Psychological therapy is a broad term that covers a wide range of treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies are used to treat depression and other mental health disorders.
The price of psychological therapy varies from country to country. In the United States, for example, the average cost for a session is about $150 per hour, but this can vary depending on your location and other factors. In England, the National Health Service (NHS) offers free psychological therapy sessions at no additional charge to patients who have been referred by their doctor. Some types of psychological therapy are covered by insurance plans while others may not be covered at all or at all under certain circumstances. If you are interested in finding out if your insurance policy covers psychological treatment, check with your provider before scheduling an appointment so you know what to expect from them before starting your first session.
Therapy can be a powerful way to help individuals, couples and families address issues that are standing in the way of their mental health. However, therapy is also often a financial commitment, with the cost of each session averaging about $150. For many people, especially those without health insurance or a high-deductible plan, this price tag can be prohibitive.
According to a report from the Center for Health Care Strategies, approximately 49 million adults in the United States have untreated behavioral health conditions. The report notes that “individuals who do not receive needed behavioral health treatment are more likely to suffer from chronic disease and disability, visit emergency rooms more often, and experience poorer quality of life.” Most people who need behavioral health care have some form of insurance or coverage through Medicare or Medicaid. However, only 69 percent of adults with serious psychological distress received care in 2016, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
The cost of therapy varies depending on where you live, your insurance plan and other factors. Traditional therapy sessions generally last 45 to 50 minutes, though some therapists offer longer sessions for clients with complex needs or who are involved in couples counseling.
Psychotherapy, also commonly referred to as talk therapy or counseling, works by helping people identify and work through their challenges through conversation. There are dozens of types of psychotherapy, and each one is aimed at treating a specific type of issue or problem.
The cost of therapy varies from place to place, therapist to therapist, and type of therapy. It’s completely dependent on the individual circumstances of each client. For example, a private therapist charging $150 per hour in a small town might be a standard rate for the area, but would probably be considered expensive in a major metro area where rates are typically higher.
Similarly, rates for different types of therapy may vary widely. For example, art therapy or pet therapy is likely to be more expensive than cognitive behavioral therapy due to the extra materials required.
While attending counseling or therapy is a great way to reduce those who struggle with mental health challenges, many people are hesitant to pursue it because of the cost. If you are one of these people, you should know that this is a common concern and there are definitely ways to manage it. Here’s how much psychological therapy costs, and what you can do about it.
Some therapists offer sliding scale fees based on a client’s income level and financial needs. Some therapists accept insurance for reimbursement of a portion of their fee; however, many do not accept insurance due to the constraints imposed by managed care companies. If you are interested in using your insurance, you should ask if a therapist accepts your particular insurance plan before making an appointment.
While you may pay more for a psychiatrist than a psychologist because they have a medical degree, you may end up paying less overall if your psychiatrist will prescribe medications. If you visit a psychologist without a medical degree, they will be unable to prescribe medication, which means you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket to see another doctor as well. If you are covered by health insurance (like Medicare or Medicaid), your insurance company may cover some or all of the costs associated with therapy. Your insurance policy will also determine whether you have to meet a deductible before coverage kicks in and what your copayment will be after your deductible has been met.