Have you ever thought about seeing a therapist , but worry that it would be too costly?

Understanding how therapy is paid for can be a necessary part of starting your therapy journey. Therapy can be paid for in several different ways.

Medicare is a federal insurance program that most people automatically receive when they turn 65 years old or they have been deemed disabled by Social Security for at least two years. Historically, the only type of therapists that were allowed to bill Medicare were licensed clinical social workers. The government recently passed a law to allow other types of therapists to take Medicare, but many are working on getting credentialed to do so. If you can find a therapist who is credentialed as an LCSW there is a good chance your Medicare will pay for therapy.

Are you on Medicaid? Medicaid is a state health insurance program that is often free for kids, families and people with low income. To find out if you qualify, call your local Medicaid office. If you are on Medicaid, Medicaid usually pays at a rate of 100% for therapy visits. You just need to find out if your therapist or choice accepts Medicaid before you go. This can be found on their website or simply ask them!

Do you have employer sponsored health insurance? Most plans cover therapy. However, stay aware that some people have what is known as a deductible. A deductible is the amount you have to pay before the insurance will start covering doctors, therapists etc. you can find out if you have met your deductible for the year by calling your insurance. Some people don’t have a deductible, they only have a copay. The copay is the amount you will be charged each time you go to therapy and insurance will cover the rest as long as your therapist accepts your plan.

Do you have an EAP plan at work? This stands for employee assistance program. Many companies have a plan like this where you can get free therapy for 3–6 sessions. To find out if your company has this kind of plan, ask the Human Resources department. They are required to keep inquiries confidential.

If none of these options work for you, you have the option to pay privately. Some therapists offer payment plans. The cost of a therapy session can usually range anywhere from 75 dollars to 250 dollars per hour, but the average rate is around 130. In the case of therapists who accept private pay, a Health savings card can cover the sessions. Many therapists also create what is known as a “super bill.” This is a bill you can take to your insurance company, and many times the insurance company will reimburse you for the service.

If none of these are an option you can contact a local community mental health clinic to see about getting a sliding scale fee.