In Pasadena, most private-pay therapy session cost $150-$200 for a 50-minute individual session, the most common price being $175, and $225-$300 for a 75- to 90-minute couples session. My own fee is $150 for individuals (50-minute session) and $225 for couples (80-minute session). Here is what that buys, what changes if you use insurance, and what to do if that number is out of reach right now.
First thing to consider is whether to use insurance or go with Private Pay.
What your insurance will and won’t cover:
I am in-network with Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Oxford. These, like many insurance companies, cover “Behavioral Health” (mental health). How much therapy they cover and what you will pay depends on the specifics of your plan, your deductible (how much you have to pay before insurance kicks in), your co-pay (your portion of each therapy bill). 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.
Benefits and tradeoffs of using insurance:
The biggest benefit of using insurance is that they help you cover the cost of therapy. Thank you, money! There are possible drawbacks of using insurance, too. First, you may notice limited choices of therapists, since not all therapists take insurance or are “in network.” I’ve had clients report extreme difficulty finding a good-fit therapist in-network with their insurance. Big hassle, and feels disheartening. Also, insurance companies require a diagnosis, and some people may not want such a thing in their health record. You may not want to be labeled in that way. Insurance companies also have access to your therapy session notes, and again, you may not want that. You may want privacy in regard to your deepest feelings and experiences.
Using out-of-network benefits and Superbills:
Clients who have a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan have more options for seeing out-of-network therapists while still getting some reimbursement from insurance. We do that using a “Superbill.” A superbill is like a receipt for your therapy session, but it includes more details that the insurance company requires for reimbursement (things like your diagnosis, where the session took place, what services were provided). When you see me using your PPO, here’s how it works: you pay me my fee directly. I give you a superbill for the session (usually by email, but we can also do paper if desired). You submit the superbill to your insurance (with most insurance companies you can do this electronically or by mail. You can also do one at a time, or “batch submissions,” which include multiple appointments in one claim [less paperwork!]). Your insurance company then processes the claim, which usually takes 15-30 business days, then mails you a check for reimbursement (or direct deposit, if you have that set up with your insurer).
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-cost options if our fees are out of reach:
First, ask if your prospective therapist offers “sliding scale,” which just means “lower fee based on what you can afford.” Most therapists offer sliding scale, though there may be a wait list for open slots at the lower rate. I am happy to offer sliding scale for clients who need it, and I currently have open slots. Let’s see about finding a fee that works for you!
Finally, here are more lower fee options 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.
Is therapy worth the money?
I’m unabashedly biased: YES. But you must consider your own needs and feelings. In my own experience, the peace and confidence I feel inside myself after therapy is priceless. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to get the insight and support of therapy. I’m also proud of myself for having done the (often uncomfortable) work of therapy.
Therapy has both risks and benefits. Some risks include temporary uncomfortable feelings of sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, or helplessness. You’re probably gonna feel stuff! You may recall unpleasant memories; may experience a temporary worsening of problems at the beginning of treatment; or may have problems with people important to you as you start to change. These risks are common during significant life changes. It’s also, let’s be honest, expensive. Weekly sessions at my fee means $600/month. That’s a chunk of change!
On the flip side, therapy offers tons of potential benefits. It can help lift depressed moods, alleviate fear, anger, and anxiety. Imagine what it might be like for you to have some freedom from that heaviness. Therapy can help boost and reinforce your self-esteem, help you resolve stuck feelings and thoughts, help you cope and solve problems. It can ignite your creativity and level up your satisfaction in life and in your relationships. I do not take on clients I do not think I can help, so I approach our relationship with optimism about your possibilities.
(See my article, “What Can Therapy Do For Me?”)
How to start:
Hit me up for a free 15-minute consultation phone call. In that call, 3 things happen:
- First, you can share with me whatever you’d like about what’s going on for you. You get to choose what and how much feels right to share.
- Second, I’ll respond, sharing my reflections and insights. You’ll get a feeling for how I work and what my vibe is like. You can see if you feel comfortable with me.
- Third, you can ask me anything. You may have questions about me, questions about therapy, questions about what to expect or what might be possible in working with me. Ask away, and I’ll endeavor to answer fully and honestly, giving you all the info you need.
(See my article, “What’s the Deal with the Free Consultation?”)
I look forward to seeing how I can best support you!
Big love,
Jonna
