Understanding Therapy Costs: Payment Options, Insurance, and What It All Means

Therapy is an investment in your well-being, and I want to make sure you feel fully informed and comfortable with how payment works before you begin. On this page, I’ll walk you through the three main ways to pay for services — including exact session rates — and explain the ins and outs of using insurance for therapy.

 

Whether you’re new to therapy or just confused by all the insurance lingo (you’re not alone!), I’ll break it down in simple terms:
deductibles, copays, coinsurance, in-network vs. out-of-network, and what all of that actually means for your wallet.

 

I’ll also go over the pros and cons of each payment route — insurance, private pay, and sliding scale — so you can make the best choice for your situation, your budget, and your peace of mind.

Pricing

Payment Options for Therapy Services

I offer three flexible payment options to help you access the support you need in a way that works best for your financial situation. Below is a breakdown of each option, including pricing details, so you can make an informed choice:

 

  1. Insurance – If you choose to use your insurance, you may be responsible for your deductible, copays, or coinsurance based on your plan.

  2. Self-Pay – A discounted, flat-rate option that offers more privacy and flexibility.

  3. Sliding Fee Scale – A reduced rate based on your income or financial situation.

 

Each option has its pros and cons, which I’ll explain on this page, along with the exact session fees, so you’re never caught off guard.

Using Insurance* Cost
Initial Assessment (90791) $300
Follow up Appt 60 mins (90837) $250
Follow up Appt 45 mins (90834) $150
Follow up Appt 30 mins (90832) $100
* Deductible and Copay may apply
Self- Pay Price
Initial Assessment (90791) $250
Follow up Appt 60 mins (90837) $150
Follow up Appt 45 mins (90834) $100
Follow up Appt 30 mins (90832) $50
Sliding-Fee Scale Price
Initial Assessment (90791) $125
Follow up Appt 60 mins (90837) TBD
Follow up Appt 45 mins (90834) TBD
Follow up Appt 30 mins (90832) TBD

Insurance 

Pros:

  • Lower out-of-pocket cost (after deductible is met)
  • You may only pay a copay or a percentage of the fee
  • Helpful if you're already meeting a deductible with other medical care

Cons:

  • Insurance may limit number of sessions or types of treatment
  • Requires a mental health diagnosis to justify treatment
  • Less privacy — your records are shared with your insurance company
  • Delays and denials are possible.

Self-Pay

Pros:

  • More privacy — no insurance involvement or required diagnosis

  • Greater freedom and flexibility in treatment

  • No surprises or delays due to insurance

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost

  • Payments are not applied toward your insurance deductible

Sliding - Fee Scale

Pros:

  • Most affordable option for those experiencing financial strain

  • Still allows for consistent therapy with reduced cost

  • Not billed to insurance; maintains your privacy

Cons:

  • Limited availability based on practice capacity

  • May not be sustainable long-term if circumstances change

Insurance: What You Need to Know

Using insurance to pay for therapy can help lower your out-of-pocket costs, but it can also be confusing. Here’s a simple breakdown of the most common terms so you know exactly what to expect:

 

🧾 Deductible

This is the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket each year before your insurance starts covering anything.

Example: If your deductible is $500, you’ll pay the full cost of sessions until you’ve paid $500 total. After that, your insurance may kick in.

 

💳 Copay

This is a fixed amount you pay for each session after your deductible is met.

Example: Your copay might be $30 per session.

 

📊 Coinsurance

Instead of a flat fee, coinsurance is a percentage you pay of the session cost once your deductible is met.

Example: If your coinsurance is 30%, and the session is $250, you pay $75 and insurance pays the rest.

 

🏥 In-Network vs. Out-of-Network

  • In-Network: I’m contracted with your insurance company. They’ve agreed on certain rates, so your cost may be lower.

  • Out-of-Network: I’m not contracted with your plan, but you may still get partial reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits.

A Quick Note on Diagnosis

To use insurance, I’m required to give you a mental health diagnosis (like anxiety, depression, etc.) that justifies the need for treatment. This becomes part of your permanent health record, which some clients prefer to avoid.

* If you're unsure what your benefits look like, I’m happy to help you figure it out or provide the info you need to check with your insurance company directly.

Script to Check Your Mental Health Benefits

When you call the number on the back of your insurance card (usually listed as “member services” or “behavioral health”), you can say:

"Hi, I’m calling to check my mental health benefits for outpatient therapy. I’d like to know what’s covered if I see a licensed therapist. Can I ask a few questions?"

Then ask the following:

  1. Do I have coverage for outpatient mental health therapy?

  2. Is [Your Name] an in-network provider with my plan?
    (If you are out-of-network, change to: “Do I have out-of-network benefits for therapy?”)

  3. Do I have a deductible for mental health services?

    • How much is it?

    • How much of it have I already met?

  4. What is my copay or coinsurance per session once the deductible is met?

  5. Is there a limit to the number of therapy sessions per year?

  6. Do I need pre-authorization or a referral to begin therapy?

Helpful Tip

Take notes and ask for a reference number for the call in case you need to follow up.

If you have trouble or want help figuring this out, feel free to reach out — I’m happy to guide you through it.