How Much Does a Therapist Cost in Virginia?
How Much Does a Therapist Cost in Virginia?
Takeaway: Part of making an informed decision about your mental health care is understanding how much it costs. In this blog post, I break down the average cost of therapy in Virginia and explain the factors that dictate the price–and why it’s entirely worth it.
Factors that contribute to therapy costs
If you're trying to wrap your mind around the cost of mental health treatment, it can help to gain an understanding of the different elements that contribute to the price. While this isn't an exhaustive list, these are some of the main factors that influence the cost of therapy in Virginia (and elsewhere).
Location
Depending on where in Virginia you live, you can expect to pay higher or lower rates. Generally, areas with a higher cost of living (like northern Virginia) come along with higher therapy prices. Being in a major city can also play a role. Rural areas typically have lower therapy rates, while urban areas usually have higher rates.
Type of therapist
The type of mental health professional you work with can also play a role in the cost of therapy. For example, clinical psychologists have higher levels of education than other types of therapists, so some may charge higher rates as a result.
Therapist specialization
Similarly, some therapists charge more if they have specialized training in certain therapeutic modalities. Approaches like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and internal family systems (IFS) therapy require special certification, so therapists who offer these services may have higher rates.
Session format
The specific type of therapy session can also influence price. Group therapy sessions are typically more affordable because each person receives less individualized attention. A couples therapy session usually costs more than an individual therapy session because these sessions are usually longer and more involved than one-on-one sessions.
Length of treatment
The time you spend in therapy will partially determine your overall financial investment in mental health services. If you're in therapy for six months, chances are you'll pay less than if you attended therapy for a year.
Average cost of therapy in Virginia
Since there are so many factors that can play a role in the cost of mental health treatment, it's difficult to say exactly how much you'll end up paying. Like other service providers, all therapists charge their own rate, and it's also subject to change.
While there's no singular therapy fee you can expect to pay, it can still help to get a rough estimate. This can help you get a sense of what to anticipate so you can start budgeting and make an informed decision about your mental health care.
Here are some estimates of how much therapy costs in Virginia based on averages from 25 local therapists in each area.
| Type of Session | Cost |
|---|---|
| Average price of individual therapy session in Arlington | $180 per session |
| Average price of individual therapy session in Chesapeake | $111 per session |
| Average price of individual therapy session in Norfolk | $141 per session |
| Average price of individual therapy session in Richmond | $133 per session |
| Average price of individual therapy session in Virginia Beach | $128 per session |
Remember, these are just averages. Your therapist may charge much more or less than this depending on a wide variety of factors. Make sure to inquire with each prospective therapist to understand their rates.
Paying for therapy
When it comes to actually paying for therapy, you have options. Here are some of the main ways that people cover therapy costs, but make sure to find what works best for you.
Mental health coverage
Some people choose to use their insurance benefits to help pay for therapy. While this can make sessions more affordable in some cases, know that it comes with limitations. Your therapist will need to give you a mental health diagnosis and will be required to share this (along with other sensitive information) with your insurance company.
Out-of-network benefits
Many private practice therapists (including myself) choose not to panel directly with insurance companies. However, you may be able to use out-of-network insurance coverage to get reimbursement for services. Plus, this allows you to work with your dream therapist even if they don't accept your insurance directly.
Low-cost therapy options
If cost is a significant barrier for you to receive mental health services, consider pursuing low-cost therapy options. You may be able to get low cost through certain community mental health clinics. Interns and pre-licensed mental health providers often work in these community mental health agencies and offer a lower cost per session. Some clinics may even have programs providing free therapy to those who qualify.
Private pay
If it's financially feasible for you, paying out of pocket gives you the most freedom. Therapists don't need to diagnose you with mental health conditions when you opt for private pay, so you can seek therapy for any reason. Plus, you don't need to share sensitive information with your health insurance provider, and you can be in full control of your treatment plan.
Why therapy cost is worth it
Therapy often requires a significant investment of time, energy, and other resources—but it's completely worth it. I've seen it firsthand as both a therapist and a therapy-seeker. While each person's experience with therapy is different, here are a few common benefits people get out of mental health services.
Treat mental health issues. Many people seek treatment for a specific mental illness, like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thankfully, therapy can significantly help improve many mental health conditions. Check out this study into how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help improve a number of different diagnoses.
Learn more about yourself. Working with a therapist also fosters self-reflection. This can help you grow your insight into your own thoughts, feelings, and patterns. Once you have this awareness, you can make meaningful changes.
Improve your relationships. Beyond improving your relationship with yourself, therapy can also help you build stronger, healthier relationships with others. You can do this without couples therapy or family therapy as well—research shows that individual therapy for relationships is highly effective.
Grow your self-esteem. Many people struggle with low self-esteem. Working with a therapist can help you recognize where these negative beliefs about yourself come from. Plus, you'll learn how to take action toward greater self-confidence.
Reach your personal goals. Each person is unique, so you likely have your own specific goals for therapy. Your counselor will customize your treatment plan to your specific situation, and you'll work together to reach your goals.
There are many other ways that working with a therapist can help you. And while the financial investment can be a deterrent for some people, I'm here to reassure you that the cost of not going to therapy can sometimes outweigh a session fee.
Ready to invest in yourself? Get started today.
Hi, I'm Dr. Ann Krajewski, a licensed clinical psychologist in Arlington, VA. I specialize in helping people struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, codependency, and low self-esteem.
If you're considering starting therapy, I'm here to help. I take a person-centered, in-depth approach to therapy to help ou find the deepest healing possible. Reach out today to learn more about how I can help and whether we're the right fit for each other. I look forward to hearing from you!
