Many people have concerns about the cost of therapy, especially in NYC where the average rate can be between $150-300.

If you’re concerned about the cost of therapy, staying in-network and using insurance for therapy can seem like the best option when seeking care. However, many people don’t know or consider the benefits of working with a private-pay therapist that may be worth the additional investment.

Additionally, many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage that can help reduce the overall cost of therapy – making the final cost comparable to seeing an in-network therapist.

Knowing the pros and cons of seeing an in-network versus out-of-network/private-pay therapist can help empower you as you search for the right therapist for you and make a decision that feels right and fits your needs and budget. Being informed is powerful, and it will make the process of finding a therapist easier and help you feel more confident in the process.

How Does Using Insurance For Therapy Work?

There are a few different ways using insurance for therapy can work:

1. You can choose to see an in-network therapist and pay a co-pay, just like when you go to the dentist or your primary care physician. This is someone who your health insurance company has a contract with and has agreed to pay a pre-negotiated rate. In this scenario, you are responsible for the cost of your co-pay.
2. You could also choose to see a private-pay therapist and use your out-of-network coverage, typically between 50-100% of the usual and customary rate (UCR) to get a significant portion of the fee reimbursed. In this case, you would pay your therapist directly upfront and be responsible for the remaining portion of the fee after the processed claim.

Many people incorrectly assume that using insurance for therapy means they must see an in-network provider. However, there are many plans that offer out-of-network coverage that allow you to have more freedom when it comes to finding a therapist. Ideally, you can expand your search and choose a therapist based on what feels like a good fit versus being restricted to only in-network providers.

What Are The Benefits of Seeing a Private-Pay Therapist?

1. Easier time finding a good fit

One of the most significant determining factors in your success and satisfaction with therapy is the relationship you develop with your therapist. Remember, this is the person who you have confidence in and feel safe enough with to explore many private and sensitive thoughts and feelings.  This helps you identify your focus when searching for a therapist who you can build an alliance with.

Not only is selecting a therapist that you connect with and trust critical, it may also accelerate the work and possibly result in a shorter treatment period in the long run.

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Not only is selecting a therapist that you connect with and trust critical, it may also accelerate the work and possibly result in a shorter treatment period in the long run.

If you are limiting your search to the small pool of in-network therapists, you may end up settling for a less-than-ideal fit. This can potentially result in less satisfying therapeutic experience and possibly lead you to the difficult decision of having to switch therapists in the future.

Starting over with a new therapist and building trust takes time and courage, so you want to feel confident that you’ve made the right choice versus making a decision that was restricted to a limited network.

2. The power to determine your treatment method and length

When you use your out-of-network benefits, your network and search pool expands. As a result, you can seek therapists who specialize in specific treatments that interest you and choose how long you want to stay in therapy.

Whether you want to pursue a therapeutic approach that requires a specific skillset, or meet with your therapist more frequently, you’re in control of your treatment. You’re more likely to have the power to find a therapist and a process that works for you.

The power to make this choice can be very empowering and expands your horizons.

3. The ability to get help when you need it

As with the previous dilemmas, staying in-network can, unfortunately, greatly limit your options when it comes to finding a therapist. Many therapists who are in-network with an insurance company are often full because the cost of entry is usually more attractive to many clients who wish to remain in the network.

In-network therapists generally have a full caseload, which is important to consider if you’re looking for a therapist with substantial energy to dedicate to individual clients. In-network providers may be dealing with fuller schedules, which potentially means greater stress and less accessibility.

Seeing an in-network provider means you may have to join a waiting list. A prime example of this is evidenced by a study that found the average wait time to see a psychiatrist in a major metropolitan area was 25 days.

If you’re dealing with mental health concerns and struggling in the present to the point that it makes it difficult to function in your daily life, you’ll be better served by not delaying or having to wait to get help.

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If you’re dealing with mental health concerns and struggling in the present to the point that it makes it difficult to function in your daily life, you’ll be better served by not delaying or having to wait to get help. You shouldn’t have to suffer alone and seeing a therapist with more flexibility could help you  get help sooner and at a time when you need it.

The good news is that if you are open to using your out-of-network benefits and seeing a private pay therapist, you’re likely to find a therapist who is accessible and available to provide timely help.

4. Greater control over your medical information

Anytime an individual uses their insurance benefits, they are inviting the insurance companies to potentially have a say in the course of treatment.  Not only do insurers have a say in who you can see and how frequently you can see them, they also have the right to ask for access to your mental health records.

Insurers can request confidential information – including your treatment type, diagnosis, and progress notes. This information is fair-play when using insurance for therapy to see an in-network provider, since insurers determine if your mental health care is medically necessary and covered under your policy.

If you feel uncomfortable knowing that your private medical information is accessible to your insurer at any point in time, going with a private-pay therapist can give you more privacy and, therefore, peace of mind.

5. The opportunity to work with less emphasis on diagnosis

In order for insurance companies to reimburse you for therapy, your therapist must assign you a diagnosis for the sake of the claim. However, there’s a good chance you may not be seeking treatment for a specific condition or medical reason. You could be seeking help to further your personal growth and to reach your personal goals.

In that case, you may not want to be assigned a formal diagnosis from your therapist that would be added to your medical record. If you have any worries surrounding the impact of a mental health diagnosis on your record, it may be worth looking into an out-of-network/private pay therapist who isn’t contractually bound to an insurance company the way an in-network provider is.

6. More options if you have specific needs or criteria

If you’re someone with a unique circumstance or need, you might be interested in seeing a specialist who is familiar with your issue or situation. In-network providers may not be as prolific or offer as highly specialized services such as:

• Art therapy
• Identity-centered therapy
• Play therapy
• Couples therapy
• Family therapy

Having a therapist who is a trained specialist in the areas that matter the most to you could mean the difference between an okay therapy experience and a transformative one. Choosing a specialized therapist is a step you can take in order to set yourself up for success in therapy.

I’m Not Using Insurance for Therapy – How Should I Be Thinking About the Cost?

So now that you know a bit more about the difference between in-network versus out-of-network coverage -you may be wondering how much therapy costs with insurance after you consider the pros and cons? You might find that you would prefer to pay more for the peace of mind and accessibility that comes with a private-pay therapist.

If you do decide to pursue and experience the freedom of working with a private-pay therapist, there are many ways that you can reduce the cost of your sessions. 

1. Consider putting funds into a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

You can put away a significant amount of money into your HSA and FSA at the beginning of each year. This is tax-deductible money that you can use to pay for your therapy sessions.

2. Ask therapists if they offer sliding scale services. 

Some therapists at our practice put aside a number of slots for clients  in financial need and offer them at a reduced fee. Directories like Psychology Today and Open Path can also help you find therapists who offer low fee sessions. You can check a therapist’s website to see if they mention a sliding scale fee. Even if they don’t you can always reach out, explain your situation, and ask if they could work with your budget. There’s no harm in asking.

3.  Look for therapy training programs and community mental health agencies.

Many university training programs for mental health clinicians have clinics where members of the community can get low-cost therapy. You can Google “therapy training programs near me” to see if any come up.  

There are also many community based mental health organizations that provide services at a low cost. They are usually funded by federal, state, and/or local government programs. You can find these by asking your doctor’s office for recommendations, searching on Google, or calling your county health department.  

the pros and cons of using insurance for therapy – Is Paying for Therapy Worth It?

Imagine one thing that you’re currently struggling with. Maybe you’re having trouble communicating honestly with your partner. Maybe you’re feeling “stuck” in life. Perhaps you’re dealing with feelings of guilt for not being the person you think you should be.

Whatever it is that you’re dealing with, therapy can give you a safe space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and worries about the issue. Eventually, therapy can help you identify where these feelings are coming from and give you the tools to either prevent or cope with these feelings in a healthy way.

This is just one example of both the short and long-term benefits of therapy. Depending on your personal goals, therapy can help you:

• Increase your self-esteem
• Quiet negative thoughts
• Communicate more effectively with others
• Connect more authentically and honestly with others and yourself
• Gain insight into what fulfills you and makes you truly happy
• Reduce stress in your day-to-day
• Learn to respond more mindfully to certain situations

Above all, therapy is an important investment in yourself and your emotional health and wellness. Working with a therapist on your current or past struggles is the equivalent of exercising and eating right for your physical health. Your emotional health matters.

Mental wellness doesn’t come by chance or luck – it requires that you feel safe, secure, and courageous enough to put in the work so that you can see and feel the many positive benefits and results therapy offers.

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Mental wellness doesn’t come by chance or luck – it requires that you feel safe, secure, and courageous enough to put in the work so that you can see and feel the many positive benefits and results therapy offers.

We can all use support and a little bit of help in life. There is no shame in creating space for yourself, be it due to sadness, stress, or wanting to simply develop insight and improve the quality of your life with therapy. Remember that no one can do or be expected to do everything by themselves.

We’re happy to help clients learn about the pros and cons of using insurance. To learn more about how we help clients navigate their out-of-network benefits visit our How Insurance Works page. If you’d like help verifying your out-of-network benefits, simply submit your insurance information through our Check your Benefits form and our billing team will be in touch shortly. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions and to learn more about how we can help you.

Want to explore the freedon of going out-of-network? Share your preferences on our Therapist Matching Questionnaire to connect with a therapist who would be a good fit for you for a free consultation.

Connecting with a therapist for the first time may seem overwhelming if you’re not sure what to expect. We’ve put together this quick guide on what the process looks like, so you can get the most out of your first therapy session.

Find the right fit

The rapport and relationship you have with your therapist is key to successful therapy. Because no two therapists or clients are the same, it’s important to ask the right questions during your first therapy session in order to find the best match for you. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to share your preferences on our Therapist Matching Questionnaire so we can provide you with personalized therapist recommendations.

Here are some questions to ask your therapist:

1. What type of therapy approach do you use? What does will this look like in our sessions?
2. What are your fees? How do insurance claims get filed? 
3. How can I reschedule/what happens if I miss an appointment?

Think About What You Want From Therapy

People seek therapy for many different reasons. Perhaps you’re going through a particularly stressful life event and could use extra support. Maybe you want to learn practices and techniques for managing troubling symptoms of anxiety.

For some, therapy might be a place to better understand maladaptive behavior patterns that keep us stuck, so that we can live more fully and freely. Whatever your reason for considering therapy, give it some thought before your first therapy session so you can communicate to your therapist what you’d like help with.

Your First Therapy Session: Let Your Therapist Get to Know You

Your first therapy session is a time for you and your therapist to get to know each other and understand what working together will be like. This period may feel more like information-gathering, while future sessions will feel more therapeutic and focused on the specific concerns you bring to the session. 

Here are some questions your therapist may ask you:

1. What brings you to therapy?
2. What symptoms are you experiencing?
3. Your therapist will also likely ask you questions about your career, family, relationships, and childhood.

Good therapy is about relationship building. The more comfortable, candid, and honest you can be during your session the better your therapist will be able to help.

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Quick Tips to Ensure a Great First Therapy Session

• Create a Private Environment. If your first session is a Telehealth appointment, identify a suitable room or area of your home that is quiet, private, and free of distractions. 

• Clear Your Schedule. Let people know you’ll be unavailable during your session and avoid scheduling anything for immediately after your appointment just in case you need time to decompress. 

• Relax & Trust the Process. Get comfortable and enjoy getting to know your therapist. Good therapy is about relationship building. The more comfortable, candid, and honest you can be during your session, the better your therapist will be able to help you. Your therapist will guide you through the process to ensure a productive session.

 Common Client Questions

Q: What’s the best way for me to connect to my therapist?
A: Discuss your preferred contact method with your therapist prior to your session. Our therapists are flexible and able to connect with you via phone or on a variety of encrypted, HIPAA–compliant platforms, including Spruce Health, Simple Practice, or doxy.me. Let us know what works best for you and we’ll do our best to accommodate. 

The therapist’s goal is to provide a collaborative and non-judgmental environment that allows you to harness your inner resilience to improve your quality of life.

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Q. How do sessions work?
A. After you schedule your free 30-minute phone consultation with a therapist of your choice, you’ll receive a confirmation email of your appointment with some forms to review. Once you’ve submitted your completed forms, your therapist will contact you on your appointment date at the scheduled time. Your therapist will be able to contact you through the preferred method of your choice (Telehealth platform, phone call, in person, etc).

Q: Is therapy private and confidential?
A: We’re serious about protecting your privacy. Just like our face-to-face appointments, Teletherapy is also private and confidential. Therapists are bound by strict federal privacy regulations and cannot release information about you to anyone without your written permission. 

Q: What online platform do you use? What is Simple Practice?
A: Simple Practice is our practice management software for scheduling, case management, Teletherapy, and documentation. The platform uses a HIPAA–compliant software that ensures your information is secure.

Have more questions? Check out our F.A.Q.

Relax and trust the process. We’ve got you.

If you’re feeling nervous before your first therapy session, we hope these proactive steps can help ease your anxiety and ensure a successful first meeting. Just remember: It’s normal to feel uncomfortable about opening up to a stranger. Your therapist is a trained professional with the knowledge, skills, and experience to help you.

While each therapist has their own philosophy and theoretical background, your therapist’s goal is to provide a collaborative, calming, and non-judgmental environment that allows you to harness your inner resilience to improve your quality of life.

 We look forward to meeting you where you are.

Your Turn: Do you have any stories or experiences about your first therapy session that you’d like to share? I’m curious to hear about success stories and any recommendations for making connecting with a therapist for the first time easier. Let us know in the comments below.

Mental health is an investment, and finding affordable therapy in NYC can feel daunting at times. However, money shouldn’t prevent someone from getting the help they deserve. No one should feel alone because they simply can’t afford the proper mental health treatment. If you find yourself in that position, know that others share in the struggle to find affordable therapy in NYC.

Although some people have insurance that might help cover a portion of the cost of therapy, it’s not always enough; and for those who don’t have insurance, paying several hundred dollars a month might be out of the question. But don’t lose hope—here are a few quick tips and resources that can help you find affordable therapy.

How to Find Affordable Therapy in NYC

Tip 1. Search for Sliding Scales
Tip 2. Check Out Clinics or Hospitals
Tip 3. Visit Community Centers

Tip 1. Search for Sliding Scales

Websites such as Psychology Today or Open Path offer a vast selection of therapists that offer reduced-fee or sliding-scale appointments. Therapists on these sites are vetted, which can bring comfort to those who might be seeking therapy for the first time. In addition, you can see therapists’ photos and usually read their biograpies or philosophies, as well as their approach to psychotherapy, before choosing someone.

Another advantage of these sites is the level of detail you can go into with your search criteria. Whether you want to filter results by the language you feel most comfortable speaking or by an issue you’re facing, it doesn’t take long to find the right match.

No one should feel alone because they simply can’t afford the proper mental health treatment. If you find yourself in that position, know that others share in the struggle to find affordable therapy in NYC.

Tip 2. Check Out Clinics or Hospitals

There are many clinics in the five boroughs that offer sliding-scale, and sometimes even free, services. Sliding-scale clinics usually base therapy fees on your level of income, so it’s important to have that information readily available (e.g., pay stubs). For those looking for more acute care, hospitals may be a better option. Additionally, both clinics and hospitals often provide group therapy, which can be a productive as well as a more accessible experience.

Universities often have training clinics that are open to the community, where graduate students are completing their training under rigorous supervision by a licensed mental health clinician. These clinics usually have sliding scales as well. I’ve seen clinics in these settings charge anywhere from $5 to $50 per session.

Tip 3. Visit Community Centers

Finally, you might consider visiting a community mental health center for services. They’re typically very affordable—either free or low-cost—and they cater to those with a lower income level. Again, having your income information readily available, along with any other information the center might need, can expedite the process.

Keep in mind, though, that community centers typically experience a high demand, so wait times can be long. A simple search online can usually show the community mental health centers closest to you.