How therapy costs work
Therapy costs vary dramatically based on insurance, provider type, and location. The full rate for a 50-minute therapy session ranges from $100–$350, but what you pay out-of-pocket depends on your specific situation.
With insurance: Most plans cover mental health at the same copay as a primary care visit — typically $20–$60/session. However, you must first meet your deductible (often $500–$3,000) before copays kick in. Check whether your plan covers out-of-network providers if in-network availability is limited.
With Medicaid: Therapy is typically $0–$5/session at community mental health centers. Finding Medicaid-accepting private therapists is harder — community mental health centers are the most reliable option.
Sliding scale: Many therapists charge on a sliding scale based on income — ranging from $30–$150/session. Open Path Collective offers a national directory of therapists offering sessions at $30–$80.