Is it better to pay out of pocket for therapy?
Asked by: Durward Abernathy | Last update: August 20, 2025Score: 5/5 (42 votes)
Is it worth paying out of pocket for therapy?
Yes, therapy is always worth the cost if you think you need it -- and even sometimes when you do not think you need it (but actually still do). Therapy is an investment in yourself and in your own personal well-being. And you are always worth the investment.
What is a disadvantage of having insurance pay for mental health treatment?
While insurance can provide financial assistance, it's important to weigh the potential downsides, such as loss of confidentiality, documentation of mental illness, higher out-of-pocket costs, and restricted treatment options.
What happens if you need therapy but can't afford it?
You can go to your nearest community mental health center where they usually provide counseling services on a sliding-scale, meaning that you pay based on your income. Also, you can call local free clinics (medical) where often times they offer free of reduced-rate counseling.
Does therapy count as out of pocket medical expenses?
(added March 17, 2023) A7: Yes, if the therapy is treatment for a disease. For example, an amount paid for therapy to treat a diagnosed mental illness is a medical expense, but an amount paid for marital counseling is not.
Benefits to paying out of pocket for therapy
How many people pay out-of-pocket for therapy?
Over 60% of participants, including those with insurance, report that they pay out-of-pocket therapy costs, with a total average of $178 each month. Here are the biggest reasons people in therapy are cutting back on treatment, according to the survey: Insurance/Health benefits ran out/too expensive (37%)
Does therapy go towards your deductible?
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 do I see a therapist when I have no money?
Search for Low-Fee Providers
Open Path focuses on having diverse and inclusive therapists, making it a great option for many who are uninsured or underinsured or who cannot afford a typical therapist's fee out-of-pocket. You may also want to look into nearby colleges and social service agencies.
How to afford therapy when you're broke?
- First, check your insurance.
- Ask your therapist about sliding scale options, discounted rates, or shorter sessions.
- Meet with a psychologist in training.
- Look into community mental health centers.
- Check out online therapy services or see if your therapist offers online sessions.
What if I need therapy but it is too expensive?
There are a number of ways to search for affordable therapy, each with its drawbacks: community mental health services for those who qualify, consulting your insurance company if you have one, using a digital platform that offers lower cost therapy or trying group therapy.
Does going to therapy go on your record?
In the same manner as medical records at a doctors office, they are strictly confidential and can only be accessed by an outside party with the permission of the client and in most cases a written consent. There is no worry that anyone will find out by your information being "public".
Why is mental health therapy so expensive?
The high cost of therapy can result from using an out-of-network provider, not having adequate insurance, or your therapist's overhead costs increasing session prices. Fortunately, if traditional therapy is too expensive and you're looking for creative, effective ways to reduce that price tag, you have several options.
How many people don t go to therapy because they 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 normal people afford therapy?
Check local mental health clinics
If you live in a metropolitan area, you likely have access to mental health clinics in your local area. Many of these clinics may accept Medicaid or other subsidized health insurance plans, or offer therapy on a sliding scale.
What happens if you can't pay for therapy?
Sliding scale fee
Regardless of your situation, don't hesitate to ask your behavioral health provider if they offer a sliding scale system for their fees. It can be a great way to figure out how to afford therapy and get the help you need. “There are several options to consider when you can't afford therapy.
Which type of therapy is most cost-effective?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders. It's also cost-effective over the long term.
How often should you go to therapy?
Weekly Sessions
A weekly session is a great place to start when beginning therapy. Generally, most patients will start with this frequency, then increase or decrease as needed. A weekly session is ideal for people who want to build skills related to things like mindfulness, coping, and communication.
How do I get better if I can't afford therapy?
Explore resources like NAMI HelpLine, school services, and Employee Assistance Programs. Prioritize mental health with self-care tips like staying active, building a healthy sleep routine, staying socially connected, and adding mindfulness to your life.
Is online therapy cheaper than in person?
Online therapy can be cheaper than in-person therapy due to reduced overhead costs. In some cases, insurance may cover some or all the cost of a therapy session. However, there may be a limit to the number of sessions a person can access with insurance.
Can I tell my therapist anything?
There really isn't much you shouldn't tell your therapist. But it's a good idea to try not to tell them everything all at once.
Can therapy be a tax write off?
Medical expenses– including doctor and dentist appointments, prescriptions, eyeglasses, lab fees, therapy, mileage to and from appointments and more– can be deducted if you keep track of all your expenses and make an itemized list.
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.
Do you pay for therapy before or after?
Many therapists prefer to take care of payment up front, or to have clients pay for several sessions in advance; that way, both therapist and client avoid the awkward experience of having to discuss payment after a particularly difficult session.