How Much Does Therapy Truly Cost? (And How to Make it Worth it)

Therapy is often recommended as part of a holistic approach to bettering mental health. While outcomes are beneficial, it’s no secret that it can be pricey. But how much does therapy truly cost?

Of course, it depends on how often you go, your therapist’s experience level, and your insurance.

For treating mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, the recommended frequency is once a week to start, then switching to bi-weekly or monthly when coping skills are improving. For general wellness, once a month is typically sufficient.

On average, let’s say you go twice a month to a therapist who charges a rate of $220/hour.

2 sessions x $220 = $440/month. Yearly, this would equate to about $5280 dedicated to your mental health. However, this does not account for insurance!

Insurance plans in Canada can vary greatly, but the typical plan covers about $1000 per year for mental health services, bringing the total to $4000.

Of course, many therapists offer a “sliding scale,” reducing costs for those who need it. Similarly, newer therapists (who have still undergone extensive training to ensure you’re getting the best possible care) typically charge around $50 an hour.

At this price, the yearly cost of therapy (at 2 sessions per month) is only $ 1200 before insurance!

Some more good news: Many mental-health-related costs are tax-deductible. For example, any amount paid for a psychologist visit (that is NOT covered by insurance) is tax-deductible. For a full breakdown, check out our blog post here.

Whether you’re spending top dollar or helping a newer therapist gain experience, there are a few tips to make your sessions worth every penny.

1. Do your homework! Many types of therapy will suggest some work at home, such as tracking thoughts and behaviours, exposure therapy, and breathwork. By practicing these skills independently, you not only reduce the amount of time you need to come in, but also bolster what you learned in session.
2. Show up authentically. Granted, telling the full truth can be quite difficult for a variety of reasons. But the more you try to be honest with your therapist, the better they can help you.
3. Have an open mind. Again, a negative view towards treatments can creep in for many reasons. However, doing your best to head into sessions believing that therapy has benefits and that you will improve will help in the long run.
4. Take notes in between sessions. If you think of something you want to discuss, jot it down so you can get right to the point next session. That being said, it’s totally okay if, in some meetings, you’re not sure what to talk about or if your thoughts are a bit scattered.

At the end of the day, investing in your mental health is just as important as physical health. To discuss our reduced-rate options, book a consultation call here.