapy across the nation, factors that could affect those costs, and smart strategies to save money without skimping on your quality of care.

And remember, when you're ready to find a great local therapist, we can help.

What Does a Therapist do? 

A therapist is a qualified health professional who is trained to support you with emotional distress by listening to you about your problems and trying to identify the root cause. A therapist’s job is to understand why you are feeling a certain way by listening to you. Once they have identified the problem, they will help you to overcome it and create a more positive mindset with various coping strategies. 

Therapists help with a range of mental health problems including: 

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

• Relationship problems

• Low mood/Low self-esteem

• Phobias

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder 

Therapists use different techniques to help you overcome your issues, one of the most common being Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is a talking therapy designed to help you change your thought and behavior patterns as a way to overcome your issues. 

How Much Does a Therapist Cost?

The average price of a single therapy session in the United States stands at $100. But, "average" isn’t as simple as it seems. This cost can exponentially rise based on location, the therapist's experience, and the nature of the therapy. A more experienced therapist or a specialist will often charge higher fees, which can typically range from $75 to $200 per hour.

You will also most likely need to see a therapist multiple times before you start seeing results, so it’s important to know just how much therapy is going to cost you if you are going to commit to regular sessions.

Although there is no fixed rate, a breakdown of average therapy costs based on local US professionals is given below: 

Hourly Rates for Therapy

To put it into perspective, most therapists charge by the hour. The range for different types of therapy might look something like this:

• Psychiatrists who can prescribe medication usually bill at the higher end, around $150 to $450 an hour.

• Psychologists' rates usually fall between $70 and $190 an hour, often offering talk therapy but not prescribing meds.

• Licensed clinical social workers and counselors offer a slightly lower rate, with session costs varying between $60 and $140 an hour.

• At the lower end are interns and counselors-in-training, who might charge between $20 and $50.

Costs will be different again for private couples or family counselling.

What changes the cost of a Therapist?

The cost of a therapist can vary depending on different factors. These include: 

• Type of therapy - online or in-person 

• Experience

• Individual vs. group therapy

• Location

Type of therapy - online or in-person 

Online therapy is a popular option, as many people feel more comfortable holding the session from the comfort of their home. It is also less expensive than traditional face to face therapy. Here’s a rough idea of cost differences: 

Online therapy, or teletherapy, is often a more affordable and convenient option. However, it’s not always cheaper, especially if your insurance doesn't fully cover virtual visits. On average, you might save between $30 to $50 for an online session. But the benefits might outweigh the potential monetary savings.

Experience 

The cost of therapy can vary depending on the level of training your therapist has. You should make sure that your therapist has the minimum qualifications to practice. There are different types of qualifications for different types of therapists: 

• Counselor: Most counselors need a Master’s degree to practice. 

• Psychologist: Psychologists should hold a Master’s and a higher level doctoral certificate. For this reason, psychologists tend to be more pricey. 

• Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist costs more than a psychologist based on their medical background and ability to treat more severe mental health issues. 

Individual Therapy vs. Group Therapy 

Individual therapy takes place with just you and the therapist present, whereas group therapy occurs with others receiving the same therapy as you at the same time. 

Individual therapy means your professional can focus entirely on you, but group therapy can be useful in meeting people who may be going through the same problems as you. It also tends to be less expensive than individual therapy. The cost of group therapy can sometimes be as little as $10 to per session due to the shared time and experiences, although this is definitely lower end of the scale.

Average Prices by State

Here are the average therapy prices across different states:

• California: $150

• Texas: $100

• Florida: $90

• Illinois: $120

• New York: $200

• Ohio: $80

Keep in mind these numbers are approximations. Always consult your potential therapist for specific costs and arrangements, as well as what those costs cover (e.g. do they include phone calls or emergency sessions?).

How to Save Money on Therapist Services 

Everyone should be able to speak to a therapist if they need to, regardless of their financial situation. There are many ways that you can keep the costs of therapy down: 

• Ask about price packages - Most therapists offer discounts on their hourly rate if you book a package of multiple sessions.

• Ask if your therapist operates on a sliding scale - A sliding scale means that your therapist is willing to charge less per hour based on your income level. So if you’re a student or on a low-wage, you could spend less than the standard rate. 

• Student therapists - Student therapists in training will charge a significantly lower fee than fully qualified therapists. Make sure a fully qualified therapist is there to supervise if you opt for a student therapist. 

• Take advantage of universities - Counseling or therapy programs within universities often provide services to the public at a lower cost, as well.

Choosing a Therapist Based on Your Budget

Understanding how therapy costs are structured is just as important as knowing when to invest and when to cut costs. Here are some money-smart pointers for selecting a therapist:

Define Your Budget

First and foremost, know your financial limit. Determine how much you can realistically afford to pay for therapy without causing undue stress.

Prioritize What You Need

Are you looking for a specific type of therapy, such as art therapy or EMDR? Will you require a professional who can prescribe medication? Consider the services you need and be ready to prioritize or adjust your budget accordingly.

Research Potential Therapists

Check potential therapists’ websites, read reviews, and see if there’s any buzz about their services online. Remember, the lowest price doesn’t always mean the best value.

Ask Questions

Don’t be shy about inquiring about fees, payment plans, or any assistance the therapist might offer in cases of financial hardship.

Do a Trial Run

Take advantage of the first appointment to ensure you feel comfortable and the therapist is a good fit for your needs.

When You're Ready to Get Started

The cost of therapy can vary just as significantly as the practitioners who provide it. It's all about finding the right balance for you – a fair cost for effective care. By keeping these tips and tricks in mind, you can ensure that your path to well-being is not only effective but affordable. And remember, investing in your mental health is always worthwhile.

When you're ready to invest in your mental wellbeing, find a therapist on Bark.