Therapists in Chicago, IL
![Photo of Martha Tyler, AMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e7a0b6c2-bf82-47e3-b9dd-f7d49b7f76ac/2/320x400.jpeg)
Martha Tyler
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
Waitlist for new clients
Change and growth happen within a safe and secure relationship. I am here to walk alongside you, offering compassionate curiosity, a safe space to explore your inner life, and deep insight. Wherever you are in your mental health journey, I’ll meet you there and together we can embrace the ambiguity of the human experience with humor, a sense of play, and compassion.
Change and growth happen within a safe and secure relationship. I am here to walk alongside you, offering compassionate curiosity, a safe space to explore your inner life, and deep insight. Wherever you are in your mental health journey, I’ll meet you there and together we can embrace the ambiguity of the human experience with humor, a sense of play, and compassion.
![Photo of Tiffany C. Brown - Family First Domestic & Family Counseling Clinic, PsyD, MA, CAMS-II](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4964c768-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Family First Domestic & Family Counseling Clinic
PsyD, MA, CAMS-II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60628
Family First Domestic & Family Counseling Clinic (FFCC) have advanced training in forensic psychology which provides them with the skills needed to work with and within the legal system. FFCC staff also works with clients with family of origin issues, depression, anxiety, grief, domestic violence, codependency, stress, life transitions, career changes, and more. We offer services in English and Spanish.
Family First Domestic & Family Counseling Clinic (FFCC) have advanced training in forensic psychology which provides them with the skills needed to work with and within the legal system. FFCC staff also works with clients with family of origin issues, depression, anxiety, grief, domestic violence, codependency, stress, life transitions, career changes, and more. We offer services in English and Spanish.
![Photo of Né McNeal, AM, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cabe4867-67dc-4b19-a00d-c0e4f857e72f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Né McNeal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
I practice interpersonal psychoanalytic psychotherapy, which means I learn about you by examining your relationships while gaining insight as to how you relate to the world and yourself. My approach to therapy is rooted in harm reduction, intersectionality, and awareness of systemic oppression. I like to work with adults and have special interest working with the LGBTQIA2S+ population, trauma survivors, religious trauma survivors, couples, neurodivergent individuals, and those who are struggling with substance misuse.
I practice interpersonal psychoanalytic psychotherapy, which means I learn about you by examining your relationships while gaining insight as to how you relate to the world and yourself. My approach to therapy is rooted in harm reduction, intersectionality, and awareness of systemic oppression. I like to work with adults and have special interest working with the LGBTQIA2S+ population, trauma survivors, religious trauma survivors, couples, neurodivergent individuals, and those who are struggling with substance misuse.
![Photo of Lolan P. Adan, LPC, MAPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e3e4f7c-d46e-40fc-8dc7-e1222741b3e5/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lolan P. Adan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
∞ ∞ ∞ Empathic accompaniment that honors your longings and dynamic life narratives ∞ ∞ ∞ Are you curious about your inner world? Need help managing your mood and anxiety? Do you long for a quiet and safe space? Or, feel the need to re-calibrate? We are living through unprecedented times. Losses and dislocations abound, threatening our overall sense of identity, agency, and belonging. Time feels shapeless. Through all this, we are doing our best to live lives of meaning, courage, and faith. #LPAdanAccompany
∞ ∞ ∞ Empathic accompaniment that honors your longings and dynamic life narratives ∞ ∞ ∞ Are you curious about your inner world? Need help managing your mood and anxiety? Do you long for a quiet and safe space? Or, feel the need to re-calibrate? We are living through unprecedented times. Losses and dislocations abound, threatening our overall sense of identity, agency, and belonging. Time feels shapeless. Through all this, we are doing our best to live lives of meaning, courage, and faith. #LPAdanAccompany
![Photo of Mallory Murphy, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bc778cf-a2cf-4676-8968-a1956b68f41e/2/320x400.jpeg)
My job is to help provide you with the tools you need to grow into the best version of yourself. Some theories that I employ in my therapeutic process include strengths-based theory, person-centered theory, feminist theory, and relational theory. I also like to incorporate mindfulness-based practices (e.g., yoga, meditation, etc.) into my approach, as I believe mindfulness is essential to the healing process. I am particularly interested in how our past experiences impact who we are today, and through trauma-informed practices, I work with my clients to help them better understand how their past experiences have shaped them.
My job is to help provide you with the tools you need to grow into the best version of yourself. Some theories that I employ in my therapeutic process include strengths-based theory, person-centered theory, feminist theory, and relational theory. I also like to incorporate mindfulness-based practices (e.g., yoga, meditation, etc.) into my approach, as I believe mindfulness is essential to the healing process. I am particularly interested in how our past experiences impact who we are today, and through trauma-informed practices, I work with my clients to help them better understand how their past experiences have shaped them.
![Photo of Jessica Pontis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0edd3684-50ec-4ea9-ac75-86970b293fed/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Pontis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
Whether you've seen a therapist before, or are reaching out for support for the first time, beginning with new therapist can feel scary or uncertain. I respect these feelings and work with my clients to create an empowering dynamic. I believe in the power of an honest, open, and empathetic space of healing. I'm a therapist that likes to dig in and explored the roots and functions of my clients thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I strive to assist clients in navigating their lives to help them reach their goals by focusing on a person's uniqueness and individual strengths.
Whether you've seen a therapist before, or are reaching out for support for the first time, beginning with new therapist can feel scary or uncertain. I respect these feelings and work with my clients to create an empowering dynamic. I believe in the power of an honest, open, and empathetic space of healing. I'm a therapist that likes to dig in and explored the roots and functions of my clients thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I strive to assist clients in navigating their lives to help them reach their goals by focusing on a person's uniqueness and individual strengths.
![Photo of Jerome Clark, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b221339-6263-432d-b6e0-f762701cc09c/2/320x400.jpeg)
In my experience as a counselor, I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of individuals in various settings. I have worked with children and adults in the community, residential, hospital, and educational settings. In each environment I have witnessed the marvel of human potential firsthand. As a clinician I approach people and the work that I do from the belief that people have the innate ability to grow and heal on their own. My personal life experience and my practice have fostered this belief, recognizing that the process may require or be made more manageable with some assistance or a guide, in the form of counsel
In my experience as a counselor, I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of individuals in various settings. I have worked with children and adults in the community, residential, hospital, and educational settings. In each environment I have witnessed the marvel of human potential firsthand. As a clinician I approach people and the work that I do from the belief that people have the innate ability to grow and heal on their own. My personal life experience and my practice have fostered this belief, recognizing that the process may require or be made more manageable with some assistance or a guide, in the form of counsel
![Photo of Dr. Dylan Lanoff, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b43924eb-47a0-4a4b-8b65-c1654da2ae7a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe the most important part of therapy is the genuine connection I form with my clients, and I will show up as my authentic self in therapy sessions with you. I prioritize providing validation and support, while also providing my own insight and gently challenging you during therapy. Together we will explore how your previous experiences may have shaped your current beliefs and ideas about yourself, the world, and others. I believe being vulnerable enough to confront and experience difficult emotions is one of the bravest things a person can do.
I believe the most important part of therapy is the genuine connection I form with my clients, and I will show up as my authentic self in therapy sessions with you. I prioritize providing validation and support, while also providing my own insight and gently challenging you during therapy. Together we will explore how your previous experiences may have shaped your current beliefs and ideas about yourself, the world, and others. I believe being vulnerable enough to confront and experience difficult emotions is one of the bravest things a person can do.
![Photo of Eric C Mayer, MSW, LSW, CAIP, ASDI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ebe1dd1-5349-4576-803e-820ed93b2742/2/320x400.jpeg)
Eric C Mayer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW, CAIP, ASDI
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
I believe therapy is oriented at finding out something about you with you. Many of the struggles we experience are caused by responding to new life circumstances using past life experiences. During therapy we move with curiosity, exploring perspectives. We experiment giving ourself permission to feel deeper in an effort to bring focus to the present while honoring our past for brining us to this moment. Through this work, clients can challenge this "stuck” feeling and move toward leading fulfilling lives.
I believe therapy is oriented at finding out something about you with you. Many of the struggles we experience are caused by responding to new life circumstances using past life experiences. During therapy we move with curiosity, exploring perspectives. We experiment giving ourself permission to feel deeper in an effort to bring focus to the present while honoring our past for brining us to this moment. Through this work, clients can challenge this "stuck” feeling and move toward leading fulfilling lives.
![Photo of Arianna R Smith, LCSW, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec3c9a1a-745c-4dc1-b078-3dc8e25ea7c1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Arianna R Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60620 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Arianna and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes everyone should feel seen, heard and affirmed. My priority as a therapist is to recognize the diverse cultural backgrounds of people with the goal of integrating that understanding into effective and respectful therapeutic interventions. I believe firmly in the impacts of our pattern of thought on our behaviors and how important it is to be intentional in how we think about ourselves, speak about ourselves and treat ourselves.
Hello! My name is Arianna and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes everyone should feel seen, heard and affirmed. My priority as a therapist is to recognize the diverse cultural backgrounds of people with the goal of integrating that understanding into effective and respectful therapeutic interventions. I believe firmly in the impacts of our pattern of thought on our behaviors and how important it is to be intentional in how we think about ourselves, speak about ourselves and treat ourselves.
![Photo of Stacy Agosto, LCSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4dd1462b-af6f-4793-a463-7ee31fe723d5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stacy Agosto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60660 (Online Only)
SPACE for new BCBS Blue Choice/ PPO and Aetna PPO Illinois clients. It's an honor to be trusted with some of the most difficult and personal areas of people's lives. I respect how challenging it can be to come to therapy and speak to a stranger. Many people say they don't want a therapist who "sits quietly and nods" while they talk. I provide a comfortable and safe space for people to share their concerns, and our time together can be conversational and direct. I can be an active partner in your choice to move forward in your life. Therapy is a place to explore together, improve the quality of your life and expand your choices.
SPACE for new BCBS Blue Choice/ PPO and Aetna PPO Illinois clients. It's an honor to be trusted with some of the most difficult and personal areas of people's lives. I respect how challenging it can be to come to therapy and speak to a stranger. Many people say they don't want a therapist who "sits quietly and nods" while they talk. I provide a comfortable and safe space for people to share their concerns, and our time together can be conversational and direct. I can be an active partner in your choice to move forward in your life. Therapy is a place to explore together, improve the quality of your life and expand your choices.
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![Photo of Jackeline Elizabeth Mitchell, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0ae3aca-c54b-485d-abca-931a6817542b/1/320x400.png)
Jackeline Elizabeth Mitchell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60611 (Online Only)
As someone who has been in the field for almost a decade, I have been honored to work with many different clients in many different scenarios and environments. I am able to listen to the details, and minutia of everyday life, but also keen on seeing the big picture and working collaboratively with (all)interfacing systems for the betterment of you.
As someone who has been in the field for almost a decade, I have been honored to work with many different clients in many different scenarios and environments. I am able to listen to the details, and minutia of everyday life, but also keen on seeing the big picture and working collaboratively with (all)interfacing systems for the betterment of you.
![Photo of Gwendolyn Tsuji, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9026032-ecca-4374-8537-bc958c24a061/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gwendolyn Tsuji
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
Wherever you are, whatever you were doing before this or will do after, I am glad you are here. Your visit to the space you have created by reading this indicates you are exploring meaningful change. I provide a warm, supportive, and respectful therapy environment to ensure that we can focus on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through our exploration, we will center around your experiences, strengths and aspirations to build insight and learn skills to help achieve your goals. My practice focuses on individuals and families.
Wherever you are, whatever you were doing before this or will do after, I am glad you are here. Your visit to the space you have created by reading this indicates you are exploring meaningful change. I provide a warm, supportive, and respectful therapy environment to ensure that we can focus on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through our exploration, we will center around your experiences, strengths and aspirations to build insight and learn skills to help achieve your goals. My practice focuses on individuals and families.
![Photo of Michael J. Bland, PsyD, DMin, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42c3c084-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you going through a difficult time having more bad days than good ones? Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Is your relationship with your partner or spouse struggling? I can help you better understand these situations in your life and create solutions for them. I can help you process and understand your thoughts and feelings. My practical approach entails a therapeutic alliance that is warm, empathic, supportive and interactive. At the core of my work is a belief in an individual's innate capacity to grow and adapt which contributes to lasting improvements and changes in one's overall quality of life.
Are you going through a difficult time having more bad days than good ones? Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Is your relationship with your partner or spouse struggling? I can help you better understand these situations in your life and create solutions for them. I can help you process and understand your thoughts and feelings. My practical approach entails a therapeutic alliance that is warm, empathic, supportive and interactive. At the core of my work is a belief in an individual's innate capacity to grow and adapt which contributes to lasting improvements and changes in one's overall quality of life.
![Photo of Jessica Backus, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39766484-c51f-4e22-a067-4a51b45947bc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I’m a warmhearted therapist dedicated to fostering deep connections and emotional safety. My approach will empower you to embrace your authentic self, navigate diverse emotions, and face challenges with courage and compassion. I’ll create a comfortable environment for us to work collaboratively, empowering you to make lasting changes aligned with your values and principles, leading to a more fulfilling life. My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, empathetic, radically compassionate, playful, strength-based and non-judgmental.
I’m a warmhearted therapist dedicated to fostering deep connections and emotional safety. My approach will empower you to embrace your authentic self, navigate diverse emotions, and face challenges with courage and compassion. I’ll create a comfortable environment for us to work collaboratively, empowering you to make lasting changes aligned with your values and principles, leading to a more fulfilling life. My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, empathetic, radically compassionate, playful, strength-based and non-judgmental.
![Photo of Christen Scozzafave, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e429a5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Many changes or challenges we face in life come with stress and pain, even when these changes are welcomed or planned. I believe growth, healing and peace are possible when difficulties arise, or life becomes overwhelming. In therapy, I will help you ensure transformation and healing occurs. I specialize in psychotherapy services related to perinatal complications (including loss), parental transitions, grief, bereavement & loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment to illness, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I am licensed in the states of Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and Wisconsin.
Many changes or challenges we face in life come with stress and pain, even when these changes are welcomed or planned. I believe growth, healing and peace are possible when difficulties arise, or life becomes overwhelming. In therapy, I will help you ensure transformation and healing occurs. I specialize in psychotherapy services related to perinatal complications (including loss), parental transitions, grief, bereavement & loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment to illness, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I am licensed in the states of Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and Wisconsin.
![Photo of Elba Iris Lara, LCSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb5700ac-e1b7-44e4-a08d-aca54311a1fd/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you in a place where you feel the need to make changes in your life to improve your happiness and overall well-being? Maybe it's addressing your social drug/alcohol use, or wondering why you feel stuck, and feel the need to explore your intrinsic wants/needs. I believe there's an importance in empowering one's spirit, identifying blocks, and in learning new skills to strengthen one's ability to make wanted changes. I focus on enhancing existing strengths, encouraging mindfulness, and building coping skills to support these changes.
Are you in a place where you feel the need to make changes in your life to improve your happiness and overall well-being? Maybe it's addressing your social drug/alcohol use, or wondering why you feel stuck, and feel the need to explore your intrinsic wants/needs. I believe there's an importance in empowering one's spirit, identifying blocks, and in learning new skills to strengthen one's ability to make wanted changes. I focus on enhancing existing strengths, encouraging mindfulness, and building coping skills to support these changes.
![Photo of Cristen Brossok, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3a876a0-0852-474d-a5a9-4611fedb4931/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cristen Brossok
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60642
Not accepting new clients
I am a queer therapist with lived experience as a trauma survivor. I aim to build space where we can relate, explore, process, challenge, and heal in brave and thoughtful ways; a place to tend to yourself with compassion and build your capacity for handling difficult emotions. I strive for an inclusive therapy space that embodies anti-diet, anti-racist, anti-sexist, and other anti-oppressive lenses. I work well with people who are reflective and open. My approach is validating, curious, and relational.
I am a queer therapist with lived experience as a trauma survivor. I aim to build space where we can relate, explore, process, challenge, and heal in brave and thoughtful ways; a place to tend to yourself with compassion and build your capacity for handling difficult emotions. I strive for an inclusive therapy space that embodies anti-diet, anti-racist, anti-sexist, and other anti-oppressive lenses. I work well with people who are reflective and open. My approach is validating, curious, and relational.
![Photo of Laurel Dammann, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90d0acfb-26f3-42ad-97ac-7ca7fc3de527/1/320x400.jpeg)
I seek to create a space in which my clients are inspired to learn about themselves and develop compassion for the ways they've survived. While I draw from several therapeutic modalities, I always prioritize your lived experience and I approach therapy as a collaborative space. As your therapist, I hold a deep respect for your autonomy and self-agency, I commit to transparency in my work, and I embrace any feedback you choose to share. While I bring my training and knowledge, you carry your own skills and expertise–– how might we work together in service of you?
I seek to create a space in which my clients are inspired to learn about themselves and develop compassion for the ways they've survived. While I draw from several therapeutic modalities, I always prioritize your lived experience and I approach therapy as a collaborative space. As your therapist, I hold a deep respect for your autonomy and self-agency, I commit to transparency in my work, and I embrace any feedback you choose to share. While I bring my training and knowledge, you carry your own skills and expertise–– how might we work together in service of you?
![Photo of Yesenia Maldonado, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9690838c-c5e1-4546-9029-8ec07274b5b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Yesenia Maldonado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60618 (Online Only)
Life's journey can be filled with unexpected transitions, tough decisions, and stressors. Sometimes we struggle finding our purpose, feeling understood, or motivated. Whether you are experiencing depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, anger, trauma, relationship struggles, it is never too early or late to reach out for support. Together you and I can figure out what is going on and how to make it better by using proven strategies and support.
Life's journey can be filled with unexpected transitions, tough decisions, and stressors. Sometimes we struggle finding our purpose, feeling understood, or motivated. Whether you are experiencing depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, anger, trauma, relationship struggles, it is never too early or late to reach out for support. Together you and I can figure out what is going on and how to make it better by using proven strategies and support.
See more therapy options for Chicago
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Chicago, IL
3,000+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in Chicago, IL who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
78% | Relationship Issues |
76% | Self Esteem |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Life Transitions |
66% | Stress |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
95% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
63% | Aetna |
50% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Chicago, IL see their clients
62% | In Person and Online | |
38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
19% | Male | |
3% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Chicago?
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.