Jennifer LytleFor hundreds of clients at Joyful Journeys Counseling, therapy is a lifeline. It’s a space which fosters healing, clarity, and growth. Still, one of the first questions you tackle when embarking on private pay counseling is, what’s that gonna set me back? So, how much does therapy cost? And just as importantly, is it worth it? This article won’t be an exhaustive examination in therapy service costs. We’ll examine typical therapy fees, strategies to afford it, and insight into how the cost is often offset by the value of quality services.
Unquantifiable Values in Therapy
Counting the cost is most economical, however, the true value of therapy is what you leave with. That is harder to measure in dollars. Often, therapy dividends are returned quite some time later!
Clients at Joyful Journeys Counseling have reported, therapy is not a luxury. For many, it is a necessity. Therapy services are a long-term investment in mental, emotional, and even physical health.
Here are 15 value-adds therapy delivers:
- Emotional clarity
Understand your feelings instead of being overwhelmed by them. - Stress management
Learn tools to cope with anxiety, pressure, and overwhelm. - Better relationships
Improve how you relate to others, set boundaries, and communicate. - Improved self-esteem
Learn to value yourself and your worth. - Healing from trauma
Process painful experiences in a safe space. - Healthier decision-making
Reduce impulsive or destructive patterns. - Goal setting and motivation
Therapy helps clarify your goals and support you with systematized steps to reach them. - Reduced symptoms
From depression to panic attacks, therapy can reduce (and in some cases, resolve) mental health symptoms. - Self-awareness
Understand who you are and why you do what you do. - Increased resilience
Bounce back from life’s setbacks more effectively. - Personal growth
Therapy isn’t just about fixing problems. In fact, some of the most successful clients utilize the services at JJC to grow from good to gold. - Accountability
A therapist helps you stay on track with personal goals. - Mindfulness and presence
Learn how to stay grounded and reduce overthinking. - Greater life satisfaction
As issues are addressed, overall well-being improves. - Support during crisis
Therapy is a lifeline when life throws you into chaos.
Is It Worth It?
Think about it this way: therapy may cost $100/hour, but what’s the cost of not going?
- Constant stress and burnout?
- Failing relationships?
- Unprocessed trauma?
- Lost productivity or purpose?
You’d spend money fixing your car, hiring a personal trainer, or upgrading your phone — why not invest in your mind and emotional well-being, which affect every area of your life? Before we discuss the costs associated with most therapy, consider these ten tips to save cash so you can spend it where you need it.
Small Ways to Cut Costs to Afford Therapy
If therapy feels out of reach financially, here are minor but effective ways to save that add up over time:
- Cut one takeout meal per week – Save $8–$50/week.
- Cancel unused subscriptions – Save $10-80/month.
- Brew your coffee at home – Saving $4–$8/day = $80–$150/month.
- Buy generic brands – Save $20-$50 per grocery trip.
- Use public transportation or carpool once a week – Save on gas.
- Sell unused items – Clothes, gadgets, books.
- Switch to a lower phone plan – Or negotiate your current one.
- Use therapy scholarships or funds – Local nonprofits may offer assistance.
- Ask your employer – Many offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) with free therapy sessions.
- Use HSA/FSA – You can often pay for therapy with pre-tax dollars.
With just a few adjustments, you could free up $100–$200/month — enough to afford at least biweekly therapy sessions or cover the cost of an online service.
The Real Cost of Therapy
Therapy costs vary widely depending on your location, the therapist’s credentials, the type of therapy, and whether or not you use insurance. Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Without insurance:
Expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $250+ per session in the U.S.
National average: $100–$150 per 50-minute session.
Joyful Journeys Counseling: $155 per 45-minute session. - With EAP coverage:
Costs are fully covered by your employer’s EAP company. - With insurance:
If your provider accepts insurance, your copay might range from $10 to $50. Some plans may cover 100% after your deductible is met. - Sliding scale therapists:
Many therapists offer sliding scale rates based on income, with sessions as low as $50–$90.
Weekly sessions would easily cost $400–$600/month if you’re paying out-of-pocket for a premium service with a private practice provider. Is it possible that therapy is more affordable than it seems?
Final Thoughts
Therapy understandably is not cheap. Still, the value exceeds its temporary price tag. Remember, with therapy, you are not signing a five or ten year contract. Many clients find value in working with a therapist over a year or more, but some find their needs met in under a year. Many clients at JJC come in with short-term goals and find a brief, solutions-focused orientation helps them navigate specific, acute issues. Whether you attend weekly, biweekly, or even monthly, making room for it in your budget can change your life. We have even had clients say therapy saved their life.
Even when money is tight, there are ways to cut back on small expenses or find low-cost options that make therapy more accessible.
Because at the end of the day, mental health is your foundation. Caring for it is a smart investment.
