While many people have the potential to benefit from talk therapy, cost can be a major concern. Various studies from recent years report cost being one of the main factors that inhibits people seeking mental health care, although many factors can play a part.
So how much does therapy cost, exactly? The price of therapy can vary widely depending on the type of provider you choose with some types of mental health professionals being more specialized than others. Whether you see someone online or in person, and if it can be covered by insurancecan have an impact on out-of-pocket costs. This article breaks down the typical cost of therapy, what influences those prices, and the most common ways to pay so you can find support that fits your needs, your location, and your budget. Depending on your health insurance plans and financial situation, online therapy can be a more budget-friendly choice for mental health care.
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In-person therapy tends to be more expensive than online therapy—largely because in-person mental health treatment providers have to pay for the cost of their office space and other overhead, contributing to higher fees.cHere are a few key figures about the typical costs of in-person therapy:
Without insurance, in-person sessions can range from roughly $100–$350 per session, although actual costs vary from the national average.
One-third of therapists with an independent practice don’t accept insurance, which typically means clients must pay full price and can lead to higher costs. For those who do accept insurance, a co-pay may still be required
Many people choose online therapy because it’s often more affordable, with a fixed amount paid weekly or monthly. With BetterHelp, for example, weekly virtual sessions with a licensed therapist typically cost between $70 and $100*, and you can also take advantage of additional mental health tools. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify and may contribute to a low fee for online therapy services.
Factors that influence therapy costs
Many factors affect the cost of therapy, including the type of therapy, whether it’s online or in person, your location, the therapist’s credentials, how often you meet session length, and whether you use insurance or financial aid. Individuals who live in therapy deserts where there is provider scarcity may also pay higher rates due to low supply and high demand. Understanding these factors can help you know what to expect to pay.
Types of therapy
Therapy type can play a major role in pricing. Couples therapy is often the most expensive, since sessions run longer and involve two people. Individual therapy usually falls in the middle range, while group therapy is often the most cost-effective type, with rates split among participants.
Session format
In-person and online therapy can have significant cost differences, and even online formats don’t always cost the same.
For example, a provider might charge more for video-based therapy than for sessions via phone or chat. Others, like BetterHelp, offer a flat rate regardless of format.
Location
Where you live can play a big role in therapy costs. For example, therapy sessions in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or New York tend to be higher due to cost of living and income rates. Rural residents, however, often face barriers to care (like travel distance, wifi availability, fewer providers), which can also drive up overall costs of receiving therapy.
If you're looking for more in-depth resources for your specific state, check out our table below.
Therapist credentials
The education, training, and experience of the therapist you meet with can also impact session costs. For instance, seeing a licensed marriage and family therapist with a master’s degree in San Diego will typically cost around $150 per session. Seeing a clinical psychologist with a doctorate degree and a speciality in an unusual or challenging condition can cost upwards of $250–$300 per session in the same city.
Frequency and length of sessions
The frequency of your therapy sessions may also affect the total cost of treatment. Someone attending 50-minute sessions twice a week will be charged more than someone attending a single 30-minute or 45-minute session each week or twice a month.
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Insurance or financial aid
Finally, your health insurance coverage can affect what you pay for therapy and other health care services. If you have coverage, you can contact your health insurance provider directly to find out what it covers. Many plans cover mental health care in an amount that’s not the total value or cost of the service.
Some factors to consider if your plan does offer mental health coverage are:
Does your plan cover the type of mental health care you’re looking for?
Will you have a co-pay?
Can you use an FSA/HSA to pay?
Do you need to meet a deductible first?
Do you need to find a provider who is in your insurance network?
Do you need a mental health diagnosis from your primary care doctor for therapy to be covered?
Will the cost be covered up front, or will you need to be reimbursed?
Even if therapy isn’t covered by your insurance, you can still find options to reduce the cost of care.
Some providers or platforms offer sliding-scale fees. BetterHelp offers financial aid to those who qualify, and FSA/HSA cards are also accepted. If you don’t currently have a financial aid discount, you can apply for one through http://www.betterhelp.com/financialaid. Please note that you’ll need to create a BetterHelp account before you can fill out the application. If you need any additional assistance, feel free to reach out to our Member Success team.
BetterHelp now accepts insurance in select states and plans
BetterHelp has joined with major insurance carriers in select states to provide in-network therapy coverage. Coverage may vary by plan, provider, and therapist availability.
In-network vs. out-of-network: What you really pay
In general, if your insurance plan type provides coverage for mental health care, an in-network therapist will come with lower out-of-pocket costs than an out-of-network therapist. The term “in-network” means that there is a contract between your insurance carrier and specific providers. This contract sets the costs for the services these providers offer. However, it’s possible that out-of-network therapists may still accept your insurance, although their services will usually be more expensive. You can also ask about the option to “self-pay” or pay the provider directly without using insurance.
Affordable alternatives: Therapy when full price is not an option
If paying full price for therapy isn’t an option, there are several potentially affordable alternatives to consider:
Seeking group therapy (the cost is typically split among the group, leading to a low fee)
Asking local providers if they offer sliding-scale rates
Looking into local resources that may provide low-cost counseling services or a set number of sessions covered by charity donations
Checking your employer benefits to see if you may have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Health Savings Account (HSA), or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to use toward therapy costs
Asking if local universities or training clinics offer low-cost counseling provided by supervised counseling students or therapists-in-training
Trying online therapy and asking about financial assistance
Attending family therapy (if applicable to your current challenges) and splitting the costs between family members
Budgeting and planning for sustainable therapy
Many factors influence the cost of working with mental health professionals, and many people find themselves paying out-of-pocket for mental health care. However, care exists that is affordable and convenient. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp strive to help as many people as possible receive the care they deserve. The ability to pause or cancel your subscription at any time can make it easier to stay within your budget, and financial assistance may also be available.
Making therapy more affordable
If you’re worried about funding therapy, there are options that can help make treatment more affordable. These include:
A college or university clinic, which may offer free or low-cost treatment to enrolled students with behavioral health or mental health concerns
Employee assistance programs (EAP), which are workplace-based benefit programs that, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, may provide assessments, referrals, counseling, and other services
Community mental health clinics, which may offer free or discounted treatment and other health resources to local residents
Independent therapy practices or clinics that offer a sliding-scale fee schedule, which adjusts the cost of care based on an individual’s current income, or that may employ novice therapists who can offer free treatment or discounted treatment
FSA/HSA, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts that can be used to pay for eligible healthcare costs, which may include therapy sessions
Scheduling adjustments, such as attending shorter or less frequent sessions to save on healthcare costs
Online platforms like BetterHelp, which typically cost less than traditional in-person therapy and also accept cards for a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), with financial aid available for those who qualify
Insurance and state-by-state differences
State laws, insurance requirements, the number of providers, cost of living, and provider supply all shape what people pay for therapy. Because of this variation, it’s important to search for local rates and public or community health policies in your state or city.
BetterHelp is an option for individuals who are seeking therapy but are looking to avoid high in-person session costs. Research also suggests online therapy can often be as effective as in-person sessions offered by many therapy practices. Therapist connection is one of the most important elements of a successful therapeutic experience, and BetterHelp specializes in therapist matching. Here’s how it works:
Getting started with BetterHelp is simple:
Take a short questionnaire. Answer a few quick questions about your goals, preferences, and the type of therapist you’d like to work with.
Get matched quickly. In most cases, you can be matched with a licensed provider in as little as 48 hours.
Start therapy on your terms. Schedule sessions by video, phone, or live chat, and join from anywhere you have an internet connection.
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
When choosing between online platforms, BetterHelp stands out because live sessions, messaging, and digital mental health tools like worksheets are bundled into one lower weekly price.
BetterHelp now accepts insurance as well as HSA/FSA. BetterHelp has joined with major insurance carriers in select states to provide in-network therapy coverage. Coverage may vary by plan, provider, and therapist availability. Insured members pay an average co-pay of around $19 per session and are billed directly through the BetterHelp platform. Average co-pay is based on current insured BetterHelp members. Check your in-network status here. Some providers on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain health plans.
BetterHelp pricing and benefits
BetterHelp works on a simple subscription model. Plans typically cost $70–$100 per week, billed every four weeks, which is significantly less than the average in-person therapy session in the US (around $143 without insurance).
Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, and most subscriptions are eligible expenses under FSA/HSA accounts.
Each subscription includes one live 30- or 45-minute therapy session per week with a licensed provider who is qualified to offer counseling online. You’ll also have the ability to use additional tools and resources at no extra cost, including:
Unlimited messaging with your therapist between sessions
Digital worksheets and guided journaling for self-reflection
Group sessions and workshops led by licensed professionals
On-demand classes covering a wide range of mental health topics
Together, these features provide a comprehensive therapy experience that goes beyond a single weekly session.
72% of clients report symptom reduction in 12 weeks
69% report improved anxiety symptoms in 6 weeks
73% report improved depression symptoms in 6 weeks
Takeaway
BetterHelp is recognized as an eligible expense by most FSA/HSA providers.
Therapy with licensed mental health professionals can address mental health conditions, stress, life changes, worries, and other challenges.
BetterHelp therapy can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to in-person treatment for those without insurance who are concerned about the therapy cost.
Therapy costs vary depending on factors like type of therapy, location, therapist experience, and insurance coverage, but care exists that is affordable.
In-person therapy sessions typically range from $100–$200 per session without insurance, and sessions covered by insurance tend to come with lower co-pays.
Online therapy services, such as BetterHelp, can cost around $70–$100 per week*, with financial aid and discounts sometimes available.
Reviewed by
Dr. Sreela Roy-Greene, PhD, LMHC
Dr. Sreela Roy-Greene (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York with a PhD in Human Services. She is also a certified Professional Life Coach and has over 17 years of experience across clinical, hospital, research, and community settings.
*Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about how much therapy costs.
Is therapy worth the cost?
Research suggests that around 75% of people benefit from therapy in some way. In certain cases, therapy can even be life-saving. While the associated costs can be high, there may be options available for more affordable or free care. For instance, some workers have access to employee assistance programs, and certain therapists offer therapy at a sliding scale. Online therapy can also be more affordable than in-person care without insurance.
How much does a 30-minute session cost?
Through BetterHelp, weekly sessions can be 30 or 45 minutes. To receive this weekly session in addition to a host of other useful therapeutic tools, a subscription is required—which can cost between $70–$100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Through other services or providers, sessions may have different lengths and different associated costs. It’s not just the cost that you may need to consider, as convenience and accessibility can be significant benefits relevant to your decision.
Is therapy ever fully covered by insurance?
In some cases, therapy may be fully covered by insurance due to the Affordable Care Act. However, it's more common for therapy to be partially covered, requiring the individual to supply a co-pay for each session. If therapy is not covered, sliding-scale therapy programs may be available in some cases, or there may be free and charitable clinics in your area. Online therapy can also be a more affordable option than in-person care without insurance.
Can I find free therapy?
There are some resources available that may offer free therapy. For example, university campuses may offer free or low-cost therapy to enrolled students, and employee assistance programs may do the same for workers at a certain company. You could also look for mental health nonprofits and community clinics near you, or you could seek more information about free treatment from your local health affairs department or health services administration.
Is therapy worth it expensive?
Therapy can be expensive, but many people find it to be deeply beneficial for their daily functioning and overall well-being. In 2024, 72% of BetterHelp clients experienced a reduction in symptoms, with 69% achieving reliable improvement and 62% reaching symptom remission. There are also options that may reduce the cost of therapy, such as sliding-scale fees, university clinic services, or employee assistance programs.
How much does a therapist cost in my state?
Therapist cost can vary by state. To find available therapists in your area, check out our therapist directory. For more affordable care, you might explore community mental health agencies, a mental health care program through your university or employer, or an online therapy platform like BetterHelp.
How often should I go to therapy?
It depends on your needs. A person with mild or moderate symptoms might benefit from going once a week, while a person with a severe mental illness might benefit from going more than once a week. You can ask your therapist what they recommend for your unique situation.
When should I consider therapy?
In general, anyone can feel empowered to seek therapy for emotional support at any time—even if they’re not showing signs of a diagnosable mental illness. That said, if you're experiencing significant emotional challenges, signs of a mental health condition, or unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance misuse, seeking therapy as soon as you can is recommended.
Does insurance cover therapy?
It depends on your unique plan. Contact your insurance company for more information about whether mental health services like therapy may be covered. BetterHelp is currently working with select insurance carriers to join their network. Some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited). Until then, the flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from an extensive therapist network.
Below are a few of some psychotherapy codes that your psychologist or therapist might use when dealing with insurance in the US. Contact your insurance provider to further understand CPT codes and what kinds of therapeutic services are covered.
CPT Code
Psychotherapy Codes Descriptors
90832
Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient
90834
Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient
90837
Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient
90849
Multiple-family group psychotherapy
90853
Group psychotherapy (other than of a multiple-family group)
90846
Family psychotherapy (without the patient present), 50 minutes
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The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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