The Real Cost Of Therapy: Why Are So Many Women Paying Out Of Pocket For Therapy?

At a time when women should be able to focus on self-care and healing, women are forced to figure out the cost of therapy. It is no secret that women have recently had to endure more layoffs and a tough economy, as healthcare costs aren’t getting any better. Therapy is a journey, but there is so much to decide in that process, beginning with whether or not to use insurance or pay out of pocket.

According to Statista, “23% to 26.4% of U.S. women receive mental health treatment or counseling in any given year”. 

Women are more prone to mental health issues compared to men, such as forms of depression, not only due to hormonal issues but also due to brain structure. The development of mental health issues is commonly due to a combination of genetics and the role the person has in society.

Even though there is still a stigma on mental health, it is still a major concern. We can not forget about the fact that mothers may go through so much during their pregnancy, but also have issues like postpartum depression; therapy often helps.

A report from GoodRx stated that women spend “113% more on depression medications and 103% more on anxiety treatments”. Meaning not only do women deal with more stress at times, but women are more likely to get help.

Unfortunately, getting the help women need is a stressor itself. Not only is it hard to find a therapist that suits the needs, it is expensive to get one. Leaving us with also the question:

We know insurance can be helpful, but it’s not a clear-cut fix. There is also one big obstacle about insurance: not only is the state of healthcare currently a factor, but insurance is not free or easy to get. Unless your employer provides benefits, it is hard finding insurance that works for you. 

Going back to the big question, “What is the real cost of therapy?”

There usually isn’t a certain cost for therapy; it can vary depending on the therapist, practice, clinic, or company. Just a single session, which can be 40-60 minutes, depending on the type, can actually be anywhere from $100 to $300 or more. However, you aren’t only paying for the session; you could also be paying for their office space, the virtual platform if telehealth is used, or their admin for billing.

Even if the therapist works from home or a free office, they still need some type of compliance to protect their business.

We know insurance can be helpful, but it’s not always an immediate fix. However, insurance is not free unless your employer provides it, and it is still a cost sometimes. Then you may have to go through the hassle of finding insurance that works for you. 

Let’s look at a few reasons women may pay out of pocket for therapy versus using insurance. 

Personal privacy is one of the top reasons a lot of women are paying of pocket for therapy. If you don’t use insurance, your information is more secure. Meaning, if you use an insurance company, they have access to your diagnosis, treatment plans, and notes. This could be a major factor for future therapy treatments.

Out-of-pocket payment usually allows customers to choose any therapist instead of being restricted to a limited insurance network. In reference to insurance, most Psychologist/Psychiatrist or specialized mental health clinicians do not usually accept insurance due to reimbursement rates and billing issues. Out of pocket would give you more choices.

Not only can insurance companies control the number of therapy sessions allowed, but they can also determine how long the appointments are, as well as the types of therapy they will cover. Out-of-pocket patients can assist with a treatment plan with their therapist based on their needs, without the company dictating it or insurance oversight control.

This still leaves so much to think about with therapy, but the cost of not getting help is more expensive. 

Whether you decide to pay out of pocket or use insurance, the most important thing is securing a therapist you can afford, and that sees you, hears you, and supports your growth. Women deserve to heal and get the help they need to thrive. Find the best option for you.