The Cost of Therapy

1. Training and expertise: Counselors typically have advanced degrees and specialized training that requires significant time, effort, and money. This investment in education and training is reflected in the fees that counselors charge.

2. Professional fees: Like any other profession, counselors have overhead costs such as rent, utilities, and insurance. They also need to maintain their licenses and continuing education requirements. These expenses contribute to the cost of counseling.

3. Limited insurance coverage: While some insurance plans do cover counseling, many do not, or have limited coverage. This means that individuals are often responsible for paying the full cost of counseling out of pocket.

4. Market demand: Counseling is a highly specialized and in-demand service, especially in certain areas or for certain types of therapy. This can lead to higher fees charged by counselors.

It is important to note that while counseling can be expensive, many counselors offer sliding scale fees or reduced rates for clients who cannot afford their regular fees. Additionally, some community mental health centers or non-profit organizations offer counseling services at lower cost or for free.

Yes, but where are my dollars going right now?

Understanding Counseling Fees

We know that investing in therapy is a big decision, and we want to be transparent about what goes into the cost of services. The reality is, running a counseling practice comes with a lot of expenses—from office space and licensing fees to continuing education and secure technology for telehealth.

Many therapists, including myself, struggle with the balance of charging fair rates while keeping therapy accessible. That’s why, whenever possible, we offer sliding scale options or scholarships to help those in need.

My goal is to provide quality care while keeping our services sustainable. If cost is a concern, let’s talk—we’ll do our best to find a solution that works for you!

Why Therapy Costs What It Does: A Behind-the-Scenes Look 

We know that paying for therapy is an investment, and we want you to feel confident and clear about where your money is going. Running a counseling practice involves much more than just the time spent in sessions. Here’s a breakdown of the behind-the-scenes expenses that go into making sure you get the best care possible:

• Electronic Health Records (EHR): We use secure systems to keep your information safe and organized, which requires ongoing costs and maintenance.
  
  

• Ongoing Education: To provide the best care, we stay current on new research and techniques. This includes required ethics training, specialized certifications, and licenses.
  
  

• Licensing & Insurance: Every state charges fees for licensing and renewals, and insurance is also essential for coverage.
  
  

• Payment Processing & Bookkeeping Software: These tools make it easy and secure for you to pay for services, and help us manage the practice efficiently.
  
  

• HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth Platforms: If we meet online, we use secure software to protect your privacy.
  
  

• Supervision & Community Involvement: Therapists participate in professional supervision and advocacy to ensure we maintain high-quality care and your rights to safe treatment.
  
  

• Administrative Tasks: There’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes, from answering emails to scheduling and billing, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
  
  

While I strive to keep therapy affordable and accessible, the reality is that maintaining a professional, well-supported practice involves ongoing expenses. I truly appreciate your investment in your mental health, and I'm committed to offering you the best care possible for your well-being.

If you have any questions about fees or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

For more information, visit another perspective on the matter here at: https://southseattleemerald.org/voices/2022/02/11/ask-a-therapist-why-is-therapy-so-expensive by Liz Covey LMHC