How Much Does Family Therapy Cost?

When your family is going through a hard stretch, deciding to get help together is a meaningful step. Cost is often one of the first questions that comes up, and getting a clear answer can be hard to find.

We put this guide together to explain how much family therapy costs, how insurance usually handles family sessions, and which options can make care more affordable.

What Is Family Therapy?

Family therapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on improving relationships and communication among family members. It can involve any combination of loved ones, such as parents and children, siblings, grandparents, or kinship caregivers.

Families come to therapy for many reasons, including conflict at home, grief, a big life change, or a family member’s mental health condition. Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) often provide this care, and psychologists, social workers, and counselors also work with families.

How Much Does Family Therapy Cost?

Family therapy fees vary widely, so no single price applies everywhere. Your total cost depends on the fee for each session and on how many sessions your family needs.

In many practices, the session fee stays the same no matter how many family members attend.

What Affects the Price of Family Therapy?

Several factors shape what a family therapist charges. These include: 

• Location. Fees tend to be higher in large cities and in areas with a higher cost of living.
• Training and experience. Experienced therapists and those with specialized family training may charge more.
• Session length. Some family sessions run longer so everyone has time to speak, and longer sessions usually cost more.
• Setting. Community clinics and university training clinics often charge less than private practices.

How Many Sessions Does Family Therapy Take?

Short-term family therapy often focuses on an immediate concern, while families working through a mental health condition or a more complex situation may meet for months or longer.

Many families start with weekly sessions to build momentum. As things improve, moving to every other week is a natural next step, and it also lowers the monthly cost.

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Does Insurance Cover Family Therapy?

For many families, insurance is the biggest factor in the final price. Many health plans cover family therapy, though the details depend on your plan and on the reason for care. Understanding when insurance will pay for family sessions, and what costs you may be responsible for, can help you plan ahead.

What Does the Law Say About Mental Health Coverage?

Health plans sold on the Marketplace include mental health services as essential benefits. These plans also can’t deny coverage or charge you more because of a pre-existing mental health condition.

A federal law called the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act generally requires plans that offer mental health benefits to keep costs and limits comparable to those for medical care. For example, a plan generally can’t set stricter visit limits for therapy than it does for similar medical visits.

Why Does a Diagnosis Usually Matter for Coverage?

Insurance plans often cover family therapy when it helps treat one person’s diagnosed mental health condition. That person is sometimes called the identified patient, meaning the family member whose diagnosis the sessions address.

For example, some insurance plans may cover family therapy sessions even when the person receiving treatment isn’t present, as long as the sessions are part of their treatment plan. 

What Are Deductibles, Copays, and Coinsurance?

Even with coverage, you will usually pay part of the cost. Three terms explain most of your bill.

• Deductible. A deductible is the amount you pay for covered care each year before your plan starts paying its share.
• Copay. A copay is a fixed amount you pay for each covered visit, such as a single therapy session.
• Coinsurance. Coinsurance is a percentage of the session cost that you pay, while your plan pays the rest.

If your therapist is out-of-network, meaning they don’t have a contract with your insurance company, your plan may pay less or nothing. Some plans reimburse part of the cost when you submit a detailed receipt called a superbill.

If you don’t have insurance or choose not to use it, you may also have the right to receive an  estimate of your therapy costs before starting treatment.

How Much Does Family Therapy Cost Without Insurance?

Without insurance, you pay the therapist’s full session fee unless they offer a reduced rate. The ways people reduce out-of-pocket therapy costs also tend to work for family sessions.

When you pay for care yourself, you generally have a right to a Good Faith Estimate, which is a written estimate of expected charges. Providers generally must give you one if you ask for one or schedule care at least three business days ahead. Keep it so you can compare it with any later bills.

Can I Use an HSA or FSA for Family Therapy?

Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) let you set aside money before taxes to pay for eligible health care. These accounts generally cover qualified medical expenses, which the IRS describes as care meant to treat or prevent a physical or mental illness.

Family therapy connected to a diagnosed mental health condition will often qualify, while sessions focused only on relationships may not. Your account administrator can tell you what documentation they need.

How Can Families Make Therapy More Affordable?

Several options can lower the price.

• Community health centers. Federally funded health centers charge based on what you can afford, and some offer mental health services.
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs). Many employers offer an EAP with free, short-term counseling for concerns that include family problems. Some programs extend these sessions to household members.
• University training clinics. Graduate students in counseling, social work, or psychology often see clients at lower rates while working under licensed supervisors.
• Payment plans. Some practices and clinics let you spread payments over time.

Once you know your budget, the next step is finding a therapist who fits your family.

How Do I Find an Affordable Family Therapist?

When looking for a family therapist, it’s important to find someone who fits your family’s needs and budget. Don’t hesitate to ask about fees, insurance, and payment options before scheduling your first appointment. 

Here are a few questions to ask when contacting a therapist:

• What is your fee for a family session, and does it change based on how many people attend?
• Are you in-network with my insurance plan?
• How many sessions do you usually recommend for families in situations similar to ours?

We created Mental Health Match to make this part easier, and it’s free to use. You answer a few questions about what your family needs, your budget, and your insurance, and we introduce you to therapists who fit. Most therapists on Mental Health Match offer a free consultation, so you can ask about cost before committing. It works well alongside your insurer’s directory, a doctor’s referral, or a local clinic.