How Much Does Therapy Cost in 2026? A City-by-City Breakdown

One of the biggest questions people have when considering therapy is: how much does it actually cost? The answer varies widely depending on where you live, what type of provider you see, and whether you use insurance.

This guide breaks down average therapy costs across major US cities in 2026, plus strategies to make therapy more affordable.

Average Therapy Costs in 2026

Nationally, the average cost of a therapy session in 2026 ranges from $100 to $250 per session without insurance. Here's what you can expect to pay in different cities:

High-Cost Cities ($175–$300+ per session)

New York, NY — $200–$350 per session. Manhattan therapists tend to be at the higher end, while outer boroughs may be slightly lower.
San Francisco, CA — $200–$325 per session. The Bay Area is one of the most expensive markets for therapy.
Los Angeles, CA — $175–$300 per session. Wide range depending on neighborhood and provider type.
Boston, MA — $175–$300 per session.
Seattle, WA — $175–$275 per session.
San Jose, CA — $180–$300 per session.
San Diego, CA — $160–$275 per session.

Mid-Range Cities ($125–$200 per session)

Chicago, IL — $130–$225 per session.
Denver, CO — $130–$220 per session.
Portland, OR — $125–$200 per session.
Austin, TX — $120–$200 per session.
Miami, FL — $125–$225 per session.
Atlanta, GA — $120–$200 per session.
Minneapolis, MN — $120–$200 per session.
Nashville, TN — $120–$200 per session.
Philadelphia, PA — $130–$225 per session.

More Affordable Cities ($100–$175 per session)

Houston, TX — $100–$180 per session.
Dallas, TX — $100–$185 per session.
San Antonio, TX — $90–$170 per session.
Phoenix, AZ — $100–$175 per session.
Columbus, OH — $100–$170 per session.
Indianapolis, IN — $90–$165 per session.
Charlotte, NC — $100–$175 per session.
Jacksonville, FL — $90–$170 per session.
Fort Worth, TX — $95–$170 per session.
Pittsburgh, PA — $100–$175 per session.

What Affects the Cost of Therapy?

Several factors influence how much you'll pay:

Provider type: Psychiatrists ($200–$500) cost more than psychologists ($150–$300), who typically cost more than counselors/therapists ($100–$200). See our comparison guide for details.
Location: Therapy in major coastal cities costs significantly more than in the Midwest or South.
Experience level: Therapists with 20+ years of experience typically charge more than those who are newly licensed.
Specialization: Specialists in areas like EMDR, eating disorders, or OCD may charge higher rates due to specialized training.
Session length: Standard sessions are 45–50 minutes. Extended sessions (80–90 minutes) cost more.
In-person vs online: Online therapy is sometimes slightly cheaper, though many therapists charge the same rate for both.

How Insurance Affects Therapy Costs

With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost for therapy is typically much lower:

In-network copay: $20–$50 per session (after deductible is met)
Out-of-network: Your plan may reimburse 50–80% of the session cost after the deductible
Deductible: You'll pay full price until your deductible is met (often $500–$2,000 for individual plans)

Major insurance providers that cover therapy include:

For a deep dive into insurance coverage, read our guide on Does Insurance Cover Therapy?

Ways to Make Therapy More Affordable

Use your insurance: Even if your preferred therapist is out-of-network, you may get partial reimbursement through out-of-network benefits.
Ask about sliding scale: Many therapists adjust their rates based on income. Don't be afraid to ask.
Community mental health centers: Offer reduced-cost or free therapy based on ability to pay.
University training clinics: Graduate students in training provide therapy at $20–$60 per session under licensed supervision.
Online therapy platforms: Services like BetterHelp ($65–$100/week) and Talkspace provide more affordable options.
HSA/FSA accounts: Therapy qualifies as a medical expense — use pre-tax dollars from your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Many employers offer 3–8 free therapy sessions through an EAP. Ask your HR department.

Is Therapy Worth the Cost?

While therapy is an investment, the return is significant. Research shows that effective therapy can:

Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Improve relationships and communication
Increase productivity at work
Reduce healthcare costs long-term by addressing problems early
Improve overall quality of life and well-being

Many people find that weekly therapy for 3–6 months creates lasting change. Some continue longer; others return as needed.

Find Affordable Therapists Near You

Use TherapistScore to browse licensed therapists in your city and filter by insurance to find providers who work with your plan. Start your search today: