Therapists in Washington, DC
![Photo of Eric Behna, LGSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43201fae-3af2-4d23-91aa-4ca37a98ee8a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eric Behna
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20020 (Online Only)
Eric is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, D.C. Eric’s style is calm, supportive, and non-judgmental. Eric seeks to walk alongside his clients on their journey towards change and being the person they want to be. His approach is to help clients tap into inner strengths while building greater awareness of emotions and behaviors.
Eric is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, D.C. Eric’s style is calm, supportive, and non-judgmental. Eric seeks to walk alongside his clients on their journey towards change and being the person they want to be. His approach is to help clients tap into inner strengths while building greater awareness of emotions and behaviors.
![Photo of Emma Mattingly, LGPC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4a0b607-8e67-48ae-be30-dde1f3ea04c6/2/320x400.jpeg)
My clinical focus includes supporting clients to explore, understand, identify and apply mental strategies to help manage immigrant and/or identity stress, transitions, overwhelm, pressure etc. My expertise also includes grief, depression, anxiety, trauma mood disorders, ADHD and more. I have developed exceptional skills for working with trauma, identity, school and career issues, grief and loss, as well as emotional and behavioral issues. I use CBT, person-centered, strength-based, culturally sensitive and solution-focused therapeutic frameworks.
My clinical focus includes supporting clients to explore, understand, identify and apply mental strategies to help manage immigrant and/or identity stress, transitions, overwhelm, pressure etc. My expertise also includes grief, depression, anxiety, trauma mood disorders, ADHD and more. I have developed exceptional skills for working with trauma, identity, school and career issues, grief and loss, as well as emotional and behavioral issues. I use CBT, person-centered, strength-based, culturally sensitive and solution-focused therapeutic frameworks.
![Photo of Dr. Shy Porter, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a20afe89-646e-4fb9-b420-280c802cc442/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Shy Porter
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with women who are struggling with infertility, pregnancy, or postpartum challenges; adult individuals trying to cope with daily life challenges; couples who are dating, engaged, married, or contemplating the decision to stay or leave; and adolescents and young adults navigating life transitions. Through a collaborative and engaged process, we will work together to help you gain insight and self-awareness, find inner peace, achieve your goals, and/or, in the context of couples therapy, navigate the challenges of your relationship in order to regain stability, trust, and emotional safety.
I specialize in working with women who are struggling with infertility, pregnancy, or postpartum challenges; adult individuals trying to cope with daily life challenges; couples who are dating, engaged, married, or contemplating the decision to stay or leave; and adolescents and young adults navigating life transitions. Through a collaborative and engaged process, we will work together to help you gain insight and self-awareness, find inner peace, achieve your goals, and/or, in the context of couples therapy, navigate the challenges of your relationship in order to regain stability, trust, and emotional safety.
![Photo of Alex Earley, LGPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08344bdb-88dc-4a74-bc16-5a3f393317bf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adjusting to new situations and stressors in your life can make anyone feel anxious. When you combine your personal stressors with the ever-changing stressors of our current society, it's easy to always feel overwhelmed. Navigating a new phase of life, finishing or starting school, relocating, new careers, maintaining peer and romantic relationships while 'figuring life out' can be tough and you don't have to go through that alone. I'll help you with managing your emotions, coping with stressors as they come your way and accomplishing the goals you've set for yourself.
Adjusting to new situations and stressors in your life can make anyone feel anxious. When you combine your personal stressors with the ever-changing stressors of our current society, it's easy to always feel overwhelmed. Navigating a new phase of life, finishing or starting school, relocating, new careers, maintaining peer and romantic relationships while 'figuring life out' can be tough and you don't have to go through that alone. I'll help you with managing your emotions, coping with stressors as they come your way and accomplishing the goals you've set for yourself.
![Photo of Johanna S Kaplan - Washington Anxiety Center of Capitol Hill, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40aeb88e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS (TELEHEALTH AND IN-PERSON) We work with AGES 4-99 (CHILDREN AND ADULTS) with anxiety disorders (e.g., Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobia, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder), School Refusal, "Failure to Launch" syndrome, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders (e.g., Skin Picking, Trichotillomania), and depression. We work with those exhibiting behavioral problems (e.g., ADHD, toileting issues). Our ideal client is interested in a collaborative friendly relationship, where we work hard towards achieving therapy goals.
** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS (TELEHEALTH AND IN-PERSON) We work with AGES 4-99 (CHILDREN AND ADULTS) with anxiety disorders (e.g., Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobia, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder), School Refusal, "Failure to Launch" syndrome, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders (e.g., Skin Picking, Trichotillomania), and depression. We work with those exhibiting behavioral problems (e.g., ADHD, toileting issues). Our ideal client is interested in a collaborative friendly relationship, where we work hard towards achieving therapy goals.
![Photo of Ruth K Smith, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/942ff4e3-575d-448e-85f4-789d15702a96/1/320x400.jpeg)
Individual therapy - Couples therapy. I am a licensed clinical psychologist, and I specialize in providing individual and couples therapy. I specialize in treating mood disturbance (including major depression and bipolar disorder), and anxiety and stress. I also treat stress stemming from life changes, including relationship changes, grief, job loss or difficulties at work, and other life transitions such as divorces or separations. I also support individuals with accessing their best selves by addressing self-confidence and self-motivation by treating the underlying causes for issues in these areas.
Individual therapy - Couples therapy. I am a licensed clinical psychologist, and I specialize in providing individual and couples therapy. I specialize in treating mood disturbance (including major depression and bipolar disorder), and anxiety and stress. I also treat stress stemming from life changes, including relationship changes, grief, job loss or difficulties at work, and other life transitions such as divorces or separations. I also support individuals with accessing their best selves by addressing self-confidence and self-motivation by treating the underlying causes for issues in these areas.
![Photo of Mia Newell, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8894a52-d153-4f0b-bc59-f5e2d1ca7432/4/320x400.jpeg)
Mia Newell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
Sometimes the world can feel impossibly heavy, and it is exhausting to cope with underlying challenges like chronic stressors, depression, anxiety, or trauma. Having a space to fully vent your worries and frustrations without fear or guilt is so important for mental health, but often so difficult to find. I approach my clients with warmth and without judgment. I work to cultivate a collaborative connection with clients, while empowering them to make sustainable, long-term changes, beyond our time together.
Sometimes the world can feel impossibly heavy, and it is exhausting to cope with underlying challenges like chronic stressors, depression, anxiety, or trauma. Having a space to fully vent your worries and frustrations without fear or guilt is so important for mental health, but often so difficult to find. I approach my clients with warmth and without judgment. I work to cultivate a collaborative connection with clients, while empowering them to make sustainable, long-term changes, beyond our time together.
![Photo of Cynthia Bloom, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/005c4598-4f67-4371-8cd7-d7554fb76b59/2/320x400.jpeg)
Remember when things felt easier? You felt valued, confident, and in control of your life or career? Now it's more bored, frustrated, or burnt out. Once you felt creative and productive; now it's tired and stuck. At home, it's like just going through through the motions - alone or with a partner. Maybe parenting is getting weird. Or you worry for a loved one. You worked hard to manage it all, but now realize: It's not getting better. You want to feel better, more alive, more in control.
Remember when things felt easier? You felt valued, confident, and in control of your life or career? Now it's more bored, frustrated, or burnt out. Once you felt creative and productive; now it's tired and stuck. At home, it's like just going through through the motions - alone or with a partner. Maybe parenting is getting weird. Or you worry for a loved one. You worked hard to manage it all, but now realize: It's not getting better. You want to feel better, more alive, more in control.
![Photo of Michael Patrick O'Heron, PhD, PLLC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f61be03-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Making the choice to start therapy can be a courageous first step toward paving a new path of personal meaning, insight, and growth. As your therapist, I see it as my job to work collaboratively with you to establish goals for making positive life changes. I believe in establishing a working alliance composed of empathy, trust, respect, validation, and transparency. I see the therapeutic relationship as the cornerstone of what makes therapy effective.
Making the choice to start therapy can be a courageous first step toward paving a new path of personal meaning, insight, and growth. As your therapist, I see it as my job to work collaboratively with you to establish goals for making positive life changes. I believe in establishing a working alliance composed of empathy, trust, respect, validation, and transparency. I see the therapeutic relationship as the cornerstone of what makes therapy effective.
![Photo of Cale Wright - Cale Wright, PsyD LLC, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d16d9c91-2196-4343-98c9-752915f5c1dc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cale Wright, PsyD LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007 (Online Only)
Is your child or adolescent struggling with anger, depression, or anxiety? Is he/she withdrawing socially, or falling behind in school? As a parent, do you want to learn ways to better support them? Alternatively, maybe you’re a young adult trying to navigate your personal and professional identity, and feel overwhelmed by career pressure, personal insecurities, anxiety, or relationship problems. How do you effectively manage these stressors?
Is your child or adolescent struggling with anger, depression, or anxiety? Is he/she withdrawing socially, or falling behind in school? As a parent, do you want to learn ways to better support them? Alternatively, maybe you’re a young adult trying to navigate your personal and professional identity, and feel overwhelmed by career pressure, personal insecurities, anxiety, or relationship problems. How do you effectively manage these stressors?
![Photo of Dawn Johnson, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41d4052b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you feel anxious, sad, overwhelmed or stuck, if you are frustrated by your family or relationships, navigating a challenging life transition or are worn out by disordered eating, my practice may be a good fit for you. My therapy style is collaborative, warm, and nonjudgmental, with room for humor. Together, we will work to improve your symptoms, gain a deeper understanding of your concerns and bring about lasting change.
If you feel anxious, sad, overwhelmed or stuck, if you are frustrated by your family or relationships, navigating a challenging life transition or are worn out by disordered eating, my practice may be a good fit for you. My therapy style is collaborative, warm, and nonjudgmental, with room for humor. Together, we will work to improve your symptoms, gain a deeper understanding of your concerns and bring about lasting change.
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![Photo of Brandi Walker, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07e2da96-3449-486b-b4df-cc9c178455fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a soon to be retired commissioned officer for the Army who has worked directly with veterans, service members, and their families for over a decade. Additionally, I've proven critical to the development of initiatives and collaborations that are in sync with the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness programming. I maintain an earnest desire to further what is known about ADHD and provide therapeutic expertise and researched-informed support to families and individuals that are impacted. I focus my efforts on training and advocacy on diversity, inclusion, equity, and intersectionality awareness and practices.
I am a soon to be retired commissioned officer for the Army who has worked directly with veterans, service members, and their families for over a decade. Additionally, I've proven critical to the development of initiatives and collaborations that are in sync with the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness programming. I maintain an earnest desire to further what is known about ADHD and provide therapeutic expertise and researched-informed support to families and individuals that are impacted. I focus my efforts on training and advocacy on diversity, inclusion, equity, and intersectionality awareness and practices.
![Photo of Hayley Gould, LPC, MS/EdS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ab9683d-32bc-4d17-9072-d756db200551/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eating disorders can be all encompassing and can start to take over so many different aspects of your life. It becomes hard to do anything without hearing the eating disorder’s disapproving voice in your head making comments about your food intake, your body, and most painfully, who you are as a person. This voice is not you. We can work together to help you fight back and regain your identity. You do not need to have an eating disorder for us to work together, I also work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, trauma, relationships, and identity.
Eating disorders can be all encompassing and can start to take over so many different aspects of your life. It becomes hard to do anything without hearing the eating disorder’s disapproving voice in your head making comments about your food intake, your body, and most painfully, who you are as a person. This voice is not you. We can work together to help you fight back and regain your identity. You do not need to have an eating disorder for us to work together, I also work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, trauma, relationships, and identity.
![Photo of Jennifer L Pauk, LICSW, LCSW-C, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bba4352f-c229-4abd-b866-4eae9e65bf79/1/320x400.png)
Jennifer L Pauk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20011
No matter our background or experience, we all hit a bump in the road at one point or another. Navigating challenging and stressful life events such as infertility, parenthood, academic and work transitions, relationships, trauma, chronic illness is complicated. Intense feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression may seem overwhelming an at times, we turn to short term solutions, such as procrastination, alcohol, etc, which lead us in the wrong direction. Working with clients I focus on clarifying what is important and meaningful in life and how to take steps to actively move in that direction - even when faced with challenges.
No matter our background or experience, we all hit a bump in the road at one point or another. Navigating challenging and stressful life events such as infertility, parenthood, academic and work transitions, relationships, trauma, chronic illness is complicated. Intense feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression may seem overwhelming an at times, we turn to short term solutions, such as procrastination, alcohol, etc, which lead us in the wrong direction. Working with clients I focus on clarifying what is important and meaningful in life and how to take steps to actively move in that direction - even when faced with challenges.
![Photo of Grace A Whitman, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f05b069-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Grace A Whitman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006
Not accepting new clients
I can be most helpful to you if you are interested in growing yourself and your own potential for intimacy and sexuality. Instead of identifying what's "wrong" with you, I focus on your strengths. By balancing your desire for autonomy and your desire for connection, you can increase your capacity for desire and eroticism in intimate sexuality. As an active therapist, I'm willing to challenge you and your partner to develop and grow yourself up.
I can be most helpful to you if you are interested in growing yourself and your own potential for intimacy and sexuality. Instead of identifying what's "wrong" with you, I focus on your strengths. By balancing your desire for autonomy and your desire for connection, you can increase your capacity for desire and eroticism in intimate sexuality. As an active therapist, I'm willing to challenge you and your partner to develop and grow yourself up.
![Photo of Melissa Ballen, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4dde1e4-eca7-431a-9680-dbfd5d049db6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Ballen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20037 (Online Only)
Hi! I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Washington, DC and Maryland. I received my Masters from University of Maryland, Baltimore and have been practicing for 14 years. I have primarily worked in child welfare and am now expanding my knowledge and skills to work in a therapeutic setting to help those work on being the best versions of themselves.
Hi! I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Washington, DC and Maryland. I received my Masters from University of Maryland, Baltimore and have been practicing for 14 years. I have primarily worked in child welfare and am now expanding my knowledge and skills to work in a therapeutic setting to help those work on being the best versions of themselves.
![Photo of Lois Ann Clinton, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81813e86-2802-455e-b87c-bbd8fe2481f8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lois Ann Clinton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20010 (Online Only)
My passion is teaching people how to realize their potential. I can help you let go of old patterns and fears and develop more of your authentic SELF. I bring 30 years of experience helping people face their challenges in more constructive ways. I have significant expertise in treating trauma and other mental health issues that perpetuate unhealthy patterns. I will support you in building your own internal and external resources to make changes in your life.
My passion is teaching people how to realize their potential. I can help you let go of old patterns and fears and develop more of your authentic SELF. I bring 30 years of experience helping people face their challenges in more constructive ways. I have significant expertise in treating trauma and other mental health issues that perpetuate unhealthy patterns. I will support you in building your own internal and external resources to make changes in your life.
![Photo of Laura S Covington, MSW, PhD, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f733605-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura S Covington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, PhD, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006
I provide therapy for various life course adjustment, such as managing anxiety and depression, coping with grief and loss, challenges with relationships, and considerations for ways to grow a family. I partner with reproductive medical practices to provide psychological services and counsel the patients who are undergoing or have undergone fertility treatment, as well as those who have chosen not to proceed forward with fertility treatment. I provide third party reproduction counseling sessions for donor sperm, egg, & embryo and gestational surrogacy. I provide evaluations for gestational carriers and gamete donors.
I provide therapy for various life course adjustment, such as managing anxiety and depression, coping with grief and loss, challenges with relationships, and considerations for ways to grow a family. I partner with reproductive medical practices to provide psychological services and counsel the patients who are undergoing or have undergone fertility treatment, as well as those who have chosen not to proceed forward with fertility treatment. I provide third party reproduction counseling sessions for donor sperm, egg, & embryo and gestational surrogacy. I provide evaluations for gestational carriers and gamete donors.
![Photo of Sara A Solomon, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b84a1ec-7f41-47c7-9c55-61725db22ca4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sara A Solomon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
My ideal client is someone seeking guidance and support in navigating life's challenges. They may be children, adolescents, or adults, individuals or couples, grappling with issues like depression, anxiety, family dynamics, peer or romantic relationship difficulties, executive dysfunction, or neurodivergence, including autism and ADHD. They want to gain a deeper understanding of how their past shapes their present, who they are, what they want, and why they do what they do, with a desire to move forward while honoring their authentic selves.
My ideal client is someone seeking guidance and support in navigating life's challenges. They may be children, adolescents, or adults, individuals or couples, grappling with issues like depression, anxiety, family dynamics, peer or romantic relationship difficulties, executive dysfunction, or neurodivergence, including autism and ADHD. They want to gain a deeper understanding of how their past shapes their present, who they are, what they want, and why they do what they do, with a desire to move forward while honoring their authentic selves.
![Photo of Jennifer Bakalar, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90f02eb2-0c07-451d-8023-cb007fff0c4c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Our connections with ourselves, others, and our communities can bring tremendous joy, meaning, and fulfillment. In contrast, experiences of disconnection and loss can elicit profound anguish. A crucial step toward relief and enduring growth in psychotherapy starts with an affirming connection with your therapist. Beyond the reasons that bring you in, I am committed to listening to your life story and learning about you as a whole, imperfect person who deserves unconditional care and respect. From there, we can identify opportunities to relate to yourself and others in new ways.
Our connections with ourselves, others, and our communities can bring tremendous joy, meaning, and fulfillment. In contrast, experiences of disconnection and loss can elicit profound anguish. A crucial step toward relief and enduring growth in psychotherapy starts with an affirming connection with your therapist. Beyond the reasons that bring you in, I am committed to listening to your life story and learning about you as a whole, imperfect person who deserves unconditional care and respect. From there, we can identify opportunities to relate to yourself and others in new ways.
See more therapy options for Washington
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Washington, DC
3,000+
Average cost per session
$180
Therapists in Washington, DC who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
80% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Self Esteem |
68% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | Stress |
65% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
60% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
57% | CareFirst |
56% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Washington, DC see their clients
54% | In Person and Online | |
46% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
19% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Washington?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.