Therapy is an important tool for improving quality of life, but its costs can be a significant barrier for many people. Fortunately, in recent years, numerous platforms have emerged offering online mental health therapy at more accessible prices. In this article, we'll review the best options for affordable therapy from home.
How Much Does Therapy Cost?
In the United States, the average price of a single therapy session (one hour) stands at approximately $174 when paying out of pocket. With commercial health insurance, the average cost drops to $23 per session with an in-network provider, or $53 for an out-of-network provider.
Online therapy offers a convenient and often more affordable alternative. Some services accept health insurance, while others specialize in serving people without insurance or with partial coverage - bringing the cost down to $40, $20, or even free per session.
Cost: $25 with insurance, or starting at $69 per week for messaging only
Talkspace offers a wide variety of communication options - messaging, video calls, and workshops. The platform includes over 3,000 counselors with various specializations, and also offers psychiatric services with medication management. According to a 2022 survey, 49% of users would recommend the service.
Advantages: High flexibility in subscription plans, accepts insurance, psychiatric consultation available
Cost: $0-22 with insurance, $100-150 out of pocket
Grow Therapy offers an advanced search engine that allows you to find a therapist perfectly suited to your needs. The platform accepts most major insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, and displays upfront the estimated cost of each session based on your insurance.
Advantages: Complete price transparency, accepts wide range of insurances, option for online and in-person sessions
Cost: $40-70 per session (or $30 with student interns)
A nonprofit organization that connects people without insurance or with partial coverage to affordable therapy. To be eligible, annual household income must be less than $100,000. After a one-time membership fee of $65, you can sign up for therapy at significantly reduced rates.
Advantages: Significantly lower prices, option for online or in-person therapy, wide variety of specializations
Cost: $70-100 per week (with 20% discount for first month)
BetterHelp is one of the most popular platforms, offering 24/7 access to your therapist through text messages, chat, phone calls, and video calls. Although the service doesn't directly accept health insurance, you can apply for financial aid that will adjust the rate to your income and financial situation. According to a 2022 survey, 67% of users felt they were getting the best value for their money.
Advantages: High availability, financial aid support, access through multiple communication channels
Cost: $50-90 per week
Calmerry offers four different subscription plans, ranging from text therapy only ($57 per week) to video therapy with 4 sessions of 30 minutes per month and unlimited messaging ($90 per week). All plans include a personalized therapy plan, mood tracker, guided journaling, and a library with over 100 resources.
Advantages: Flexibility in subscription plans, reduced introductory prices, additional resources included in subscription
Cost: Starting at $170 for individual therapy, $190 for couples or family therapy (out of pocket)
Octave offers the flexibility of both online and in-person therapy sessions. According to Octave, 96% of its clients get their care covered by insurance, with average out-of-pocket costs of just $28 per session. The platform offers individual, couples, and family therapy.
Advantages: Option for face-to-face sessions, excellent insurance coverage, personalized therapist matching process
Beyond dedicated online platforms, there are several other ways to access affordable mental health care:
Community Clinics: Community centers, hospitals, and schools often run free programs like support groups. Publicly funded state-run services may offer free or low-cost therapy.
Sliding Scale Therapists: These professionals adjust their hourly fee based on your ability to pay, making therapy more affordable.
Universities and Colleges: Many institutions with mental health programs have clinicians-in-training who offer reduced rates, sometimes as low as $1 per session, under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Employee Assistance Programs: Many employers offer free therapy services through confidential assistance programs designed to help with issues affecting your mental and emotional health.
Affordable therapy is more accessible than ever thanks to online platforms. Whether you have insurance, need financial assistance, or are paying out of pocket, there's likely an option that fits your budget and therapeutic needs. The key is to explore different platforms, understand what each offers, and choose the one that best matches your financial situation and treatment preferences.
