If you’ve been thinking of starting therapy, here’s some information about how to pay for it and what you can expect to pay.
First thing to consider is whether to use insurance or go with Private Pay.
Many insurance companies cover “Behavioral Health” (mental health). What they will cover and the amount of your deductible and co-pay varies greatly, depending on your individual plan. Some plans only allow you to use “In Network” therapists, whereas other plans give you more flexibility to use “Out of Network” therapists. Check your member benefits with your insurance company.
The benefit of using insurance is that they help you cover the cost of therapy. Possible drawbacks of using insurance include limitations to your choice of therapist, since not all therapists take insurance or are “in network.” Also, insurance companies require a diagnosis, and some people may not want such a thing in their record. Insurance companies also have access to your therapy session notes, and again, you may not want that.
Paying for therapy yourself (“Private Pay,” “Cash Pay,” or “Out of Pocket”) often gives you more flexibility and more privacy. Most therapists in the Pasadena area charge between $150-$200 per session (for individuals. Usually more for couples or families). I’m on the lower end of that, at $150/session for individuals.
Lower Fee Options
There are lower fee options as well in the Pasadena area. Working with a pre-licensed Associate therapist often costs less. There are community mental health clinics throughout Los Angeles (e.g. Open Paths Counseling, Maple Counseling, Airport Marina Counseling, Southern California Counseling Center), and though they may not be close to Pasadena, they offer Telehealth options. Another low fee option, nationwide, is Open Path Collective. These clinics offer therapy on a sliding scale.
And speaking of Sliding Scale, you can always ask your prospective therapist if they offer sliding scale. Most of us do, though there may be a wait list for open slots at the lower rate.
With a little bit of research you can find therapy that fits your budget!
Rooting for you,
Jonna
