How Much Is Therapy Without Insurance in Illinois?
Takeaway: On average, therapy in Illinois costs $30-$250 per session without insurance. However, the exact cost can vary based on factors like the type of therapy you're looking for and how you choose to pay. Here, we'll break down average rates, what exactly influences costs, and practical ways to find affordable support.
Worried about the cost of therapy without insurance? You’re not alone. Many people hesitate to seek help because they assume therapy is too expensive. And while the cost can, unfortunately, be a barrier to accessing mental health services, the truth is that there are plenty of ways to make it more affordable.
At Feel Good Counseling Center, we're committed to making mental health treatment as accessible as possible. That's why we accept a variety of different payment options and even offer sliding scale fees to those who qualify.
In this guide, we'll share insights into the cost of therapy, explain how you can find affordable options, and explore different ways to pay for care. Plus, we'll offer our expert take on why the investment in therapy tends to be worth it.
Let's dive in.
What’s the average cost of therapy in Illinois without insurance?
While the exact cost of mental health services can vary from provider to provider, it can still be helpful to get a ballpark price so you know what to expect. Here, we've taken averages from 25 private practice therapists in Illinois in each service category so you can have straightforward information about the cost of therapy without insurance.
| Type of Therapy | Average Cost per Session Without Insurance |
|---|---|
| Individual Therapy | $163 |
| Couples & Family Therapy | $168 |
| Child & Teen Therapy | $156 |
| Group Therapy | $70 |
Remember, these figures aren't intended to reflect the rates of any one particular mental health professional or practice. They're averages that are meant to offer some context about the cost of mental health services in Illinois.
If you have questions about what you'll pay out of pocket, it's always best to contact a therapist directly.
Factors that affect therapy costs
The cost of therapy can come as a surprise for many people, especially those who are new to therapy, and even more so for those who don't have insurance. Here, we'll shed some light on the factors that influence therapy costs in Illinois (and elsewhere) so you can better understand your investment.
Professional qualifications and certifications
Therapists' rates often reflect their extensive education and specialized training. For example, clinicians offering advanced treatments like EMDR therapy must complete additional certification programs and maintain ongoing supervision. These specialized qualifications typically command higher fees, as they require skills that go beyond standard therapeutic approaches.
Type of therapy service
The type of therapy you're looking for plays a significant role in the cost. For example, couples or family therapy sessions generally have higher price points than individual therapy due to the increased complexity of navigating multiple perspectives and relationships. Group therapy sessions tend to be more affordable than private appointments, though they offer a different therapeutic experience.
Regional differences
Therapy costs can vary significantly across Illinois. Practices in the heart of Chicago or other urban areas often have higher rates due to increased operating expenses, while suburban and rural providers might offer more affordable (yet still high-quality) options. Local market conditions, including provider availability, can also influence how therapists structure their fees throughout the state.
How to make therapy more affordable without insurance
If the cost of therapy feels overwhelming, there are several ways to lower expenses while still getting quality care. Here are some practical ways to make mental health treatment a bit more affordable.
Find a provider who offers sliding scale fees
Many therapy practices (including ours) offer sliding scale fees, which means they adjust the cost of each session based on your income. This can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Just remember that these rates are often income-dependent, and many therapists have a limited number of reduced-rate spots available.
Consider group therapy
Group therapy is one of the most affordable ways to receive mental health support, with sessions often costing significantly less than individual, couples, or family therapy. Led by qualified therapists, group therapy provides a supportive space to work through challenges while connecting with others facing similar struggles, making it a great option for people who are looking for both therapy and peer support.
Work with an intern or associate therapist
Working with a therapy intern or associate can be a budget-friendly way to access professional mental health counseling. Interns are graduate students completing their supervised clinical training, while associates are early-career therapists working toward full licensure. Since they are still gaining experience, their rates are often much lower. However, they're supervised by experienced therapists, ensuring that you receive high-quality care at a fraction of the cost.
Look into your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Some workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which provide short-term mental health support for free or at a reduced cost. EAPs typically cover a set number of sessions (often 3–6) with a licensed therapist, and in some cases, they can help connect you with long-term care options. If you’re employed, check with your HR department to see if this benefit is available.
Paying for therapy without insurance
Once you've found the right option for you, there's still the issue of actually paying for it. Here are some ways that you can pay for therapy (without mental health benefits) that you might not have considered.
Monthly payment plans
Some therapy practices may allow you to pay for sessions in installments rather than all at once. This can be especially helpful if you need ongoing care but can't afford to pay upfront each week. Payment plans vary by provider, so it's worth asking if your therapist offers this option.
Health savings accounts (HSA) & flexible spending accounts (FSA)
If you have an HSA or FSA through your employer, you may be able to use those pre-tax funds to pay for therapy. Again, this can vary from practice to practice, but many mental health providers accept HSA/FSA payments.
Financial aid for marginalized groups
Certain organizations offer grants or financial aid to help marginalized groups access therapy. These grants may be available for BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ communities, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence, among others. Some nonprofit organizations and mental health initiatives specifically allocate funds to reduce barriers to care. Websites like Free Black Therapy and the Loveland Foundation provide financial assistance or direct people to affordable therapy resources.
How to find affordable mental health care in Illinois
If you're looking for therapy without health insurance, knowing where to search and what to ask can make a big difference. Here are some strategies to help you find affordable therapy care in Illinois.
How to search for low-cost therapy
Finding a therapist who fits your budget starts with knowing where to look. Here are some resources to help:
Therapy directories: Most directories, like Psychology Today or TherapyDen, allow you to filter therapists by affordability, sliding scale options, and specialties.
Nonprofit & community mental health centers: Many nonprofit organizations and local clinics provide therapy at reduced rates or even free for qualifying individuals.
University counseling programs: Check if local universities with psychology or social work programs offer low-cost sessions with therapists-in-training.
Consider our practice: At Feel Good Counseling Center, we believe everyone should have access to quality mental health care. That's why we offer financial assistance to those who qualify.
Questions to ask a therapist about cost
Once you find a potential therapist, don’t hesitate to ask about pricing options before booking a session. Here are some key questions:
Do you offer sliding scale fees based on income?
Do you have lower-cost sessions with interns or associates?
Do you offer payment plans to help spread out the cost?
Are there any grants, scholarships, or financial aid options available?
Do you offer group therapy sessions?
By taking the time to research and ask the right questions, you can find a therapist who fits both your needs and your budget.
Why investing in therapy is worth it
While the financial commitment can feel daunting, the investment is often worth it. As therapists ourselves, we've seen firsthand how impactful prioritizing your mental health can be.
Here are just a few ways that therapy can help:
Improved relationships. Research shows that couples counseling can increase intimacy—physical, emotional, sexual, and more—in romantic relationships.
Reduced trauma symptoms. This study demonstrates how virtual EMDR therapy can help people experience a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms.
Reduce anxiety. Research (like this study with youth) shows that therapy can have long-term benefits for people with anxiety.
Investing in therapy now can also lead to cost savings over time. According to the European Association for Psychotherapy, engaging in therapy is associated with fewer visits with a primary care physician and fewer hospitalizations, leading to a 17% reduction in overall healthcare costs compared to those who don't attend therapy.
Final thoughts
Therapy without insurance in Illinois may seem expensive at first, but there are plenty of ways to make it more accessible. While cost can be a barrier, investing in your mental health is one of the best decisions you can make—improving not just your emotional well-being but your relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
If you're seeking therapy, don't let cost hold you back. At Feel Good Counseling Center, we're committed to making mental health care financially accessible for everyone. Whether you're experiencing mental health concerns like anxiety or depression, want to improve your relationship, or looking for care for your child or teen, we're here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our financial assistance program and start your therapy journey.
