Thanks for the letter and your thoughtful questions. I am very pleased that you reached out, seeking advice on what to do.

You ask if it’s possible to become dependent on therapy, and as much as I would like to offer a simple answer, the honest answer is much more complex. Many people come to rely on the insight of their therapist and the relationship they foster in the safe confines of the therapy room. However, it is the responsibility of the ethical therapist to create conditions that do not foster or encourage dependence, and to do his or her part in helping a person in therapy learn to function and perhaps even thrive without the therapist.

The point of therapy is not to keep people in therapy indefinitely; if a person is not getting better or otherwise seeing desired results, the therapist has an ethical obligation to stop working with that person. Therapists are also bound by an ethics code that does not allow them to benefit financially if the person isn’t benefiting therapeutically. Additionally, you are always free to choose when you end therapy, unless you are court ordered to attend. On the other hand, many people maintain a relationship with a therapist long term and go in for “tune-ups” when needed—which, of course, is not the same as being “dependent.”

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Beyond any ethical obligations, please know that good therapists thrive off of people getting better. If it was about making money, most therapists would chose a different profession. Most therapists truly care about the well-being of the people they work with. That’s why they do what they do.

As for medication, yes, some meds can be addictive after long-term use. I am not a psychiatrist, so I can’t speak to which medications specifically. There is certainly a lot of fear about becoming dependent on medication, and I understand that fear. However, if you were to seek out therapy and/or medication, the clinician or physician you work with can discuss with you, at length, which medications might work best without being addictive. Also, you have a say in your treatment, so if you want to change or eliminate medication (should you decide to use it), that is always your choice. It is imperative to remember to only make changes under a doctor’s supervision, however.

You ask whether you can get better on your own. That is a question I can’t really answer. There are anecdotal accounts of people who defeated depression without the use of therapy and/or medication, but there are a lot more who did it with the assistance of a mental health professional and/or medication. I believe the best and fastest healing of the things that ail us comes through relationships. Research has consistently shown that people who go to therapy and use medication have better and long-term recovery from their mental health/emotional concerns.

I’m curious, though, whether your desire to avoid therapy has less to do with cost and more to do with stigma. There’s nothing wrong or bad about needing therapy; many people do, including therapists themselves. Even just a session or two of therapy often yields insight and healing that can help a person move forward. I challenge you to view the possibility of therapy in such a light.

I suggest that you interview some therapists; ask them about their methods, how they feel about the use of medication, and how long the people they see usually remain in therapy. The foundation of a good therapeutic relationship is trust, and trust is fostered through honest communication. You can begin building that bridge immediately simply by openly expressing your concerns and sharing your fears. You have every right to ask as many questions as you have, and a good therapist will do his or her best to address and alleviate your concerns. Even if you decide ultimately not to pursue therapy, at least you will have explored all your options.

Sincerely,
Lisa

In the Showtime series Web Therapy, Lisa Kudrow plays a narcissistic therapist who administers questionable therapy over the Internet. Life often imitates art, and web-based therapy is no exception, though the therapists engaged in web therapy—also known as distance therapy—are nothing like Kudrow’s character. They’re qualified professionals who want to help people.

Several large and well-respected websites now offer web-based therapy or provide advertisements for therapists who do. The advent of online therapy raises important ethical issues that online therapists may not be fully ready to address.

Skype Therapy: Risks and Benefits

At first glance, online therapy might seem like little more than another way technology makes life easier and more convenient. After all, a therapist who doesn’t have to maintain a brick-and-mortar office can probably afford to charge less. People concerned about being seen going into and out of a therapist’s office may feel more comfortable with web-based therapy, and the easy accessibility of the service means that people can choose from therapists across the country rather than being limited to a specific geographic location.

The problem is that the technology has not caught up to the ethical and legal demands of therapy. Skype and similar technologies may retain records of conversations and calls, but therapists have little control over what happens to this information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, better known as HIPAA, mandates that mental health professionals protect client privacy and data, but even the best therapists can’t guarantee that their Skype conversations are private or safe.

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The American Psychological Association weighed in on this issue in an April 2014 practice update. The APA explained that “liability for failure to comply with HIPAA is now shared equally by covered entities and business associates—third parties that provide services to covered entities and may have access to [protected health information]. So it is critical for practitioners to have business associate agreements in place. Yet Skype does not offer business associate agreements for health care professionals who want to use it for telehealth purposes.”

The ongoing controversy about government use of Internet records compounds the concern. The National Security Agency (NSA) may review Skype metadata, and some privacy advocates have expressed concern that government entities have access to everything a user does on the Internet—even web therapy.

At a time when it can be more challenging than ever to protect client privacy, ethical norms are placing an increasing premium on such privacy. The American Counseling Association’s 2014 Code of Ethics requires therapists to protect the privacy of both current and prospective clients. This means an email asking about therapy or a brief online conversation with a prospective client are now forms of health care data that professional ethics mandate must be protected.

Virtual therapy such as Skype poses some other, more tangential concerns as well. For example, it can be harder for a therapist to read body language over a video call, and the environment in which people seeking therapy conduct video chats could be anything but relaxing. Such challenges could reduce the effectiveness of therapy, particularly among therapists who don’t actively work to prevent these problems.

What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

We live in a world where video cameras can be seen on every corner and employers regularly snoop through employees’ email, so privacy can feel like an increasingly remote concept. But confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical and effective therapy. Marlene Maheu, PhD, an expert in online therapy, has repeatedly argued that Skype can pose serious challenges to professional ethics. “Ultimately, my strong suggestion is that providers proceed with great caution when using Skype or similar non-HIPAA-compliant platforms,” Maheu told GoodTherapy.org.

Consider the following ways Skype therapy can compromise a client’s well-being:

• When the records of a Skype call remain on a person’s computer, it’s easy for the person’s spouse, children, or even employer to see he or she is going to therapy—and perhaps even see the contents of Skype chats.
• Skype does not offer a privacy policy that is compliant with HIPAA, which means no one really knows what Skype does or does not do with user data. A user’s therapeutic chats could conceivably be sold as marketing data to third parties.
• If the NSA or other government branches store Skype metadata, then people who utilize Skype therapy may be revealing that they talk to a therapist even if they don’t want to make such a revelation.
• It’s a very real risk that Skype chats can be hacked and intercepted. If a user feels safe with his or her therapist, he/she may reveal highly personal information that can then be used against him by a person with malicious intent.

Balancing Privacy and Convenience

The challenges posed by Skype don’t mean that mental health professionals have to give up on web-based therapy altogether. Maheu argues that there are other options. “The beauty of Skype is that it is easy and free,” she said. “The truth is that several HIPAA-compliant platforms are also free and/or low cost, as well as easy to use.” Maheu maintains a list of HIPAA-compliant platforms on her website.

People who want to give online therapy a shot should ask their therapists the following questions:

• What specific steps do you take to protect my privacy?
• Is the platform you use HIPAA compliant? Would you consider switching to a HIPAA-compliant platform?
• Are my conversations with you saved in any way? If so, how do you secure the files?
• Are our sessions encrypted?

There’s no denying the convenience offered by Skype, but the consequences of poor privacy standards can vastly outweigh the convenience of distance therapy. Both therapists and people seeking therapy should proceed with caution before sharing personal information via Skype.

References:

1. Huggins, R., LPC, NCC. (2014, April 2). Initial client contact by email & the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics. Retrieved from http://www.personcenteredtech.com/2014/04/initial-client-contact-by-email-the-2014-aca-code-of-ethics-vs-hipaa-1st-in-a-series/
2. Maheu, M. M., and McMenamin, J. (2013, March 28). Telepsychiatry: The perils of using Skype. Retrieved from http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/blog/telepsychiatry-perils-using-skype
3. Practitioner pointer: Does the use of Skype raise HIPAA compliance issues? (2014, April 24). Retrieved from http://www.apapracticecentral.org/update/2014/04-24/skype-hipaa.aspx
4. Zur, O. (2014). Utilizing Skype and VSee to provide TeleMentalHealth, E-Counseling, or E-therapy. Retrieved from http://www.zurinstitute.com/skype_telehealth.html#debate

The first question a person who is seeking help for trauma often asks is, “Will I ever get better?” It is common to feel hopeless after experiencing a traumatic event. Trauma affects how the brain functions. It can physically change the brain and make people feel that they are not themselves any longer. Activities that were once simple and automatic become difficult or feel downright impossible. Fortunately, the options for the treatment of trauma are very effective.

There are several options when it comes to choosing a modality of trauma treatment; I’ll cover them in subsequent articles. Having information about each modality can help a person to make an informed choice when choosing the route of treatment that is right for him or her.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is one effective method of treating trauma. The name of this intervention is a mouthful; just seeing or hearing it can cause a person to feel overwhelmed and confused. It is, in reality, a fairly simple intervention that addresses the many effects of trauma, including negative beliefs about the self (such as “I am not safe” or “I am bad”) that commonly arise, the sensory aspect, including images and body sensations related to the trauma, as well as emotions.

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According to the EMDR Institute, Inc., several studies have been conducted to test the efficacy of EMDR, and the data show that a majority of people experience a reduction in their trauma-related symptoms after treatment. One such study, conducted by Carlson et al. (1998), found that 77.7% of veterans who had experienced multiple traumatic events had an elimination of posttraumatic stress (PTSD) symptoms after participating in 12 sessions of EMDR. Another study, conducted by Arabia et al. (2011), found that people who had experienced a life-threatening health issue related to cardiac problems had a reduction in symptoms related to PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Overview of EMDR Treatment

There are eight phases in EMDR treatment. Francine Shapiro (2001), who developed this therapeutic technique, states that it is important to understand that how long a person must spend in each phase will be different for each individual.

The phases include:

1. Getting a history
2. Preparing a person for the trauma work through building coping skills
3. Determining the specific components of the first trauma that will be reprocessed
4. Desensitization
5. Installing a positive belief about the self when recalling the trauma
6. Checking in with the body for any residual trauma (body scan)
7. Closing of the session
8. Reevaluation during the next session to see if any new information has come up or changes have happened between sessions

The Role of Dual Attention Stimulus

The thing that most people find fascinating or even strange about EMDR is what is called dual attention stimulus, which is utilized during the desensitization, installation, and body scan phases of EMDR. This involves either moving the eyes back and forth, tapping on one side of the body and then the other (i.e., left hand and then right hand), or using sounds in alternating ears.

The dual attention seems to do a few things: helps the brain to work through previously difficult material, makes recalling memory easier, and has a calming effect. It is unknown why the dual attention has this effect, but several studies support its effectiveness (EMDR Institute, 2011).

Dual attention can also help a person to keep the attention in the present while allowing the brain to go to the past, which can help to decrease the potential for hyperarousal, which could get in the way of treatment. It is also thought to help with moving information through the brain so it can be filed away correctly.

How EMDR Helps the Brain

Another way to see the EMDR process and how it helps is to imagine that your brain and its memory networks are a network of streams and rivers. When a traumatic event happens, it is almost like a beaver dam has been constructed somewhere within the network, which can send the entire network into panic mode. The water gets backed up and overflows, which can affect areas that don’t seem connected to the network with the block.

In the case of trauma, it is the emotion, memories, body sensations, thoughts, and beliefs that are overflowing and not getting where they need to go. EMDR’s main objective is to address and remove the beaver dam, or block, so that the brain can process. Removing blocks essentially helps the brain to tap into its own ability to heal itself.

Is It Right for You?

If interested in participating in EMDR therapy, make sure that the therapist you choose was trained by a reputable source.

EMDR is a well-researched and effective treatment for trauma on any level, no matter how small or big. Even if EMDR is not the right fit for you, other resources and treatment modalities are available.

References:

1. Arabia, E., Manca, M.L., and Solomon, R.M. (2011). EMDR for survivors of life-threatening cardiac events: Results of a pilot study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 5, pp. 2-13. Retrieved September 1, 2014 from http://www.emdr.com/general-information/research-overview.html
2. Carlson, J., Chemtob, C.M., Rusnak, K., Hedlund, N.L, and Muraoka, M.Y. (1998). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Treatment for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 11, 3-24. Retrieved September 1, 2014 from http://www.emdr.com/general-information/research-overview.html
3. EMDR Institute, Inc. Dual attention stimuli. Retrieved September 1, 2014 from http://www.emdr.com/general-information/dual-attention-stimuli.html
4. EMDR Institute, Inc. Research overview. Retrieved September 1, 2014 from http://www.emdr.com/general-information/research-overview.html
5. Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures, second edition. The Guilford Press: New York

Trying to find the right mental health professional for your needs can feel daunting. There are so many providers out there, and it’s important to find a good one.

Many choose to begin their search on the internet. That’s a good start! But looking through search results may feel confusing. Most of the names have letters behind them, but what do all those letters mean? How can a savvy consumer use them to choose a counselor or therapist?

Here’s a brief guide to some of the common credentials in mental health licensing in the United States. Some of these credentials relate to the state licensing and certification standards for practicing professionals.Thus, they may vary somewhat from state to state. But in most states there is some similarity in qualifications required for licensure. If you are interested in knowing the minimal level of qualification for practice in your state, you can often find this information from an Internet search for your state and the specific credential you are interested in. You can also contact your state’s licensing board directly for more information.

• Registered psychotherapist: Some states have a database that lists people who provide services but do not have formal training in the field. This type of registry aims to provide some level of regulation for people who provide counseling services but do not have credentials. Among these people may be those who call themselves a “life coach” or simply a “therapist.”
• CAC: A certified addictions counselor has some level of training in the specific dynamics of addiction. Credentials necessary to achieve this certification vary by state. But they are often minimal. For example, in Colorado, CAC I and CAC II require a high school diploma or GED. A CAC III (the highest level) requires a bachelor’s degree. [fat_widget_right]
• MA: Master of arts is a fairly universal designation. It indicates the person has a master’s degree. If it is used to indicate professional competence in psychology, it should be in a field related to psychology. A master’s degree generally reflects two years of post-bachelor’s study.
• MS: Master of science also indicates a degree held.
• MEd: This stands for a master’s degree in education.
• MC: This stands for a master’s degree in counseling.
• LPC/LCPC/LPCC/LMHC: These acronyms stand for, respectively, licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed professional clinical counselor, and licensed mental health counselor. These are all licensed by the state. Generally, a person must hold a master’s degree, complete a certain number of post-degree training hours under supervision, and pass a licensure exam.
• LAC: In some states, a licensed addiction counselor has been licensed as an addictions counselor and has specialized training in this field. In some states, this certification requires a completed master’s degree.
• NCC: A national certified counselor has completed a master’s degree, post-degree supervision, and the national counselor examination. This is a nationwide credential. It is consistent from state to state.
• LMFT: This stands for licensed marriage and family therapist. 
• LCSW: This stands for licensed clinical social worker. 
• EMDR: Some (but not all) professionals who have completed training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy and are qualified to offer it use this credential. To receive training, clinicians must be students or graduates of a psychology-related, graduate-level training program, as per The EMDR Institute, Inc.
• EdD: This indicates that the holder holds a doctorate in education.
• PsyD: This means the holder has completed a doctorate in psychology degree. The focus in a PsyD program generally emphasizes less research than in a PhD program and often requires less original research by the student.
• PhD: A person with a PhD holds a doctorate of philosophy degree. For practicing mental health professionals, the degree should be in the field of psychology. In most cases, a doctoral degree reflects a minimum of four or five years of post-bachelor’s study. The national average is seven years of study.
• MD: A person with an MD has completed medical school and holds a doctorate in medicine. People offering mental health services should have completed a residency in psychiatry and be a board-certified psychiatrist. Most psychiatrists prescribe medication as part of their practice. Some limit themselves to medication-related issues. But some do also offer therapy. Psychiatrists complete four years of post-bachelor’s study in medical school and a residency of at least four years.
• LP: Some licensed psychologists use this credential to indicate their status. But it is not standard, so many others do not. Licensed psychologists must hold a doctoral degree and have completed at least one year of full-time internship in clinical practice. They must also have passed a licensure exam, completed extensive post-doctoral training under supervision, and be licensed by the state. In most states, the term “psychologist” is legally protected and reserved for those who have completed these requirements. In addition to counseling offered by other types of professionals, psychologists may offer psychological testing and assessment services.
• ABPP: This means a person has been board certified to practice in a specialty by the American Board of Professional Psychology. To be certified, a professional must be a licensed psychologist, hold an accredited doctoral degree and have passed a licensure exam. The completion of post-doctoral training under supervision and additional specialty-specific practice and examinations are also required. Providers must also hold a state license. The ABPP is a national certifying body, so this credential is the same in every state.

Professionals who are licensed as counselors, physicians, or psychologists may be licensed in more than one state. States have different continuing education requirements. Licensed mental health professionals are required to maintain current knowledge and practice by completing a certain number of CE credits every year. This helps people seeking help know that potential providers have met the requirements for education and practice and are familiar with the standards for ethical practice. It also assures consumers that care providers are held to these standards to maintain licensure.

One red flag is when a clinician’s status does not match their education level. For example: John Doe, MA is listed as a “registered psychotherapist.” This does not reflect the licensure status for a master’s-level clinician. That certification would be LPC, LCPC, LPCC, or LMHC, depending on the state. Another example: John Doe, PhD is listed as an LPC. LPC reflects master’s-level study, not doctoral level study.

There could be many reasons for such a discrepancy. Many of these reasons pose no problem, but some do. A short-lived discrepancy may simply reflect the period of transition while a recent graduate completes post-degree hours under supervision. But it may reflect something more concerning. It may mean there is some reason the person is not eligible for the license that best reflects their  degree. Perhaps John Doe’s degree is actually in biology, but he decided to change careers. Since his degree is not relevant and does not reflect training in the field, it does not make him eligible to be licensed. Or perhaps John Doe received a PhD from a nonaccredited online university. Because this would prevent him from meeting minimum standards for licensure, he’s practicing under a license reflecting his master’s-level training. Again, this may be nothing to worry about. But some people may wish to ask potential providers about certifications before choosing to receive services from them.

Be aware that it’s perfectly reasonably to ask any potential providers about their training, clinical background, experience, and license. By doing so, you are being an informed and conscientious consumer of mental health services. Wise clinicians will encourage this type of consumer advocacy and gladly answer your questions. We want to help you find the best provider for your needs. We know a good fit is a critical element in successful therapy outcomes.

Best of luck in your search!

* Editor’s Note: The above list is not, nor is it meant to be, an exhaustive list of all mental health credentials and degrees. Credentials, degrees, and licensing requirements can vary from state to state and country to country. On September 17, 2014, the GoodTherapy.org editorial team edited the above list to include LCSW, which was not included in the author’s original list.

Cost is one of the greatest barriers to mental health treatment. Although the Affordable Care Act and other regulatory reforms sought to improve access to behavioral and mental health services, many people worry about the costs of therapy. While the cost of therapy is a very real concern, it is often possible for people to access free or low-cost therapy, especially if they live in large metropolitan areas or near a teaching university.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF THERAPY?

Therapy generally ranges from $65 per hour to $250 or more. In most areas of the country, a person can expect to pay $100-$200 per session. Some factors that can affect the price of therapy include:

• The therapist’s training. Highly trained and very experienced therapists typically charge more.
• The location of therapy. Therapists in large metropolitan areas and regions with high costs of living must charge more to pay their bills.
• The therapist’s reputation. Well-known therapists who are highly in demand often charge more.
• Insurance coverage. People whose therapy is covered by insurance tend to pay less.
• Length of the therapy session. The longer the session is, the more a client typically will pay.
• Specialization. Therapy tends to be more expensive when the therapist is an expert in a highly specialized field or treats an unusual or challenging condition.

Some therapists also charge more for a longer initial consultation.

HOW MUCH DOES THERAPY COST WITH INSURANCE?

Under the Affordable Care Act, all insurance plans must cover mental health care. Additionally, plans must not impose different rules on mental health clients or fund mental health care at lower rates.

When people pay for therapy through insurance, they typically must pay a co-pay. Insurance co-pays vary widely, from just a few dollars to $50 or more.

This means people with insurance usually have some coverage for therapy. In most cases, they must choose a therapist within their network. They may also have to meet other criteria, such as having a mental health diagnosis, meeting a deductible, or getting a referral for treatment. Consequently, even people with insurance may opt to pay for their therapy out of pocket.

Search for a therapist in Los Angeles, or one of our other popular cites.

HOW TO PAY FOR THERAPY

For many people, insurance offers the best option for funding therapy. Try calling your insurer to ask about mental health coverage and to get a list of in-network providers.

If you don’t have insurance, you may be eligible for insurance through your state’s Medicaid program or through the Healthcare.gov marketplace.

Some employee assistance and benefit programs also offer help paying for therapy.

Many universities offer free or sliding-scale therapy programs to people pursuing training as therapists. Try calling schools near you to ask about access to low-cost therapy.

Additionally, some therapists offer therapy on a sliding-scale basis. Consider asking about this option when you interview therapists. Some therapists may also offer payment plans that allow you to pay for therapy over time.

Many therapy practices also employ novice therapists who need experience. These interns or apprentices may offer free or low-cost mental health care.

Telehealth services, which offer counseling online or on the phone, may also be more affordable.

IS THERE A WAY TO GET FREE THERAPY?

A number of clinics are working to expand access to health care services, including mental health services, by offering free or discounted treatment. The National Association for Free and Charitable Clinics, for example, offers free and low-cost care.

Some other options for finding free therapy in your area include:

• Contact your state’s department of public or community health. Many offer community mental health clinics or referrals to free or low-cost services.
• Enrolling in studies for mental health conditions. If you have a specific diagnosis, your local college or university may be researching your diagnosis. You can often get free care, including medication and therapy, by enrolling in such a study.
• Seeking care at a college or university clinic. If you are a student, you may be eligible for free care at your college or university. If you are not a student but are located near a university that has a mental health care program, students in that program may offer free treatment to meet licensure requirements.

WHAT THERAPISTS SAY ABOUT THE COSTS OF THERAPY

Lisa M. Vallejos, MA, LPC, NCC: Therapy costs have an extremely wide range. I know clinics that charge as little at $5 per session and others that charge $300 per session. It really is dependent on the therapist, your location, and the going rate for therapy in your area. There are many things to consider in addition to the cost that I would like to address.

Another factor to consider is whether you plan on using your insurance for therapy. In that case, you will likely be limited to however many sessions your insurance will pay for, which can vary. Also to consider if you are using your insurance, is whether there are only certain types of therapy that are covered, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. If you are paying for therapy with insurance, also consider that to be covered by insurance you must have a “covered” diagnosis. Your therapist will diagnose you and will list that diagnosis on your reimbursement paperwork. You will likely have a co-pay to pay when you seek insurance-reimbursed therapy, so be sure to find out how much that is as well.

Many therapists elect not to take insurance to avoid having to diagnose and the challenges that come with working with insurance companies, so it may be worth your while to ask the potential therapist to work with you on a fee that you can afford to bypass insurance.

Finally, many therapists will work on a sliding fee scale, but they do not always advertise that. A sliding scale is a payment structure that is based on your income. You can ask your potential therapist if they do, and if they do not, would they consider doing it for you.

Marla B. Cohen, PsyD: The price of therapy varies. Many insurance plans cover psychotherapy, and if you choose to work with a provider within your network, you will only need to pay your typical co-payment. Should you choose to see a therapist outside of your insurance network, you will find that therapists charge different rates depending on their office location, level of education, and degree of expertise in their field.

Some therapists may charge as much as $200 or more per session, but most will charge $75-$150 a session. Many therapists work with a sliding scale fee schedule, which means their fee will depend on your income level. If you have out-of-network benefits with your insurance plan, you may be reimbursed for the majority of what you pay the therapist. Your therapist’s office can create a ledger for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. If costs are an issue, many areas have community mental health agencies that provide therapy at a reduced fee.

Stacey Fuller, LMFT: When it comes to the cost of therapy, there is no set industry standard. The cost of therapy can vary widely depending on a number of factors.

Some therapists are part of a panel of providers who accept a particular insurance. In this case, the cost of therapy may only be a co-pay and/or deductible payment determined by the insurance company. Typically, insurance companies will limit the number of sessions they pay for in a calendar year so it is important to check with your insurance provider prior to initiating therapy to determine how much of the cost of treatment will be covered.

Some therapists choose to not accept insurance and instead offer fee-for-service (otherwise known as private pay) only. How private pay therapists set their rates is dependent on a number of factors: area, specialization and specialized training, number of years of experience, how in demand they are in the community, etc. In my area private pay therapists are typically priced anywhere from $65 on up to $250 a session. In other areas of the country, the prices may be quite different. Checking out some GoodTherapy therapist profiles in your area will give you a general sense of the cost of private pay therapy.

Free or low-cost therapy is often available for people with limited financial means through local clinics, hospitals, and community agencies. Frequently these providers are students in training or mental health interns who provide therapy at a low rate or free of charge in exchange for experience hours towards licensure.

GETTING HELP

Therapy can be expensive, particularly when you look only at the price tag and not the total value. Yet therapy can also confer significant benefits, including an improved financial outlook or better career prospects. People who are less productive because of depression, who suffer from creative blocks, who struggle to identify the right career path, who engage in compulsive shopping or gambling, and who experience problems at work may ultimately have more money as a result of therapy. Even when therapy does not offer a direct economic benefit, it can greatly and permanently improve a person’s life.

People considering therapy should consider the overall value of therapy, not just the cost. To find a therapist who can bring real value to your life, click here.

References:

1. Gold, J. (2017, November 30). Health insurers are still skimping on mental health coverage. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/11/29/567264925/health-insurers-are-still-skimping-on-mental-health-coverage
2. Mental health and substance abuse health coverage options. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/mental-health-substance-abuse-coverage
3. Rowan, K., Mcalpine, D. D., & Blewett, L. A. (2013). Access and cost barriers to mental health care by insurance status, 1999-2010. Health Affairs, 32(10), 1723-1730. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0133

A relationship is a partnership. If you feel that couples therapy may help strengthen your partnership, repair it, or help it weather problems easier, you need to recognize that it is most effective when both parts of the couple attend therapy. You may feel that your significant other is the cause of all the relationship’s troubles and that it is unnecessary for you to attend therapy, but these therapists explain how you could be contributing to the problems and how they may be affecting you:

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Nervous about your first family therapy session? Many people are. It is normal to be unsure of what to expect before starting any kind of therapy. Here, several family therapists explain what you will likely experience during your first family therapy session:

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If you and your partner are entering into couples therapy, there may times when you want to meet with the therapist individually. Most therapists have established guidelines in place for this situation to protect you and your partner, and to promote effective therapeutic progress for the relationship. The mental health counselors below discuss what usually happens in couples therapy when one partner wants to meet with the therapist alone:

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[fat_widget_right]Many people seeking therapy want to know how long it will take before they start experiencing progress in their treatment. In family therapy, there are several dynamics that differ greatly from individual therapy, some of which may affect the amount of time needed to see results. Below, these therapists explain those differences and share details about how family therapy is best performed:

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[fat_widget_right]If you are seeking therapy, you want to make sure you select a therapist who is best suited to help you work through your challenges and reach your goals. If you are seeking help for issues related to your intimate relationships or sexuality, it may be important for you to know that sex therapists and couples therapists are not the same. Here, several therapists explain the difference between a couples therapist and a sex therapist:

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In some settings, therapy may involved other people. In others, your therapy session will only involve  you and your therapist. Different circumstances will dictate who should attend your therapy session and what type of therapy will be practiced. Here, therapists discuss who should come with you to your therapy sessions:

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If your family is beginning family therapy, it is important that the appropriate members attend. The concerns that brought your family to therapy may dictate who should be there. Here, therapists explain circumstances that require different family members for therapy to be successful:

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