How Much Does Therapy Cost in Boulder, CO?
Takeaway: On average, therapy costs between $50-$250 in Boulder, CO. However, the actual price you pay per session can vary based on factors like the type of therapy you're looking for, whether you use mental health benefits, and more. Here, I'll answer common FAQs about the cost of therapy in Boulder and shed some light on why the investment is often worth it.
Asking for help is challenging enough, so figuring out therapy costs should come with clear answers, not more hurdles.
That's why I created this guide. Here, my goal is to give you tangible data about the average cost of mental health services in Boulder. Plus, we'll explore other important aspects of the price, including factors that influence the cost, your options for paying for therapy, and more.
Let's dive in.
What's the average cost of a therapy session in Boulder, Colorado?
Mental health providers set their own rates, so the price per therapy session can vary widely. However, I also recognize that it can be helpful to get a ballpark estimate so you can set your expectations. To give you some concrete data, I analyzed the rates of 25 local licensed, private-pay therapists offering these services:
| Type of Therapy | Average Cost per Session |
|---|---|
| Individual Therapy | $173 |
| Couples Therapy | $204 |
| Group Therapy | $64 |
Please note that these figures are averages for informational purposes and don’t reflect the rates of any specific provider or practice. If you have questions about a therapist's rates, I recommend reaching out to them directly.
Why is therapy so expensive?
The cost of therapy can feel unexpected, especially if you’re new to seeking counseling. Some people find that understanding the "why" behind the cost can make it easier to process.
Here are a few factors that can influence the price of mental health care.
Therapist credentials & experience
Pre-licensed clinicians (therapists-in-training who practice under supervision) may have lower rates than seasoned therapists. Some therapists, like psychologists who provide psychological testing alongside therapy, may charge more due to their additional skills.
Location
Practices located in central, urban areas may charge more due to higher operating costs. Similarly, suburban or rural mental health care providers may have lower rates.
Session length & treatment duration
Standard 50-minute therapy sessions tend to cost less than extended sessions or therapy intensives. On the other hand, longer sessions can sometimes speed up progress, reducing the overall time you spend in therapy.
Specialized approaches
Some specialty therapy approaches, like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), require extensive training that goes beyond traditional therapy education. As a result, therapists who offer this service may charge more.
Is therapy covered by insurance?
Therapy can be covered by insurance, but it’s not a guarantee—it depends on your specific plan. When it is covered, it’s typically treated as a medical service requiring a diagnosis, though the details (like copays or session limits) vary widely between plans. I’d suggest reaching out to your insurance provider to pin down what’s included and what your out-of-pocket costs might look like.
Many therapists, including myself, don’t work directly with insurance companies. Going with an out-of-network provider can give you more freedom to pick a therapist you truly connect with, rather than being limited to in-network providers. It also lets you tailor your therapy—how often you go and for how long—based on what you actually need, not just what your plan dictates.
At the same time, I recognize that not everyone can afford to pay the full fee out of pocket. That’s why I offer SuperBills for my clients, which they can submit to their insurance for potential reimbursement. Since every plan is unique, it’s worth a call to your provider to clarify your benefits (including out-of-network options), whether you’re eligible for reimbursement, and what you might end up paying out of pocket.
How can I pay for therapy?
There are a few different ways you can pay for therapy. Here are some of your options:
Out of pocket. Paying with cash (or card) out of pocket is the most straightforward way to pay for mental health support.
Insurance benefits. Many insurance plans offer coverage for therapy, whether through an in-network or out-of-network provider, but it’s not guaranteed—it depends on your specific plan. Benefits can vary widely, so it’s a good idea to contact your insurance company for clarity.
HSAs/FSAs. These accounts use pre-tax funds to cover medical expenses, such as doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and testing. In some cases, they can also pay for therapy.
Financial assistance programs. Certain organizations, such as the Reclaim Foundation, offer aid for trauma survivors by reimbursing therapy costs after an application is approved.
How can I afford therapy?
Now that we've explored how you can pay for therapy, let's talk about how you can plan to fit the costs into your budget. Only you know what you feel comfortable spending, but hopefully, these tips can help you consider how to manage the cost.
Create a dedicated mental health category in your budget.
Set aside a specific amount each month exclusively for therapy, just as you would for other essential expenses like housing or groceries. You can use the average figures in this blog post as a starting point.
Consider session frequency.
Work with your therapist to determine if weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly sessions would meet your needs. Most therapists recommend weekly sessions, but bi-weekly or monthly appointments can still offer consistent support in a budget-friendly way.
Discuss financial concerns openly with your therapist.
Most therapists are happy to discuss affordability and may offer options like sliding scale fees when possible. They can also connect you with additional resources if your financial situation changes over the course of your therapy journey.
Ask about package discounts.
Some practices offer reduced rates when you pre-pay for multiple sessions, similar to buying a package at a yoga studio or gym, which can reduce your per-session cost.
Consider "episode-based" therapy approaches.
Some therapists provide time-limited, goal-focused therapy, addressing specific issues in 8–12 sessions. You can take a break afterward and return if needed, naturally lowering overall costs.
How do I find the right therapist for my budget?
Finding a therapist who fits both your personal needs and financial situation can be tough, but it is possible. Here are some tips for how to approach it.
Schedule consultation calls before committing. Most therapists offer free, no-pressure 15-20 minute phone consultations. Use these to discuss fees and other financial aspects while also getting a feel for fit.
Look for specialized experience. A therapist with specialized training in the kinds of issues you're experiencing might charge more but require fewer sessions to make progress. Ask potential therapists about their experience working with people in similar situations.
Be upfront about your budget. Be transparent about what you can afford. Some therapists offer sliding scale spots or other creative methods to help clients pay for their services.
Consider the financial benefits of specialized approaches. Evidence-based, structured methods like CBT or DBT may involve higher upfront costs but often follow specific timelines (12-16 weeks), making the total expense more predictable than open-ended therapy.
Hopefully, these tips can act as a starting point to help you find the right therapist for your unique situation.
Questions to ask about therapy costs
Not sure what to say when talking about cost? Here are some questions to consider asking both your insurance company and a potential therapist.
Questions for your insurance company
What mental health benefits do I have, and does my plan cover outpatient therapy?
What is my deductible for mental health services, and how much of it have I met so far this year?
What is my copay or coinsurance percentage for therapy sessions?
What is the coverage difference between seeing an in-network versus out-of-network therapist?
If I see an out-of-network therapist, what percentage of the cost will be reimbursed after I submit claims?
Does my plan cover telehealth therapy sessions, and if so, are there any specific requirements?
Questions for a potential therapist
What is your standard fee for a 50-minute therapy session?
Do you offer a sliding scale fee structure, and if so, what factors determine where my fee would fall on that scale?
Are you in-network with any insurance providers?
For out-of-network services, do you provide SuperBills that I can submit to my insurance for potential reimbursement?
Are there additional costs I should be aware of, such as fees for written letters, completing forms, or between-session communication?
Do you offer any package deals or discounts for pre-paying multiple sessions?
With these questions in mind, you can feel confident getting the financial answers you need to invest in your mental health.
Resources for affordable therapy in Boulder
If you can't afford a private practice therapist in Boulder, there are still some ways you can get support. Here are some options for more affordable mental health care:
Try group therapy. Group therapy often costs much less per session. While it’s less personalized, connecting with others facing similar challenges can still be valuable.
Consider therapists in training. Local colleges, like The University of Colorado Boulder and Naropa University, may offer therapy services provided by supervised graduate students at significantly reduced rates.
Look into employer benefits. Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide several free therapy sessions or mental health stipends as part of their benefits package.
No matter your budget, there are ways to find quality therapy.
Final thoughts
Finding a way to pay for therapy in Boulder can feel challenging. Hopefully, understanding average rates, the factors that influence cost, and your options for paying for therapy will make the investment feel a bit more approachable.
If you're a teen, college student, or young adult in the Boulder area looking for therapy, I'm here for you. I specialize in working with young people experiencing mental health issues like depression and anxiety, school stress, self-esteem and identity issues, and more.
Plus, I'm committed to making therapy as accessible as possible. I help my clients get reimbursed for therapy (if their benefits allow) by offering SuperBills that they can submit to their insurance company. I also offer a limited number of sliding scale spots to those who qualify.
Ready to learn more? Reach out today for a free consultation. Looking forward to hearing from you and talking about how we can help you reach your goals!
