When you are considering starting therapy, there is one question that stands out: Will you be using insurance?
The Cost of Therapy With Insurance
If you're using insurance towards therapy, that cost depends on what your insurance deductible is. Most Michigan 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 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 Cobra or VA 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 of $30, to highs at $200. That high might seem daunting, but the good news is that prices can range quite a bit. However average rates are currently around $100-$150 per session.
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 truly helped you to reach your mental health goals. This can be life changing, getting you through some of the most difficult obstacles, and positively impacting 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 own mental health maintenance? To have a lifestyle where mental health is no longer a struggle. This may not be a fixed number for you, it may fluctuate. Try to determine a range of what you're willing to spend per year on your mental health.
Consider Sliding-Scale Therapy Pricing
Sliding-scale situations mean you're not paying your therapist their standard rate. For example some therapists offer an income-driven rate, meaning their rates are based on a percentage on your annual income. But more commonly, therapists simply offer their own sliding-scale rate, which is lower than their standard rate.
The sliding-scale means that they reserve a few spaces on their caseload for clients who need a more affordable rate. Not all therapists do this, but many of us do. A good therapist will discuss the details further with you to determine what is affordable for you.
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.
There are also non-profits that may help you pay your therapy bill. We have some of these options also listed in our resources tab.
Hopefully this helps you to find the right therapist within your price range. 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 if you're interested you can explore getting started with a Wellspring Connection therapist.