How Much Does Therapy Cost in Los Angeles, California? 2025 Guide
Finding therapy in Los Angeles can cost anywhere from $90 to $325+ per session. Prices vary by provider type, neighbourhood, and insurance coverage, with sliding scale, university, and community-based options available to make care more affordable.
Looking for therapy in Los Angeles but concerned about the cost? This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay for mental health services across LA in 2025, with neighbourhood-specific pricing and insurance details.
Table of Contents | Jump Ahead
Therapy Costs by Provider Type
Neighbourhood Price Variations
Insurance Coverage for Therapy in LA
Affordable Therapy Options in LA
Factors Affecting LA Therapy Costs
How to Reduce Therapy Costs in LA
Quick Summary
- Average therapy session cost in LA: $150-225 (ranges from $90-325 depending on provider type and location)
- Psychiatrist session: $225-450 (average $325)
- Psychologist session: $150-325 (average $225)
- LCSW/LMFT session: $100-225 (average $150)
- With insurance: $20-50 copay (in-network), 50-70% reimbursement after deductible (out-of-network)
- Sliding scale options: Available from $30-90 per session
Therapy Costs by Provider Type
| Provider Type | Initial Consultation | Regular Session | Insurance Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist | $275-550 (avg $400) | $225-450 (avg $325) | Many accept Medicare/some commercial | Higher in Beverly Hills/West Hollywood; many cash-only practices |
| Psychologist | $175-375 (avg $250) | $150-325 (avg $225) | Mixed insurance acceptance | PhD/PsyD with testing capabilities |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker | $125-275 (avg $175) | $100-225 (avg $150) | Most likely to accept insurance | Master's level clinicians, often more affordable |
| Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | $125-275 (avg $175) | $100-225 (avg $150) | Some insurance plans | Very common provider type in LA |
| Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor | $100-250 (avg $150) | $90-200 (avg $135) | Some insurance plans | Not covered by Medicare |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $225-400 (avg $300) | $150-325 (avg $225) | Most accept Medicare/some commercial | Can prescribe medication |
Neighbourhood Price Variations
West LA/Beverly Hills
- Beverly Hills/West Hollywood: $200-400 per session (30-50% above city average)
- Santa Monica/Brentwood: $175-350 per session (15-30% above city average)
- Westwood/Century City: $175-325 per session (15-25% above city average)
Central LA
- Silver Lake/Los Feliz/Echo Park: $150-275 per session (0-15% above city average)
- Hollywood/Mid-Wilshire: $140-250 per session (at city average)
- Downtown LA: $125-250 per session (at city average)
Valley
- Sherman Oaks/Studio City/Encino: $140-250 per session (at city average)
- Van Nuys/North Hollywood: $125-225 per session (5-15% below city average)
- Woodland Hills/Northridge: $110-200 per session (10-20% below city average)
South/East LA
- Culver City/Mar Vista: $140-250 per session (at city average)
- Pasadena/Glendale: $125-225 per session (5-15% below city average)
- East Los Angeles: $100-200 per session (15-25% below city average)
- South Los Angeles: $90-175 per session (20-30% below city average)
Insurance Coverage for Therapy in LA
In-Network Coverage
- Commercial Insurance: $20-50 copay per session (after deductible)
- Medicare: 20% coinsurance after meeting Part B deductible
- Medi-Cal: $0-5 copay (very limited provider network)
- Covered California Plans: Varies by metal tier
Out-of-Network Coverage
- PPO Plans: Typically reimburse 50-70% of costs after deductible
- FSA/HSA: Can use pre-tax dollars for therapy
- Superbills: Most LA therapists provide these for insurance reimbursement
LA Insurance Tip: Many LA therapists don't accept insurance directly due to low reimbursement rates. Kaiser Permanente members must typically use Kaiser mental health services or pay out-of-pocket for external providers.
Affordable Therapy Options in LA
Training Institutes
- Wright Institute Los Angeles: $30-90 per session
- Maple Counselling Centre: $35-85 per session
- Southern California Counselling Centre: $25-80 per session
University Clinics
- UCLA Psychology Clinic: $20-75 per session
- USC Psychology Services Centre: $25-70 per session
- Pepperdine Community Counseling Centers: $20-65 per session
Community Mental Health Centers
- LA County Department of Mental Health: $0-35 based on income
- Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services: $0-50 based on income
- Airport Marina Counselling Service: $30-90 based on income
Online Therapy Options
- LA-based online therapists: $90-200 per session
Factors Affecting LA Therapy Costs
- Provider Experience: More experienced therapists charge 25-40% more
- Entertainment Industry Specialisation: Therapists who work with entertainment professionals often charge premium rates
- Session Length: 45-minute sessions may cost less than standard 50-60 minute sessions
- Frequency: Some providers offer discounts for twice-weekly sessions
- Office Location: Commercial rent directly impacts fees (Beverly Hills has some of the highest commercial rents in LA)
How to Reduce Therapy Costs in LA
- Ask about sliding scale fees - Many therapists reserve slots for lower-income clients
- Consider group therapy - Typically $40-90 per session
- Explore university training clinics - Supervised students offer quality care at reduced rates
- Use out-of-network benefits - May cover 50-70% after deductible
- Try community mental health centres - Fees based on income
- Look into LA-specific programs - LA County Department of Mental Health offers services
- Consider telehealth options - Often 10-15% less expensive than in-person
Therapy Cost Directory
- Nearby Cities: Beverly Hills | Santa Monica | Malibu | San Francisco
- State: For a statewide overview of therapy costs, see: How Much Does Therapy Cost In California
- 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
Sources
- California Department of Health Care Services Fee Schedules (2025)
- ZocDoc Provider Listings - Los Angeles (May 2025)
- Covered California Marketplace Plan Comparison (2025)
- American Psychiatric Association Fee Survey (2024-2025)
- California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Fee Survey (2025)
- National Association of Social Workers - CA Chapter Fee Survey (2025)
Note: Prices are current as of May 2025 but may change. Always verify costs directly with providers before beginning treatment.
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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