Online therapy costs range from approximately $60 to $110 per week for subscription-based platforms, or $85 to $200+ per individual session through pay-per-session providers. With insurance coverage, copays typically range from $15 to $50 per session, making virtual mental health care accessible for people across different budgets and circumstances.
Understanding the various pricing models, insurance considerations, and factors that influence cost can help you find affordable online therapy that fits both your mental health needs and financial situation.
Key Takeaways
Online therapy typically costs $60 to $110 per week through subscription platforms that include messaging and video sessions, while pay-per-session providers charge $85 to $200+ per session but are more likely to accept insurance with copays averaging $20 to $30.
Insurance coverage can significantly reduce online therapy costs, with many major providers now covering tele-mental health services the same as in-person care, though subscription platforms are less likely to accept insurance than traditional provider networks.
The type of therapy, provider credentials, and geographic location can influence pricing, with specialized services like couples therapy or psychiatric care costing more than standard individual therapy for depression or anxiety.
Average Costs by Therapy Type
The type of mental health service you need significantly affects the total cost of online therapy.
Individual Therapy
Standard one-on-one talk therapy for conditions like anxiety or depression represents the most common and competitively priced option.
Subscription platforms: $65 to $100 per week, approximately $260 to $400 per month
Pay-per-session providers: $100 to $180 per session on average
With insurance: $15 to $50 copay per session for in-network providers
Individual therapy sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes and focus on cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, or other evidence-based treatments tailored to your specific mental health concerns.
Couples Therapy
Relationship counseling requires more time and specialized training, which increases costs accordingly.
Subscription platforms: Approximately $109 per week, roughly $436 per month
Pay-per-session providers: $150 to $250 per session
Session length: Typically 60 to 90 minutes to allow both partners adequate time to participate.
The higher cost reflects the complexity of working with two individuals simultaneously and the specialized skills needed to navigate relationship dynamics effectively.
Teen and Adolescent Therapy
Mental health services for young people aged 13 to 19 have seen increasing demand in recent years.
Subscription platforms: $70 to $100 per week
Private practice: $120 to $200 per session
Additional costs: Some providers charge separately for parent check-ins, while subscription platforms may bundle these together.
Quality adolescent therapy often requires coordination with parents or guardians, which can affect the overall time commitment and cost structure.
Psychiatric Services
If you need medication management in addition to therapy, you'll work with a psychiatrist who is a medical doctor rather than just a counselor or therapist.
Initial psychiatric evaluation: $299+ for first diagnosis appointment
Follow-up visits: $129 to $175 per session for medication monitoring
Frequency: Typically every 1 to 3 months once medication is stabilized
Most subscription platforms treat psychiatry as an add-on service, meaning you would pay your regular therapy subscription plus additional fees for psychiatric care, plus medication costs at the pharmacy.
How Insurance Affects Online Therapy Costs
Insurance coverage represents one of the most significant factors in determining what you'll actually pay for online therapy services.
Insurance Coverage Rates
Under the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance plans must cover mental health care, including therapy. Many states have enacted telehealth parity laws requiring insurance companies to cover online therapy services the same way they cover in-person treatment.
Recent data suggests that insurance acceptance for online therapy has grown substantially:
Many major insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, now cover telehealth mental health services.
According to a 2023 industry report, with commercial health insurance, the average cost is $23 for an in-network visit and $53 for an out-of-network visit.
Subscription Platforms vs. Insurance-accepting Providers
There's an important distinction between subscription-based therapy apps and traditional provider networks:
Subscription platforms historically accepted limited insurance, though this is changing. Some now partner with specific insurers or offer options for insurance reimbursement, but many still operate primarily as out-of-pocket services.
Pay-per-session providers who offer online therapy through traditional practice models are much more likely to accept insurance and be in-network with major providers. These therapists typically charge the same rates for online and in-person sessions.
Maximizing Insurance Benefits
To get the most value from your insurance coverage for online therapy:
Check your specific plan's mental health benefits, including copay amounts, deductible requirements, and session limits.
Verify whether the provider or platform is in-network with your insurance carrier.
Ask about prior authorization requirements for mental health services.
Keep records of all sessions and payments for potential reimbursement claims.
Consider whether using your insurance is worth the trade-off of having mental health diagnoses in your medical records.
Some people choose to pay out-of-pocket even when they have insurance to maintain greater privacy, avoid diagnostic requirements, or work with out-of-network providers they prefer.
Factors That Influence Online Therapy Pricing
Several variables beyond the basic pricing model affect what you'll ultimately pay for virtual mental health services.
Provider Credentials and Experience
Therapist qualifications significantly impact session rates:
Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) and licensed professional counselors (LPC) typically charge at the lower end of the range.
Licensed psychologists with doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) usually charge higher rates, reflecting their extensive training.
Psychiatrists (medical doctors) command the highest fees due to their ability to prescribe medications and medical training.
Therapists with specialized training with additional certifications in specific treatment approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), or eating disorder treatment often charge premium rates.
More experienced therapists with established practices generally charge more than newly licensed professionals, though this doesn't necessarily mean better outcomes for all patients.
Geographic Location
Even though online therapy removes physical barriers, location still affects pricing because therapists must be licensed in the state where you're located during sessions.
Research analyzing therapy costs across all 50 states found significant regional variation:
Highest average costs: North Dakota ($227 per session), South Dakota ($201), Washington D.C. ($172), Oregon ($162), and New York ($160)
Lowest average costs: Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Missouri (all under $130 per session)
The cost disparity stems from provider scarcity in some regions rather than just the cost of living. States with one therapist per 5,000+ residents tend to have significantly higher rates regardless of overall affluence.
Treatment Specialization
Therapists who specialize in treating specific conditions often charge more but bring focused expertise. This includes:
Trauma and PTSD treatment
Eating disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders
Substance use disorders
Personality disorders
Complex family therapy
While specialized care typically costs more, it may lead to better outcomes and potentially shorter treatment duration for complex conditions.
Session Format and Frequency
How you interact with your therapist affects the overall cost structure:
Video sessions: Typically the most expensive format, offering the closest experience to in-person therapy.
Phone sessions: Often priced the same as video but may be slightly less in some cases.
Messaging-only plans: The least expensive option, usually $50 to $70 per week, though they lack real-time interaction.
Session frequency: Weekly sessions are standard, but some people benefit from twice-weekly sessions during acute periods (increasing costs), or biweekly sessions once stabilized (reducing costs).
Accessing Mental Health Care Online
If mental health concerns are affecting your mood, relationships, or daily life, professional support can help you better understand your experiences and develop healthier coping strategies. Virtual mental health care makes it easier than ever to connect with experienced providers from the comfort of home.
At Blossom Health, we connect you with board-certified psychiatrists who offer comprehensive mental health care tailored to your needs. Our providers work with you to identify challenges, explore evidence-based treatment options, and support lasting emotional well-being—often covered by your in-network insurance. Visit Blossom Health to schedule your first appointment and take the first step toward improved balance and well-being.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
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