How Much Does Therapy Cost in Chicago?
Takeaway: The cost of therapy in Chicago varies based on factors like the type of therapy you’re looking for, your therapist’s expertise, and more. In this post, we’ll explain the average cost of a counseling session in Chicago and explore whether it’s worth it so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Starting therapy involves many important considerations, and for most Chicagoland residents, cost is at the top of that list. Beyond finding the right therapeutic match and aligning on logistics like scheduling availability the financial investment can significantly impact your decision to seek mental health support.
As an experienced therapist in Chicago, I've noticed that pricing uncertainty often prevents people from taking that initial step. While therapy costs vary from practice to practice, many prospective clients find it challenging to get clear, upfront information about what to expect.
That's why I created this guide. Here, my goal is to break down the costs of therapy across Chicago's metropolitan area. We'll examine typical session rates, explore the factors that influence pricing, and discuss various payment options available to Chicago residents.
My goal is to provide straightforward information about therapy costs in Chicago, removing some of the mystery from the process. Understanding the financial aspect of therapy can help you make an informed decision about your mental health care.
Let's dive in.
What’s the average cost of mental health services in Chicago?
Therapy in Chicago generally costs between $70-$275 per session.
These price ranges reflect current market data, but individual therapy costs in Chicago can fall outside these averages depending on several key factors we'll discuss below.
To provide a clearer picture, I analyzed the rates of 25 therapists offering different therapy services across Chicago. While these figures represent averages rather than specific providers' rates, they offer a baseline understanding of therapy costs throughout the city. Keep in mind that factors like specialization, experience level, and practice location can all influence a therapist's fee structure.
| Type of Therapy | Average Cost of a Therapy Session |
|---|---|
| Individual therapy | $155 |
| Couples therapy | $162 |
| Group therapy | $46 |
Again, these rates are averages and don't reflect the rates of any one particular provider. It's always best to reach out to a practice directly if you want more information about their fees.
Does in-person therapy in Chicago cost the same as online therapy?
With the growing popularity of online therapy, it's natural to wonder about potential cost differences between virtual sessions and traditional in-person therapy. Like the cost of therapy in general, this information isn't always straightforward, and several factors influence pricing across both formats.
Generally, Chicago-based private practitioners charge similar rates whether they're meeting clients in-office or through a secure video platform. This consistency reflects the equal time, expertise, and care provided in both settings.
However, larger nationwide telehealth platforms often offer lower rates through subscription models and higher-volume practices. While online therapy through these platforms may be more affordable through these providers, it's important to consider the trade-offs.
With local private practices, you're not just a number. Living and working in the same community, we truly care about each one of our clients and are committed to providing excellent mental health services. We're more familiar with Chicago-specific resources and can provide referrals within the local healthcare network. As a bonus, we also offer the flexibility to seamlessly transition between in-person and virtual visits based on your needs.
Why is therapy so expensive?
Many first-time therapy seekers experience sticker shock when researching mental health services. Understanding the various elements that contribute to therapy costs in the Chicagoland area can help shed some light on the "why" behind the cost.
Specialized training and expertise
Different therapeutic approaches require specific certifications and ongoing education. For instance, therapists offering specialized treatments like EMDR invest significant time and resources in advanced training and supervision. This expertise is often reflected in their session rates, as these evidence-based treatments require additional skills beyond traditional talk therapy.
Session format and duration
Pricing is also influenced by the type of therapy service you're seeking. Couples counseling and family therapy typically come with higher rates than individual sessions due to the complexity of managing multiple relationships and perspectives. Process groups, which aren't as in-depth as one-on-one therapy sessions, generally cost less than traditional sessions.
Chicago market factors
Location plays a crucial role in therapy pricing throughout Chicago. Practitioners in in-demand areas may charge higher rates as a result of higher overhead costs. Meanwhile, practices in outlying neighborhoods might offer more moderate pricing while maintaining the same quality of care. Insurance networks and local competition also influence fee structures across different parts of the city.
Is therapy worth it?
While cost is a major factor to consider, the value of therapy goes beyond the financial investment. Working with a mental health professional can have significant short- and long-term benefits for your well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Through my years of providing therapy, I've seen firsthand how impactful the process can be. I've witnessed countless clients heal from painful experiences, navigate challenging times and come out stronger on the other side, and reach goals that they thought may be impossible.
The benefits of therapy are also backed by research:
This literature review highlights how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with anxiety, ADHD, depression, eating disorders, and more.
This study explores how emotionally-focused therapy, a form of couples therapy, can help partners increase intimacy in their relationship.
This study demonstrates how therapy can help improve adults' self-esteem.
These are just a few examples of how therapy may be able to help you and your loved ones.
How can I pay for therapy?
Thinking of taking the next step? Understanding your payment options can help you access the care you need while managing costs effectively. Here are the main ways that people pay for therapy in Chicago.
Health insurance coverage: Review your plan's mental health benefits carefully before starting therapy. Check both in-network and out-of-network benefits, paying particular attention to copayments, deductibles, and session limits.
Direct payment: While paying out-of-pocket may seem costly initially, it also has some advantages. Paying directly can give you a wider range of therapists to choose from, allows you to maintain complete confidentiality from insurance providers, and can help you avoid a formal diagnosis if you prefer.
Health savings accounts (HSAs) and FSAs: These tax-advantaged accounts can cover therapy expenses, regardless of whether you're using insurance. While employers often sponsor these accounts, some banks also offer individual account options.
Employee assistance programs: Many major employers provide EAPs that include confidential mental health services. These typically offer a few complimentary sessions and can serve as an entry point for ongoing care.
Community mental health centers: Some community mental health agencies offer reduced-rate therapy based on income. These centers often accept various insurance plans, including Medicaid, and provide diverse treatment options.
Training clinics: Many universities with counseling programs often provide reduced-cost services through supervised graduate clinicians. Current students at these institutions may qualify for free counseling through campus health services.
Understanding these payment options can help you take the next step—whether that's calling your insurance company, reaching out to a local clinic, or contacting a practice to discuss fees and payment arrangements.
Investing in mental health care at Feel Good Counseling Center
At Feel Good Counseling Center, we value making therapy as accessible as possible. That's why we accept insurance, including:
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
Aetna Better Health
AllKids
Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Health
County Care
Meridian
Molina
Straight Medicaid
If you don't have one of these plans, you may also be able to use our out-of-network insurance benefits to work with us. We also offer a select number of sliding scale spots to those who qualify.
You can learn more about our fees and payment options here.
Final thoughts on the cost of therapy in Chicago
Trying to figure out how much therapy costs can be confusing and overwhelming, but hopefully, you've gained some valuable information from this post.
If you still have questions, or if you're ready to take the next step, we encourage you to reach out.
As a robust counseling center in the Chicagoland area, we offer a wide variety of services for all members of the family. From one-on-one sessions to couples and family therapy to group sessions, we can help you and your loved ones navigate mental health issues, life challenges, relationship problems, and more. Our diverse team offers therapy in seven languages so you can find the best fit for you.
Contact us today to request an appointment with one of our clinicians. We look forward to meeting you and supporting you!
