Is Therapy Worth the Cost? Why Investing in Your Mental Health Pays Off
- Anissa Bell
- Feb 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 16
As a therapist I talk to a lot of people who are hesitant to commit to therapy because of the cost. I get it—therapy can be expensive and the return on investment can seem abstract. But therapy is a powerful tool for improving mental health and overall wellbeing, strengthening relationships and achieving long term personal success.
When you work through emotional roadblocks, reduce stress and improve sleep you gain clarity, confidence and resilience. Those benefits don’t just apply to your personal life - they also apply to professional performance. My practice is private pay which means I don’t accept insurance. This allows me to provide the highest level of care without restrictions. In this post I’ll explain why private pay therapy works for many people, how the benefits outweigh the cost, and offer practical tips for making therapy more accessible if finances are a concern.
Why Therapy Matters
Mental health care is often seen as optional while physical health takes priority. But addressing emotional challenges is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Therapy offers long term benefits by helping you resolve issues that impact your daily life, including relationship and career concerns. Many people engage in counseling to manage stress, anxiety, insomnia or other challenges that impact their ability to function at their best. Therapy gives you the tools to manage those challenges.
Benefits of Therapy:
1. Quality of Life
When you’re struggling with stress, anxiety or unresolved trauma every aspect of life is affected. Seeking professional support provides you with a safe structured space to work through those challenges. As you gain clarity and relief you can experience greater emotional balance and healthier relationships, leading to improved quality of life.
2. Sleep & Insomnia Relief
Chronic sleep issues are often linked to stress and anxiety. Many people rely on medication but therapy—especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)—is a proven method for treating sleep disturbances. By learning strategies to calm the mind and reset sleep patterns you can break the cycle of sleeplessness and experience the benefits of restful sleep.
3. Professional Performance
Mental health issues and insomnia can cause daytime fatigue and impact focus, motivation and problem solving. Talking with a professional helps you manage stress and build resilience so you can perform at your best. Whether you’re navigating workplace challenges or seeking career growth, therapy can help you develop the tools you need to succeed.
Understanding the Cost of Therapy
How much does therapy cost? Many people assume therapy is unaffordable if the provider is out of network. But if you have a PPO health insurance plan you may be eligible for partial reimbursement and the actual out of pocket therapy costs will be lower. Some insurance providers reimburse a good portion of session fees after you meet your deductible. To make the claims process simpler services like Thrizer or Mentaya help clients submit claims and track reimbursements, making out of network benefits more accessible. By factoring in those reimbursements, treatment may be more affordable than you thought. To get an idea of the average cost of therapy in your geographic area, check out the Fair Health Consumer website. Keep in mind out of network costs listed do not include potential insurance reimbursement from your PPO plan.
What If You Have an HMO Plan?
If you have an HMO health insurance plan your health care coverage is usually limited to in network providers - meaning out of network counseling is not covered. However,if you can’t find a qualified in network therapist with reasonable availability you may be able to request a Single Case Agreement (SCA).
A SCA is a contract between your insurance company and an out of network provider that allows the provider’s services to be covered as if they were in network. To request a SCA you’ll need to demonstrate that in network providers do not meet your needs due to long wait times, lack of specialization, or other factors. While approval is not guaranteed this option can get you the care you need.
Why Do Therapists Choose to Not Accept Insurance?
I, like many mental health professionals, don’t work with insurance because it restricts my ability to provide the best mental health treatment for my clients. Insurance companies dictate how many sessions a client can have and how long treatment will last instead of the therapist determining what’s clinically appropriate. They also limit what types of treatment are covered so therapists have to prioritize what insurance will pay for rather than what’s best for the client. Insurance companies often reimburse providers at rates that are way lower than the market value of their services. These low rates make it hard to cover business expenses, invest in continuing education and maintain a sustainable practice. And insurance reimbursement comes with administrative burdens like claim denials and delays which add unpaid labor to the workload. So many therapists choose not to accept insurance to provide high quality care without financial strain. By not working with insurance, providers can tailor treatment to each client’s individual needs, maintain therapy session confidentiality without insurance oversight, and get paid fairly for their skills.
Making Therapy More Affordable
If private pay therapy is not an option there are other ways to get support:
Find an In Network Therapist
If your insurance covers mental health services finding an in network provider can save you a lot of money. As discussed above, this means the therapist may have some limitations regarding your treatment. To explore this option:
Call your insurance company to verify your mental health benefits.
Search the provider directory to find in network therapists.
Confirm coverage details including session limits and co-pays
Explore group therapy options within your network that may be an even more affordable option.
Free & Low-Cost Options
There are community based programs that offer free or low cost mental health support:
Nonprofit organizations: Many offer counseling and support groups for anxiety, grief, trauma and more. Get online and search for options in your area.
University counseling centers: Students may have access to free therapy or low cost therapy.
Public health agencies: Local community mental health agencies often have affordable services.
Support groups: Organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offer free peer led support groups.
In Short: Invest in Yourself
Therapy requires a financial investment but the lasting benefits— improved emotional wellbeing, better sleep, and increased work performance—are priceless. Whether you work with me or another therapist, remember that prioritizing mental health is one of the best investments you can make. If cost is a concern explore providers covered by insurance, potential reimbursement rates for self-pay, group therapy options, and community resources to make therapy more accessible.
For more tips and mental health support, and information about online therapy sessions visit www.sleep-anxiety.com. Fill out the contact form to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Anissa Bell, LMFT, and find out if online therapy is right for you (currently not offering in person therapy). Providing online therapy throughout California. Click HERE for more information about online therapy and therapy costs. Providers in California, find out more about referring your client or patient for sleep therapy.
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