How Much Does Therapy Cost in Arizona? 2025 Guide
#Counselling, #Informative, #Insurance, #Therapy
Updated on Oct 18, 2025
Finding therapy in Arizona can cost anywhere from $70 to over $300 per session, depending on the provider, location, and insurance. From Phoenix to Flagstaff, affordable choices are available to fit any budget.
This guide provides a clear breakdown of therapy costs across Arizona, including typical fees by provider type, regional price differences, affordable care options, and insurance coverage, giving you the essential information to navigate mental healthcare expenses with confidence.
Table of Contents | Jump Ahead
Average Therapy Costs in Arizona
Average Session Costs by Provider Type
Who Can Provide Therapy in Arizona?
Insurance Coverage for Therapy in Arizona
Quick Summary
- Average Cost: Individual therapy sessions in Arizona range from $70 to $316 per session, with significant variation by provider type and location.
- Regional Differences: Phoenix and Scottsdale sessions cost 30-50% more than the state average, whilst smaller cities like Flagstaff and Tucson offer sessions 15-25% below metropolitan rates.
- Insurance Coverage: Arizona requires mental health parity in all health insurance plans, with copays typically ranging from $20 to $46 per session.
- Affordable Options: Community clinics offer sessions from $20, and AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) provides comprehensive coverage for eligible residents.
Average Session Costs by Provider Type
| Provider Type | Average Session Cost |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrist (MD, DO) | $140-$316 (avg $200) |
| Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) | $110-$230 (avg $150) |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | $90-$201 (avg $125) |
| Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) | $90-$201 (avg $125) |
| Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) | $90-$201 (avg $125) |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | $70-$180 (avg $110) |
| Licensed Addiction Counsellor (LAC) | $80-$190 (avg $120) |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $120-$280 (avg $180) |
Regional Cost Variations
Major Cities (Higher Cost)
- Phoenix: $100-$201 per session, with Scottsdale and Paradise Valley commanding premium rates up to $316
- Scottsdale: $140-$316 per session, reflecting the highest cost area in Arizona
- Tempe: $90-$180 per session, benefiting from university presence and competitive market
- Mesa: $85-$170 per session, suburban Phoenix rates with family-focused services
Mid-Range Markets
- Tucson: $80-$165 per session, second-largest city with university training programmes
- Chandler: $90-$175 per session, growing suburban market in Phoenix metro
- Glendale: $85-$170 per session, west Phoenix metropolitan rates
- Peoria: $85-$170 per session, northwest Phoenix suburban pricing
Lower-Cost Markets
- Flagstaff: $70-$140 per session, northern Arizona with university clinic options
- Yuma: $65-$130 per session, border city with agricultural economy pricing
- Prescott: $70-$135 per session, retirement community with moderate rates
- Lake Havasu City: $65-$125 per session, smaller market with limited providers
- Sierra Vista: $70-$130 per session, military community with TRICARE influence
Who Can Provide Therapy in Arizona?
To get good care, it helps to know about the different types of mental health workers in Arizona. The Arizona Board of Behavioural Health Examiners and Arizona Medical Board give licences to these professionals.
Types of Licensed Therapists
- Psychiatrist (MD, DO): Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy. They are licensed by the Arizona Medical Board.
- Psychologist (PhD/PsyD): Psychologists hold doctoral degrees and can diagnose mental health conditions, conduct psychological testing, and provide therapy. They cannot prescribe medication in Arizona. They are licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioural Health Examiners.
- Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC): Professional counsellors hold master's degrees and provide individual, group, and family therapy. They can diagnose mental health conditions but cannot prescribe medication. They are licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioural Health Examiners.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Clinical social workers provide therapy and case management services. They hold master's degrees in social work and can provide psychotherapy and diagnose mental health conditions. They are licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioural Health Examiners.
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): These specialists focus on relationship and family issues. They hold master's degrees and complete specialised training in family systems therapy. They are licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioural Health Examiners.
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): Master's level social workers who provide counselling and support services. They work under supervision and cannot provide independent psychotherapy. They are licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioural Health Examiners.
- Licensed Addiction Counsellor (LAC): Specialists in substance abuse and addiction treatment. They hold specialised training in addiction counselling and recovery support. They are licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioural Health Examiners.
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Advanced practice nurses with specialised training in psychiatric care who can prescribe medications and provide therapy. They are licensed by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Insurance Coverage for Therapy in Arizona
Most health insurance plans in Arizona are required to provide some level of coverage for mental health services. However, the extent of coverage can vary significantly between plans.
Top 10 Plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona- Coverage: Comprehensive mental health coverage with federal parity requirements
- Provider network: Largest network of mental health providers in Arizona
- Cost to patient: $20-$46 copay for in-network providers
- Service limitations: Prior authorisation may be required for some services
Aetna
- Coverage: Integrated behavioural health benefits with parity compliance
- Provider network: Moderate network size in major Arizona cities
- Cost to patient: $25-$50 copay for in-network providers
- Service limitations: May require referrals for specialist care
UnitedHealthcare
- Coverage: Mental health services with federal parity requirements
- Provider network: Growing Arizona presence
- Cost to patient: $30-$60 copay typically
- Service limitations: Session limits may apply, requiring ongoing authorisation
Cigna
- Coverage: Comprehensive behavioural health coverage
- Provider network: Moderate network in Phoenix and Tucson areas
- Cost to patient: $35-$55 copay for in-network providers
- Service limitations: Preauthorisation required for some treatments
Humana
- Coverage: Mental health parity with medical benefits
- Provider network: Strong presence in Phoenix metropolitan area
- Cost to patient: $25-$45 copay depending on plan
- Service limitations: Annual session limits may apply
AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid)
- Coverage: Comprehensive behavioural health services for eligible low-income residents
- Provider network: Extensive network through Complete Care plans
- Cost to patient: $0-$6 copay for most services
- Service limitations: Income and eligibility requirements apply
Arizona Health Insurance Marketplace Plans
- Coverage: Essential health benefits including mental health services
- Provider network: Varies by metal tier and insurance carrier
- Cost to patient: Depends on plan design and deductible structure
- Service limitations: Network and benefit restrictions vary by plan
TRICARE
- Coverage: Military health coverage with mental health benefits
- Provider network: Network includes military treatment facilities and civilian providers
- Cost to patient: Varies by TRICARE plan type
- Service limitations: Geographic and eligibility restrictions
Banner Health Plan
- Coverage: Arizona-based health plan with integrated mental health services
- Provider network: Strong Arizona provider relationships
- Cost to patient: $25-$40 copay typically
- Service limitations: Regional network limitations
Health Choice Arizona
- Coverage: AHCCCS managed care with comprehensive behavioural health services
- Provider network: Statewide network for Medicaid eligible members
- Cost to patient: Low or no copay for eligible members
- Service limitations: Medicaid eligibility and geographic restrictions
In-network vs. Out-of-network
- In-network: If you see a therapist who is in-network with your insurance plan, you will typically only be responsible for a copay or coinsurance.
- Out-of-network: If you see a therapist who is out-of-network, you will likely have to pay the full fee upfront and then submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Affordable Care Options
There are several options for affordable therapy in Arizona:University Training Clinics
- Cost range: $20-$80 per session based on sliding scale
- Examples: Arizona State University Clinical Psychology Centre, University of Arizona Psychology Clinic, and Northern Arizona University Counselling Centre offer comprehensive services on income-based sliding scales
- Quality: Services provided by graduate students under licensed supervision
- Availability: Limited appointment slots with potential waiting lists
Community Mental Health Clinics
- Providers: Terros Health, Southwest Behavioural & Health Services, and Jewish Family & Children's Service are known to provide services at reduced cost
- Cost range: $20-$100 per session with sliding scale options
- Services: Individual, group, and family therapy plus psychiatric services
- Eligibility: Open to all, with priority for low-income individuals
AHCCCS Services
- Cost structure: Comprehensive coverage for eligible low-income residents
- Services: Full range of behavioural health services including therapy and medication management
- Provider network: Extensive network through Complete Care plans statewide
- Accessibility: Required to serve all eligible patients regardless of immigration status
Federally Qualified Health Centres (FQHCs)
- Cost range: Fees based on federal poverty guidelines, often $20-$75 per session
- Services: Integrated medical and mental health care
- Payment options: Accept AHCCCS, Medicare, and offer sliding scale fees
- Locations: Available throughout Arizona, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas
Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs
Provider Strategies
- Ask about sliding scale: Many therapists adjust fees based on income, particularly in private practice settings
- Consider group therapy: Group sessions typically cost $30-$86, significantly less than individual therapy
- Explore trainee therapists: Licensed professionals completing additional training often offer reduced rates
- Negotiate payment plans: Some providers offer monthly payment arrangements for ongoing treatment
Alternative Resources
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Many Arizona employers provide 3-8 free counselling sessions per year
- Peer support groups: Free support groups available through NAMI Arizona and other organisations
- Crisis services: Arizona has 24/7 crisis hotlines and mobile crisis teams available statewide
Making the Most of Your Insurance
- Verify provider networks: Confirm therapist participation before scheduling to avoid out-of-network charges
- Understand your benefits: Review annual deductibles, copays, and session limits under Arizona mental health parity laws
- Use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Pre-tax dollars can be used for qualified mental health expenses
- Submit superbills: For out-of-network providers, request detailed receipts for insurance reimbursement
Financial Planning
- Budget for therapy: Plan for ongoing costs rather than treating as one-time expense
- Compare provider rates: Fees can vary significantly even within the same credential level and geographic area
- Consider telehealth options: Often 10-20% less expensive than in-person sessions
- Explore shorter-term approaches: Solution-focused and cognitive-behavioural therapies often require fewer sessions
Therapy Cost Directory
More Arizona Cities
Phoenix | Tucson | Mesa | Chandler | Scottsdale| Tempe | Flagstaff | Sedona
Worldwide
For a global overview of therapy costs, see: Therapy Costs Worldwide.
Country
For a country-wide overview of therapy costs in the US, see: How Much Does Therapy Cost in the US.
References
TheraThink.com. (2025). Arizona Reimbursement Rates for Therapy and Mental Health. Retrieved from https://therathink.com/insurance-reimbursement-rates-for-psychotherapy/Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. (2025). Mental Health Parity. Retrieved from https://difi.az.gov/content/mental-health-parity-1
Rodriguez-Siuts, S. (2025). Therapy Rates in Scottsdale, Arizona. Retrieved from https://www.sandrarodriguezphd.com/rates
Claibourne Counselling. (2025). How much does therapy cost in Arizona? Retrieved from https://claibournecounseling.com/how-much-does-therapy-cost-in-arizona/
SimplePractice. (2025). The Average Cost of Therapy in America by State. Retrieved from https://www.simplepractice.com/blog/average-therapy-session-rate-by-state/
MORE FROM THE AUTHOR...
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
Find a Therapist
Find skilled psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors near you.
