Cost is one of the most common reasons people put off starting therapy. And a lot of people are working with an assumption that is much higher than the reality. So here is a plain breakdown of what therapy actually costs in New York, with and without insurance.
Without insurance
Private pay therapy in New York City typically runs between $150 and $300 per session, depending on the therapist's experience, credentials, and location. Most sessions are 50 minutes. Many therapists in Manhattan charge on the higher end. Therapists who work in private practice outside major metro areas, or who offer online-only sessions, often charge less.
A lot of therapists also offer sliding scale fees, meaning they reduce their rate based on your income. If cost is a barrier, it is always worth asking directly. The answer might surprise you.
With insurance
If your therapist accepts your insurance, you usually pay a copay per session. In New York, that typically ranges from $0 to $50 per session, depending on your plan. Some plans have a deductible you need to meet first. After the deductible, you pay the copay amount.
I accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Carelon, and Cigna. If you are on one of those plans, your out-of-pocket cost per session is likely much lower than you are assuming.
Have you actually checked what your insurance covers? Most people have not and are pleasantly surprised when they do.
How to check your benefits in 5 minutes
- Log into your insurance portal or call the member number on the back of your card
- Ask specifically about outpatient mental health benefits
- Find out your copay or coinsurance amount for in-network therapy
- Ask whether you have a deductible and how much of it you have already met
- Ask whether telehealth therapy is covered at the same rate as in-person
HSA and FSA
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer, therapy is an eligible expense. This means you are paying with pre-tax dollars, which can reduce the effective cost by 20 to 30 percent depending on your tax bracket.
If your therapist is out-of-network
Some plans include out-of-network benefits, meaning they will reimburse you a portion of the cost even if your therapist does not directly accept your insurance. You pay the full rate upfront and submit a claim for partial reimbursement. The amount varies widely by plan, but it can make a meaningful difference.
Your therapist can provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) that you submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
Is cost the main thing standing between you and starting? That is worth naming directly, so you can actually figure out what your options are.
More affordable options if cost is still a barrier
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) through your employer often offer 6 to 8 free sessions per year
- Community mental health centers in New York offer sliding scale fees based on income
- Therapists in training (under clinical supervision) often charge significantly less and are closely supervised
- Open Path Collective is a network of therapists offering reduced rates between $30 and $80 per session
When you are ready
Insurance accepted. Let us figure out the cost together.
I accept Aetna, BCBS, Carelon, and Cigna. Online therapy in New York and New Jersey.