Therapy Costs
How Much Does Therapy Cost?
Without insurance, therapy typically costs $100 to $300 per session. With Medicare, most Total Life patients pay $0. The right insurance plan, or the right platform, can eliminate the cost of therapy almost entirely.
Quick Reference
Therapy cost at a glance.
Private pay (no insurance)
$100 to $300
per session
National average for a 50-minute session with a licensed therapist.
Sliding scale
$30 to $80
per session
Income-based pricing offered by some therapists and community health centers.
With Medicare (Part B)
$0 to $50
per session
After your annual deductible. With a Medigap supplement plan, most members pay $0.
With Medicare Advantage
$0 to $30
per session
Many Advantage plans offer low or $0 copays for mental health visits.
Without Insurance
How much is therapy without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of therapy depends on the therapist's credentials, location, and setting. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the national average cost for a 50-minute individual therapy session ranges from $100 to $300 when paid out of pocket.
Therapists in high-cost cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles often charge $200 to $300 per session. Therapists in rural or lower-cost areas may charge $75 to $150. Online therapy platforms often price lower than in-person therapy, with some starting around $60 to $100 per session without insurance.
Some therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income, reducing the cost to $30 to $80 per session. Community mental health centers may offer free or very low-cost therapy, though waitlists can be long.
With Medicare
How much does therapy cost with Medicare?
Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health therapy at 80% of the Medicare-approved amount, after you meet your annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2024, per Medicare.gov). You are responsible for the remaining 20%.
If you have a Medigap (Medicare supplement) plan, that 20% is typically covered by your supplement policy, making most sessions $0 out of pocket. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans vary, but many offer mental health benefits at $0 to $30 per session depending on the plan.
Dual-eligible members (those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid) typically pay $0 per session with no deductible. Total Life serves dual-eligible members in all states where the program is available.
Most Total Life members with Medicare pay $0 per session. We confirm your exact cost, including deductible status and copay, before your first appointment at no charge. See our Medicare therapy guide for more detail.
Private Insurance
How much does therapy cost with private insurance?
With private insurance, therapy costs depend on your plan's deductible, copay, and whether your therapist is in-network. Most plans that cover mental health (required under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act) charge a copay of $20 to $60 per session after your deductible is met.
Total Life accepts Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and BlueCross BlueShield in most states. Before your first session, we verify your in-network status, deductible, and copay so you know your exact cost. See our insurance coverage guide for a full breakdown by plan type.
Reduce Your Cost
How to reduce the cost of therapy.
Use Medicare if you qualify
Adults 65 and older are covered by Medicare Part B for outpatient therapy. Most members with a supplement plan pay $0. If you are not yet enrolled, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Use your private insurance
Check whether your plan covers therapy by calling member services or using Total Life's free coverage verification. Using in-network therapists keeps your cost to the copay only.
Choose a platform that handles billing
Platforms like Total Life handle all insurance credentialing, billing, and claims on your behalf. You never pay upfront and never submit your own claims.
Ask about sliding scale fees
Many licensed therapists offer reduced rates based on income. Ask directly when contacting a therapist. Community health centers may also offer free or very low-cost therapy.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions.
How much does therapy cost per session? +
Without insurance, therapy costs $100 to $300 per session on average. With Medicare, most Total Life patients pay $0. With private insurance, costs typically range from a $20 to $60 copay after your deductible is met.
How much is therapy without insurance? +
The national average for a 50-minute therapy session without insurance is $100 to $300. Costs vary by therapist credentials, location, and setting. Online therapy through platforms like Total Life may be available at lower rates.
Does Medicare cover 100% of therapy costs? +
Medicare Part B covers 80% of therapy costs after your annual deductible. If you have a Medigap supplement plan, the remaining 20% is typically covered, making your total cost $0. Medicare Advantage plans may offer $0 copays depending on the plan.
How much does online therapy cost? +
Online therapy through Total Life is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans at the same rate as in-person therapy. Most Medicare members pay $0. Private insurance members typically pay a standard copay. Total Life verifies your cost before your first session.
What is the cheapest way to get therapy? +
The cheapest way to get therapy depends on your situation. If you have Medicare, a Medicare-enrolled platform like Total Life is often $0. Community mental health centers offer free or low-cost therapy based on income. Sliding scale therapists reduce rates for lower-income clients.
Most Total Life patients pay $0. Check your coverage in 90 seconds.
Licensed therapists. Medicare covered. Senior-specialized. Available by phone or video.
Check My CoverageSources: AAFP | NIH | CMS.gov | Medicare.gov