You have made the awesome decision to pursue therapy, but have lingering concerns about paying for it. Maybe you have heard from others the price they are paying, or maybe you have checked out a few websites and are having a bit of sticker-shock.
In preface to this guide of ways to afford therapy, I want to add a disclaimer of sorts; yes, therapy is expensive. It is a service provided by a highly-skilled and trained professional who spent 6+ years in school, pays for continuing education credits each year, maintains business expenses and liability insurance, and so on and so forth.
But, you may already qualify for ways to receive this amazing service at a lower rate out of pocket. Let’s take a look.
In-network with your insurance
- Can access these benefits by calling the number on the back of your card and asking about mental health/behavioral health coverage
- Helpful to ask if there are copays or if there is a deductible (a deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance will begin paying for anything)
- They should provide you with a list of therapists in your area who accept your insurance
- If you are in New York, you can also create a Headway account. They are a billing service who provide a directory of therapists that accepts your insurance
Out-of-network with your insurance
- This is often a perk of your insurance that you may not even know about
- Can access these benefits by calling the number on the back of your card and asking about mental health/behavioral health out-of-network coverage
- This will be handled one of a few different ways; your therapist may take care of all of the billing for you, or you may have to pay out of pocket and then be reimbursed by your insurance company
- Many insurance companies reimburse 60%-80% of the therapy session, with just an added step in the process
Private Pay
- Automatic billing by your therapist
- Full therapist fee
- Can utilize private pay even if you have insurance (some may opt for private pay for privacy reasons)
- Can inquire about a payment plan with your therapist
Sliding Scale
- These will differ from therapist to therapist
- Often, therapists have a certain number of spots that are sliding scale, meaning they charge a reduced rate
- Therapists may request paperwork regarding income, bills, etc. to ensure you are in need of a reduced-rate
Open Path
- A website that charges a one-time $59 fee and matches you with a therapist accepting sliding scale clients
- Prices vary from $30-$60 per session, depending on the therapist
- Requires information regarding income and bills to ensure you qualify for reduced fee appointments
EAP (employee assistance program)
- Many employers have this, but may not widely share it
- Private therapy paid for by your place of employment
- Often capped at a certain number of sessions per year
- Completely confidential; your place of employment is not entitled to information discussed during these sessions
- Can learn more by contacting HR at your place of employment and asking for information regarding their EAP.
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