How much is a 60 minute therapy session?

Asked by: Ricky Ledner  |  Last update: March 21, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (71 votes)

The cost of therapy varies widely based on location, availability, type of therapy, and format. However, research by Simple Practice (a therapy management platform) establishes an average of $150 per 60 minute session nationwide.

Can I bill 90837 for 50 minutes?

Time Requirements and Service Criteria for Billing 90837

Code 90837 is for 60-minute therapy sessions, defined as 53 minutes or longer. Anything less than 53 minutes would use code 90834 (45-minute session). For 90837, the actual session time must be documented in your notes. Rounding up or down is not allowed.

Is $150 a lot for therapy?

$150 is pretty standard for fully licensed therapists. Years of professional experience/expertise can bump it up to $200. $250+ is for boutique private practices. $100-130 is common for associate licensed and $50-80 is common for interns. Then things change with insurance, agencies, and non-profits.

Why are therapy sessions only 50 minutes?

It's mostly for logistical reasons. People tend to schedule appointments on the hour. And, most therapists provide 50 minute sessions so that they can take a 10-minute break between sessions to use the bathroom, grab something to drink and review notes before the next session.

Is a 2 hour therapy session too long?

You might find it difficult to concentrate during a lengthy session. Or a session that's a couple of hours long might be emotionally draining for you, especially if you're discussing trauma. Keep in mind that therapy sessions that are an hour or a little less are standard in talk therapy.

How Many Therapy Sessions Might Be Needed?

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Why are therapy sessions so expensive?

Therapists must maintain an office space, furnish it with essential equipment, and invest in technology for record-keeping and communication. These overhead costs, including rent, utilities, insurance, and administrative staff salaries, contribute to the overall price of counseling sessions.

Is therapy free with insurance?

Does health insurance cover the cost of therapy? The short answer is: it depends. Most plans in the United States cover mental health similarly to how they cover other medical costs, meaning that sessions could be billed with a co-pay or go toward your deductible.

How many people need therapy but can't afford it?

Just over 10% of American adults with a mental illness do not have health insurance, the report found, representing nearly six million people. Almost a quarter of adults who experience 14 or more mentally unhealthy days a month could not afford to see a clinician, a 2% increase from the previous year.

How do you bill for a 1.5 hour therapy session?

Psychologists who conduct sessions that require more than 60 minutes should report CPT® code 90837: Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient. Regardless of how long the session lasts, the psychologist's reimbursement will be based on the payment amount ultimately associated with 90837.

What is the 8-minute therapy billing rule?

The 8-minute rule was introduced into the rehab therapy billing process in the year 2000 and is utilized by outpatient physical therapy services, allowing a physical therapy practitioner to bill for services as long as they see their patient for at least eight minutes, which would serve as one unit of therapeutic ...

Can I get free therapy?

Community centers, hospitals, schools, and places of worship sometimes offer free or low-cost counseling. Many community organizations also host peer-support groups (groups run by people facing the same issues) and recovery groups which can provide additional care.

Is private therapy worth it?

It's important to note that the cost of private mental health care is an investment in your mental and emotional well-being. While it may be higher than other options, the benefits of rapid access to professionals, personalised treatment plans, and a comprehensive approach to mental health can be invaluable.

What is the highest pay for a therapist?

15 Highest Paying Psychology Jobs
  1. Psychiatrist. Average Salary: $247,350. ...
  2. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist. Average Salary: $154,380. ...
  3. Neuropsychologist. Average Salary: $271,470. ...
  4. Clinical Psychologist. Average Salary: $106,600. ...
  5. Engineering Psychologist. ...
  6. Counseling Psychologist. ...
  7. Forensic Psychologist. ...
  8. School Psychologist.

How many clients should a therapist see in a day?

On average, therapists see between 15-30 clients per week, with daily numbers ranging from 3-8 clients. “Typically seeing 6 to 8 clients a day is most comfortable. Some therapists may also put aside days of the week to dedicate to documentation, paperwork, and coordinating care for their clients,” Guarino explains.

What is a 60/40 split in therapy?

Usually, this a 60/40 or 50/50 split; the agency keeps 60-50% of the fee, and the contracting therapist gets 40-50%. This model is frequently used, and group therapy owners often use the language "that's just the way it is" when defending this fee split.

Can you make 300k as a therapist?

According to ZipRecruiter, the prescribing therapists in private practice in the United States earn between $50k-$300k annually. Although earning potential will vary depending on the hours you work, your location, and the cost of living, taking home a six-figure salary while operating a private practice is achievable.

How often should I go to therapy?

Generally, in the initial phase, clients benefit from weekly sessions to establish a strong therapeutic relationship and provide consistent support, with some cases requiring bi-weekly sessions if symptoms are severe.

How much is a copay for therapy?

If you have insurance with mental health coverage, the cost of a therapy session with an in-network therapist is usually the same as your co-pay to see a medical specialist. On average, specialist co-pays are about $30 to $50 per session.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover counseling?

For most mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, or OCD, traditional talk therapy is the first step. Blue Cross Blue Shield will cover your treatment with a therapist who can learn more about your unique mental health situation and recommend a treatment plan.

What is a reasonable amount to spend on therapy?

How much does therapy cost? The cost of therapy typically ranges from $100 to $200 a session, with more expensive and urban cities usually charging the highest rates. Many times, insurance will cover your therapy sessions, or, they may reimburse you for services if your counselor is out of network.

Is it normal to cry at therapy?

Crying in therapy is not only normal but often a sign of progress. It's a sign that you're willing to confront and process deep emotions, paving the way for a breakthrough. As you journey through therapy, remember that tears can be powerful agents of healing and transformation.

Why are therapists called shrinks?

One relevant example is the term "shrinks," associated initially with traditional healers in certain indigenous cultures using shrunken human heads. However, as language and cultural contexts shifted, the word underwent a semantic shift and emerged in the mental health field to colloquially refer to therapists.