Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Therapy / Counseling Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Therapy (45-50 min) | $100 – $250 | $20 – $50 |
| Couples Therapy | $150 – $350 | $30 – $75 |
| Group Therapy | $35 – $80 | $10 – $30 |
| Online Therapy (BetterHelp, Talkspace) | $60 – $100 | $20 – $50 |
CPT/ADA Code: 90834
What Affects the Cost
- Provider credentials and experience
- In-person vs. telehealth sessions
- Session length (30, 45, or 60 minutes)
- In-network vs. out-of-network
- Geographic location (major cities cost more)
- Type of therapy or treatment approach
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: ACA requires mental health parity; copay $20-$50
Under the ACA and Mental Health Parity Act, insurance must cover mental health treatment at the same level as physical health. In-network copays are $20-$75 per session. Out-of-network providers may be reimbursed at 50-70%. Many plans now cover telehealth therapy at $0 copay.
How to Save Money
- Online therapy platforms (BetterHelp, Talkspace) cost $60-$100/session
- Open Path Collective: $30-$80/session ($65 lifetime membership)
- Sliding-scale therapists adjust fees based on income
- University training clinics offer $10-$30/session
- Community mental health centers provide low-cost services
- Ask about out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. ACA requires coverage. In-network copay: $20-$50/session. Plans must provide mental health parity.
Research shows online therapy is comparably effective for most conditions. It's more accessible and cheaper ($60-$100/session vs $100-$250).
CBT for anxiety: 8-16 sessions. EMDR for trauma: 6-12. Ongoing maintenance: weekly/biweekly. Most notice improvement in 4-6 sessions.