This is how much supportive therapy usually costs:
- Private therapy costs (out-of-pocket)
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- United States
On average, supportive therapy sessions cost $100–$250 per session when paying privately.
Big cities like New York, L.A., or San Francisco tend to be on the higher end.
Rural areas or smaller towns can be closer to $80–$120 per session.
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- Europe (for example, Belgium)
In Belgium, where mental healthcare is partly reimbursed, a session with a licensed therapist usually costs around €45–€90.
With the official recognition, part of the fee, around €11–€14 per session, can be reimbursed.
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- United Kingdom
Private therapy costs around £40–£100 per session.
The NHS extends some therapy for free, but waitlists are often long (up to several months).
- Insurance coverage
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- Health insurance often covers part or all of the cost if the therapist is licensed and therapy is deemed medically necessary (which depression usually qualifies as).
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- In the U.S., you might still pay a copay of around $20–$50 per session, depending on your plan.
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- Some online therapy platforms, such as BetterHelp or Talkspace, offer subscription models around $60–$90 per week.
Still, it’s important to check the credentials of the therapists there, since not all provide true “supportive psychotherapy” in the clinical sense.
- Low-cost options
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- Sliding scale fees
Many therapists adjust their fees based on your income. It’s always worth asking.
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- Community clinics and university programs
Some offer supportive therapy for very reduced rates, even as low as $20–$50 per session, particularly if you work with a therapist-in-training under supervision.
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- Nonprofits and NGOs
Certain organizations offer free or budget therapy specifically for people with depression, trauma, or financial hardship.
You can expect to pay anywhere from €40/$50 to €200/$250 per session, depending heavily on where you live, whether you have insurance, and what type of provider you choose.
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