Self-Pay Therapy for People Who Want Real Change
When you pay directly, your therapy is built around what you need. You choose your therapist by fit. You decide how often to meet. And when the work calls for it, you can have longer sessions, up to three hours, with a therapist who specializes in what you’re facing.
self-pay
What Is Self-Pay Therapy?
Self-pay therapy, also called private pay therapy, means you pay your therapist directly rather than having sessions billed to your insurance company.
For many clients, this approach offers greater control over their care. You can focus on finding the right therapist and treatment approach without limiting your options to providers who participate in your insurance network.
What You Get When You Pay Directly
- A therapist chosen for fit. We match you by specialty, method, and personality, not by who is in your network.
- Time to go deeper. Longer sessions and intensives, from 90 minutes to 3 hours, when the work calls for it.
- Specialized care that starts when you’re ready. EMDR helps painful memories stop feeling like they are happening now. IFS helps you understand the different “parts” of you.
- Superbills for regular sessions. Available for regular sessions with our fully licensed therapists. Not available for EMDR, intensives, or sessions with associates or interns.
- A range of therapist levels. Work with a supervised intern, an associate, or a fully licensed therapist.
How Self-Pay Therapy Works
1. Schedule a Free Consultation
Start with a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll talk about what you’re looking for and help determine which therapist may be the best fit.
2. Choose Your Therapist
You can select a therapist based on their specialties, experience, therapeutic approach, and what feels like the right fit for you.
3. Begin Your Therapy
Meet with your therapist and develop a treatment plan based on your goals. Depending on your needs, this may include regular weekly sessions, intensives, or another schedule that works for you.
4. Receive a Superbill if Needed
If you plan to seek reimbursement through out-of-network benefits, we’ll provide a superbill with the information you need to submit your claim to your insurance company. Superbills are for regular sessions with a fully licensed therapist; they aren’t available for EMDR, intensives, or for sessions with associate therapists or interns.
Pricing
Individual
$85-$250
Pricing varies based on credentialed therapists.
Couples & Families
$85-$375
Pricing varies based on credentialed therapists.
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked
Questions
What does self-pay therapy mean?
Self-pay therapy means you pay directly for your therapy sessions rather than having your therapist bill your insurance. It’s also commonly called private pay therapy.
Can I use my insurance with a self-pay therapist?
Potentially. If your insurance plan provides out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be able to submit a superbill and receive partial reimbursement. Check with your insurance company for details about your specific plan.
What is a superbill?
A superbill is a receipt or statement that includes information about your therapy services, which you can submit to your insurance company when seeking reimbursement for eligible out-of-network care. A superbill usually includes a diagnosis code. We’ll go over it with you before we send it.
Why do people choose private pay therapy?
Many people choose self-pay because it gives them more freedom to select their therapist, access specialized treatment, and build a treatment plan around their individual needs rather than insurance requirements.
Why not just use a therapist who takes insurance?
Some people do, and it can be a good choice. We take only a few plans (UnitedHealthcare/Optum, Cigna, and Aetna, depending on the therapist) so we can offer longer sessions, focused intensives, and therapists who specialize. Insurance can limit how long and how often you meet. If cost is your main worry, ask about our intern therapists, who offer lower rates.
Is self-pay therapy more expensive than using insurance?
Yes, at the start. You pay the full session fee at each visit. If your plan has out-of-network benefits, you can send in a superbill for regular sessions with a fully licensed therapist, and your insurance company may pay some of it back. Ask your insurance company what your plan covers.
How much does therapy cost?
Fees depend on your clinician’s level: graduate interns $85, associate therapists $110, licensed therapists $150 to $170, senior therapists $175 to $200, and Heidi Grover $225 to $250. See our fee page for couples, family and medication fees.
View more on our Fee Page ->
What to Know Before Going Self-Pay
Wondering if a therapy intensive is the right fit for you? This quick guide, “5 Signs a Therapy Intensive is Right for You,” can help you recognize when an intensive approach may be a helpful next step toward making meaningful progress.
Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. Make sure your provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your service. You can also ask your provider for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.
