How Much Does Therapy Cost in Joliet, Illinois? 2025 Guide
In Joliet, therapy can range from free services at community health centres to over $200 for a session with a licensed professional, depending on the provider and your insurance plan.
This guide provides a clear breakdown of therapy costs across Joliet, Illinois, 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 Session Costs by Provider Type
Who Can Provide Therapy in Joliet?
Insurance Coverage for Therapy in Joliet
Quick Summary
- Average Cost: Individual therapy sessions in Joliet typically range from $125 to $200 for a fully licensed professional, with some community health centres offering services on a sliding scale and even cost-free options.
- Provider Differences: Psychiatrists and fully licensed counsellors command the highest rates, while community health centres with sliding scales and free programs offer more affordable entry points.
- Affordable Options: Joliet has strong community-based options like the Will County Health Department, the City of Joliet Mental Health Program, and Joliet Township CVI Behavioural Health, which provide services on a sliding fee scale, cost-free, or through public insurance like Medicaid.
- Insurance: Most Illinois insurance plans are required by law to cover mental health services, and many Joliet providers accept a wide range of plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and major private insurers.
Average Session Costs by Provider Type
The cost of therapy in Joliet is influenced by the professional’s qualifications, experience, and the specific services provided. As a major city in Illinois, Joliet has a diverse range of providers, from private practices to comprehensive community mental health centres. Psychiatrists, as medical doctors who can prescribe medication, have the highest fees.
| Provider Type | Average Session Cost |
|---|---|
| :--- | :--- |
| Psychiatrist (MD, DO) | $300 – $500+ |
| Psychologist (PhD, PsyD) | $175 – $300 |
| Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC) | $125 – $200 |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | $125 – $200 |
| Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) | $125 – $200 |
| Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) / Intern | $75 – $150 |
| Community Health Centre (Sliding Scale/Free) | Varies by income/program |
Who Can Provide Therapy in Joliet?
To get good care, it helps to know about the different types of mental health workers in Joliet. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is the primary regulatory body that gives licences to most mental health professionals, ensuring they meet strict standards for education and training.
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 Illinois Medical Board (physician licensure) and related oversight through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for physicians.
- Psychologist (PhD, PsyD): Psychologists hold a doctoral degree and are trained in psychological testing, assessment, and providing psychotherapy. They cannot prescribe medication in Illinois. They are licensed by the Illinois Board of Psychology (operating under IDFPR oversight for psychology licensure).
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC): An LCPC has a master's degree in counselling and has met supervised experience requirements to provide psychotherapy and assessment. They are licensed by the IDFPR via the Professional Counsellor licensing track (clinical emphasis).
- Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC): An LPC has a master's degree in counselling and is the entry-level license for counsellors in Illinois. They are licensed by the IDFPR via the Professional Counsellor licensing track (entry-level or general counsellor license, depending on context and title usage).
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): An LCSW has a master's degree in social work and has completed supervised clinical experience, including a licensing exam. They provide assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy. They are licensed by the IDFPR via the Social Work licensing track (clinical social work).
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): An LMFT has a master's degree with a specialisation in relationship and family dynamics. They provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families. They are licensed by the IDFPR via the Marriage and Family Therapist licensing track.
Insurance Coverage for Therapy in Joliet
Most health insurance plans in Illinois are required to provide some level of coverage for mental health services due to federal parity laws. Many providers in Joliet accept a wide range of insurance plans, making it easier to find an in-network provider.
Top 5 Plans
While many insurance providers operate in Illinois, the following are some of the most common plans accepted in the Joliet area:Medicaid
- Illinois' public health insurance program, accepted at community health centres like the Will County Health Department.
- Covers outpatient therapy, psychiatry/medication management, and related behavioural health services; some services may require prior authorisation or care coordination.
Medicare
- The federal program for individuals 65 and older, also accepted at the Will County Health Department and Joliet Centre for Clinical Research.
- It covers outpatient therapy and psychiatric services under Part B, with standard cost-sharing (deductible and coinsurance) depending on service type and beneficiary’s plan.
- Some providers balance-bill for services beyond Medicare coverage; confirm with the provider and any supplementary coverage.
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
- A major insurer in the state, accepted at many local practices like the Joliet Centre for Clinical Research and Alliance Potential.
- It covers outpatient therapy, psychiatry, and related behavioural health services; benefits depend on the specific plan (copays, coinsurance, prior authorisation).
Aetna
- A major national insurer with a large network in Illinois, accepted at the Joliet Centre for Clinical Research and Alliance Potential.
- It covers behavioural health services with plan-specific cost-sharing, visit limits, and potential prior authorisation.
- Confirm in-network status for the exact Aetna product and year via the insurer’s tools.
UnitedHealthcare/United Behavioural Health
- Another major national insurer with a significant presence in the area, accepted at the Joliet Centre for Clinical Research and Alliance Potential.
- It covers outpatient therapy, psychiatry, and related services; plan-specific differences in copays, coinsurance, and limits.
- Check in-network status for the specific plan year and provider.
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. Many community health centres in the Joliet area are in-network with major insurance providers.
- 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. Some practices will provide a superbill (an itemised receipt) for this purpose.
Affordable Care Options
Joliet and the surrounding Will County have a strong network of community-focused organisations that provide accessible mental healthcare.- Community Mental Health Centres: These centres are the backbone of affordable care in Will County, providing services to residents, often on a sliding scale or through public insurance.
- Will County Health Department: With a main office at 1106 Neal Avenue in Joliet, the health department offers an Adult Outpatient Mental Health Program that accepts Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and uses a sliding fee scale.
- City of Joliet Mental Health Program: This program provides cost-free mental health care and counselling services to residents. You can call 815-724-3506 for details.
- Joliet Township CVI Behavioural Health: This program offers FREE therapy sessions that last 60 to 90 minutes with no limit on the number of sessions.
- Crisis Support: For immediate mental health support, you can call the Illinois Helpline at 833-234-6343 or dial 988 for the national suicide and crisis lifeline.
Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs
Provider Strategies
- Ask about a sliding scale. Organisations like the Will County Health Department are committed to providing affordable care and offer reduced fees based on income.
- Inquire about seeing a pre-licensed associate or intern, as their rates are often significantly lower.
Alternative Resources
- Check with your employer's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which may offer a limited number of free counselling sessions.
- Use your out-of-network benefits if you have a PPO plan by submitting a superbill from your provider.
- Explore telehealth options, which can sometimes be more affordable than in-person sessions.
Therapy Cost Directory
- Nearby Cities: Aurora | Naperville | Rockford | Schaumburg
- State: For a statewide overview of therapy costs, see: How Much Does Therapy Cost In Illinois
- Country: For a country-wide overview of therapy costs in the US, see: Therapy Costs Across the US
- Worldwide: For a global overview of therapy costs, see: Therapy Costs Worldwide
References
Will County Health Department - Adult Outpatient Mental Health Program
City of Joliet - Mental Health Program
Joliet Township CVI Behavioural Health
Joliet Centre for Clinical Research - Rates & Insurance
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Kane County Health Department - Community Organisations
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.
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