When you are considering starting therapy, there is one question that stands out: Will you be using insurance?
We'll Cover:
The Cost of Therapy With Insurance
If you're using insurance towards therapy, that cost depends on what your insurance deductible is. Most insurances require $100-$150 per session, but you'll only pay that amount until you reach your deductible. Then, you're only responsible for copays, which are typically around $20-40 per session.
But just because you have insurance doesn't mean your therapist will accept it. Not all therapists take insurance. While it's common to find therapists taking BCBS and Aetna, less popular plans like HAP or military plans can be more difficult. And of course if you are seeing a therapist that accepts your Medicaid or Medicare, your therapy will be free.
The Cost of Therapy Without Insurance
But what if your therapist doesn't accept insurance, or if you are uninsured? How much does therapy actually cost?
Well the cost per session can vary, a lot...
It can be from lows around $30, to highs at $200. That high might seem daunting, but the good news is that prices range quite a bit. However average rates are currently around $100-$150 per session in Michigan. (not in Michigan? See below)
This might sound like a lot to you, for many people this can be expensive. So here are a few ideas as you explore options:
Determine Your Therapy Budget
Let's face it, most of us want to save our money. But try exploring what your financial limit really is. Imagine that you have a great therapist, someone who has helped you to reach your goals. This can be life changing, and can get you through some of the most difficult obstacles while benefitting your physical health, relationships, and life satisfaction. How much is that worth to you? $500 a year? $5,000?
Think of it like car maintenance, how much are you willing to spend on your mental health maintenance? This may not be a fixed number, but try to determine a range of what you're willing to spend per year on your mental health, and then work that back to a weekly rate you're comfortable with.
Consider Sliding-Scale Therapy Pricing
A sliding-scale payment means you're not paying your therapist their standard rate, it's kind of like pro bono. For example, some therapists offer an income-driven rate, where their rates are based on a percentage on your annual income. More commonly, therapists simply offer up their own sliding-scale rate.
Many therapists reserve a couple spaces on their caseload for clients who need a more affordable rate. Though not all therapists do this. A good therapist will discuss the details further with you about your financial situation to determine what is affordable.
Check out our Resources for sliding scale therapy options
Additional Mental Health Financial Support
The ability to have a budget that includes mental health is a privilege not available to everyone. This is limited for certain people, especially if you are really struggling financially.
There are state funded agencies that serve low-income populations. These are commonly referred to as Community Mental Health (CMH). Experiences at these agencies can vary from positive to frustrating, but remember you're looking for a good therapist, not necessarily a good agency. You can find good and bad therapists everywhere, in both private practice and CMH.
Outside of free or low cost therapy, there are also organizations that may help you pay towards your therapy bill. Explore financial assistance options here.
Not In Michigan? Find Therapy Cost Information For Your State
Did you know that Blue Cross Blue Shield reimburses therapists at wildly different rates, depending on which state they're in? Sometimes these differences are more than $50 per session... So the best way to find out how much your insurance will cost is to check with your specific insurance plan.
If you don't plan to use insurance then check out this document to see the therapy private pay rates per state. It will give you a rough idea of the average cost in your location.
Finding a therapist can take a lot of work. If you're having a difficult time, feel free to contact us and we can try to find an appropriate referral. Or you can explore getting started with a Wellspring Connection therapist.
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