How Much Do Online Therapy Sessions Cost?

How Much Do Online Therapy Sessions Cost?

By Teresa Robinson
|
April 27, 2023

Photo Courtesy: Adobe Images

Online therapy sessions may be significantly cheaper than in-person visits, yet it's essential that you understand their costs before signing up. Also be mindful if your budget limits your participation - an online therapist might still be an option.

Cost of online therapy varies based on several factors, including experience, location and specialty of your therapist. Some offer sliding scale rates based on your income level for session fees that adjust automatically each session.

Costs for individual sessions

Online therapy has become an increasingly cost-effective solution to mental health care needs, but before searching for one it's crucial that you understand all associated costs.

Cost of online sessions with therapists varies based on service type and location. Sessions with licensed therapists may cost per session or you could purchase a monthly bundle that includes 30-minute sessions, self-study guides, and unlimited messaging with one dedicated therapist.

Calmerry app, for instance, costs \$57 weekly and allows unlimited text and video messaging between you and your therapist.

Online sessions may be less costly than in-person ones, but their effectiveness can suffer without an excellent internet connection. Furthermore, it is wise to limit distractions like noise, other people and phones during therapy sessions for maximum effect.

Costs for couples sessions

Couples looking for relationship counseling but unable to attend in-person sessions should consider online therapy sessions as an option. Online sessions provide all of the same advantages of traditional in-person ones, including access to a qualified therapist and support from a trained professional who can assist them with any relationship problems they are experiencing.

Cost of online therapy varies considerably based on your needs and services provided by each provider, for instance Talkspace offers four 45-minute live video sessions each month as well as unlimited messaging between you and your therapist for only \$79 weekly.

These expenses may not be within everyone's financial means, so if this is an issue for you, seek financial aid as a means of reducing price.

ReGain, owned by BetterHelp, is the world's premier online couples counseling platform with over 10,000 licensed therapists available to assist couples with improving their relationships. Furthermore, ReGain offers multiple therapeutic modalities and offers a free trial period.

Costs for family sessions

When searching online for family therapy services, it's essential to keep both budget and insurance considerations in mind. Some services charge one-time fees while others may offer subscription plans.

As well as cost, it's also important to evaluate a provider's process for selecting their therapist and communication methods; some use text messaging or live video conferencing while others take a hybrid approach.

Make sure that the service accepts your insurance plan, and what your co-pays are. Also ensure your therapist has experience dealing with family issues.

If you're seeking online therapy services, it's essential that you select a reputable company with high customer satisfaction ratings. Some of the top companies provide access to therapists with various specializations - they can assist with everything from mental health and substance abuse issues, relationship troubles and intimacy concerns, right through to providing one who fits perfectly for your personal needs.

Costs for group sessions

Online group therapy can be an excellent treatment option for many mental health conditions, and is often less expensive and more convenient compared to individual sessions if you live in an area without many mental health services or have time constraints.

Group therapy is typically led by a licensed professional and uses techniques like group discussions and exercises to build stronger relationships and reduce stress. Members of the group can share experiences while providing each other support, developing new coping mechanisms and learning from one another's experiences.

Some online therapy platforms accept insurance plans, which may help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Before making this decision, be sure to contact your insurance provider and determine your copay for mental health services.

BetterHelp offers online therapy sessions starting at \$60 per week - about half the cost of in-person sessions. Their platform boasts over 20,000 licensed therapists who specialize in various types of therapy (group and individual sessions, among others) and after completing a short questionnaire an algorithm matches you with one that best meets your needs.