How much does problem-solving therapy cost?

The cost of problem-solving therapy can vary quite a bit depending on:

  • Where you live.
  • How you access it.
  • Whether it’s covered by insurance or a public healthcare system.

The price usually reflects general psychotherapy rates since PST isn’t always labeled as a distinct service (like CBT or psychodynamic therapy might be).
A person giving money and another person receiving money.

  1. Average cost (private pay)
    • United States
      • $100–$200 per session (45–60 mins).
      • Urban areas tend to be more expensive.
      • Sliding scale options are available with some therapists.
    • United Kingdom
      • £40–£100 per session.
      • PST might be obtainable free via the NHS under IAPT services (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies), particularly for depression.
    • Australia
      • AUD 100–$200 per session.
      • Medicare may cover up to 10 sessions per year with partial rebates (around AUD 80 per session) with a mental health care plan.
    • Canada
      • CAD 100–$180 per session.
      • Often not covered by public healthcare unless provided in hospitals or community mental health centers.
      • Private insurance may help.
    • Belgium
      • Rates vary but are often €50–€90 per session.
      • Some therapists offer reduced rates under convention agreements (via mutualiteit/ziekenfonds).
        • PST might not be specifically listed but may be practiced under general psychotherapy.
  1. Insurance and reimbursement
    The sentence "health insurance" was made with Scrabble blocks on a table with pills around it.
    • PST is covered under general psychotherapy when done by a licensed provider (psychologist, clinical social worker, or licensed therapist) in many countries.
    • In the U.S., it may be covered under CPT codes for psychotherapy (90834, 90837).
    • In Belgium and parts of Europe, reimbursement through public insurance may require referral or therapist accreditation.
  1. Low-cost or free options
    • University clinics: Regularly offer PST by trainees at reduced rates.
    • Online platforms: Some guided PST programs are free or low-cost (SilverCloud, MoodGYM).
    • Community mental health centers or non-profits may suggest PST or similar skills-based therapies.
  1. Digital or guided self-help PST

Some platforms offer PST in an online or workbook format:

    • Often $0–$50 total for access.
    • Good for people with mild to moderate depression.
    • Examples: MindSpot (AU), Woebot (US-based), NHS SilverCloud (UK).

PST is often cheaper in the long run because it’s short-term (6–12 sessions), but upfront costs can still be a barrier.

Always ask about:

    • Sliding scale options.
    • Package deals or session bundles.
    • Coverage through your health insurance or national health system.

Join our forum and Facebook

Please consider joining our forum and Facebook if you enjoyed reading this and would like to chat with like-minded peers about anything depression related.

It would certainly go a long way toward making my dream of creating a thriving, supportive community a reality!

Related posts

Leave the first comment