How Much Does Therapy Cost in Oklahoma City?

When you're ready to start therapy, one of the first questions you'll ask yourself is about the cost. It's a completely valid concern, and figuring out what you can expect to pay can feel confusing.

At Journey Counseling Center in Oklahoma City, we believe that understanding the cost of mental health care shouldn't be a barrier to getting the help you need.

This guide will break down the average costs of therapy in Oklahoma City, explain how insurance works, and help you find a path to affordable care.

Average Cost of a Therapy Session in OKC

The price of a therapy session can vary depending on several factors, but here is what you can generally expect for an out-of-pocket session:

• Average Range: Most therapists in Oklahoma City charge between $75 and $150 per 50-minute session. This is lower compared to other major cities, like Denver, where meeting with a Denver therapist can cost between $100 and $250 per session.

• Expertise and Licensure: Therapists with more specialized training (like a Ph.D. or Psy.D.) or extensive experience may charge on the higher end of this range. Master's-level therapists (LPC, LMFT, LCSW) are often closer to the middle of the range.

• Initial Session: The first "intake" session, which is an assessment of your needs, can sometimes be more expensive, ranging from $120 to $180.

Navigating Insurance: What You Need to Know

Using your health insurance can lower your out-of-pocket costs, but not all therapists accept insurance. All marketplace plans in Oklahoma are required by law to cover mental and behavioral health services, a protection often referred to as "parity."

• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Your cost will primarily depend on whether your therapist is "in-network" with your insurance plan.

  • In-Network: If your therapist is in-network, you will typically only pay a copay, which can range from $20 to $75 per session after meeting your deductible.

  • Out-of-Network: If your therapist is out-of-network, like many of Journey's therapists are, you may need to pay for the full session upfront and then submit a claim for partial reimbursement from your insurance company. This can be more complex and may have higher costs.

• Understanding Your Plan: We encourage you to contact your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits. Here are the key questions to ask:

  • "Do I have mental health benefits?"

  • "What is my deductible, and has it been met?"

  • "What is my copay or coinsurance amount for an in-network therapist?"

  • "Do I need pre-authorization or a referral from my primary care physician?"

• 

Finding Affordable Therapy Options

If you don't have insurance or are concerned about the cost, there are still many options to make therapy more accessible:

• Sliding-Scale Fees: Many private practices, including some therapists at Journey Counseling Center, offer a "sliding scale" based on your income. This can reduce the cost per session to a more manageable amount.

• University Clinics: Oklahoma State University and other local universities often have training clinics where you can receive high-quality, low-cost therapy from graduate students under the supervision of a licensed professional.

• Community Mental Health Centers: These centers provide comprehensive services on a sliding scale, often for as little as $10 to $25 per session.

Don't Let Cost Stand in Your Way

The decision to start therapy is a powerful one. We understand that financial considerations are a part of that decision, and we are committed to helping you find a way to get the support you need. Your mental health is an investment in your well-being and future.

If you are in the Oklahoma City or Edmond area and have questions about our rates or the therapy process, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Contact Journey Counseling Center today to schedule a confidential appointment.