How much does therapy cost in Denver?

Finding the right therapist can feel like a challenge. One of the things you’ll have to consider is how much you can afford to pay for a therapist in Denver.

The cost for counseling in Denver can vary and there are a few things you should consider such as:

• How much does seeing a therapist cost? 
• Is a therapist covered by insurance?
• Is therapy worth the cost?
• How much should you pay for therapy?

The cost for a therapist in Denver can range from $60 – $200 for a forty five minute session. That can be a big difference on your finances depending on how often and how long you attend therapy.

The average price you should expect to pay out of pocket for a therapist in Denver is about $100-$150 per session.

So what makes the difference?

How much should I pay for therapy in Denver?

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase “you get what you pay for.” Is that true for therapy too?

Like any service you pay for, the cost will depend on how valuable of a service is provided. A therapist that charges a higher fee should have more training, experience, or skill to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask your therapist these types of questions.

There’s nothing wrong with seeing a younger or less experienced therapist. They can still provide great counseling, and they will probably be able to offer a lower fee for their service.

If you’re looking for someone that specializes in a less common problem, or you’re looking for the best therapist in Denver you may end up paying a higher fee. 

When deciding how much you should pay for counseling in Denver it’s important to consider more than just the cost.

The most important part of good therapy is finding a therapist that makes you feel comfortable. You want to make sure you feel safe sitting and talking with this person.

A great therapist that charges a higher fee for their service might not be the best fit for you.

To learn more about finding a therapist you can check out another article I wrote on how to find the right therapist.

The cost of therapy will depend on how valuable of a service your therapist can provide.

Is a therapist covered by insurance?

There is a growing awareness of the importance of good mental health. Many insurance companies offer mental health coverage as part of health insurance.

What your insurance will cover for mental health services will depend on the insurance company and plan you’re under.

When using your health insurance to see a mental health professional your options might be a little more limited. Only certain therapists can accept your insurance.

Some insurance providers will reimburse you to see an “out of network therapist.” This means that you can find your own therapist who doesn’t accept your insurance, you pay for therapy yourself, and your insurance company will pay you back. 

Check with your insurance provider about what they will cover before you begin working with a therapist because every insurance company is different.

Should I pay out of pocket for a Denver therapist?

Some therapists in Denver are out of network providers. This means they aren’t on an insurance panel and you have to pay out of your own pocket for their services.

There are a few reasons you might pay a therapist out of pocket. The most obvious is if you don’t currently have health insurance. Your only option might be paying for counseling services yourself. 

Perhaps you have health insurance but there’s a high deductible you have to pay. In this case it might make more sense financially to avoid insurance and just pay for the counseling yourself.

Using your insurance for mental health services requires your therapist to write a diagnosis to let the insurance company know why you’re seeking treatment. Perhaps you don’t want to give this information to your insurance company or employer.

In this case you might choose to pay your therapist yourself and your insurance or employer never has to know.

Is therapy worth the cost?

How do you know if therapy is worth the cost?

I always encourage my clients to talk with friends or family members who’ve gone through therapy to learn about their experience.

It’s normal to feel some anxiety about seeing a therapist. Therapy is a very unique experience. There aren’t very many relationships in your life where you share such personal details about your thoughts and emotions.

The benefit of seeing a therapist is that you can talk with someone who is very objective in your life. A therapist’s job is not to judge you in any way, but to offer you support and guidance.

Working with a therapist is similar to working with your medical doctor. When you’re body is sick you work with your doctor to get healthier. When your emotions and mind don’t feel well a therapist can help you get healthier.

What is sliding scale therapy?

Some therapists might offer sliding scale. A sliding scale means the price your therapist charges you will depend on your income or how much you can afford to pay for therapy services.

Offering reduced fees or sliding scales depends on your therapist. Many therapists have a limited number of clients they will see for a lower fee.

Some clinics and agencies are designed for low income individuals and families. These types of clinics might be mental health facilities run by the state or government organizations.

Often times schools or training organizations will offer sliding scale fees for therapy to work with a therapist in training. This is a great option if you can’t afford to pay a full fee for therapy.