How Much Does Therapy Cost in New York City? (2025 Prices)

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Therapy costs in New York City range from low-cost community services to premium private practices. Here’s what to expect when comparing provider rates, insurance coverage, and affordable care options across the city..

• Quick Summary
• Therapy Costs by Provider Type
• Regional Cost Variations
• Insurance Coverage
• Public Sector Mental Health Services
• Online Therapy Options
• Factors Affecting Therapy Costs
• How to Reduce Therapy Costs in NYC
• Transportation Considerations
• NYC-Specific Resources
• Sources

Quick Summary

• Average therapy session cost in NYC: $175-$288 (ranges from $100-$460 depending on provider type and location).
• Psychiatrist session: $250-$575 (average $350).
• Psychologist session: $175-$403 (average $250).
• LCSW/LMHC session: $125-$288 (average $175).
• With insurance: $20-$58 copay (in-network), 50-80% reimbursement after deductible (out-of-network).
• Sliding scale options: Available from $30-$115 per session.

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Therapy Costs by Provider Type

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Regional Cost Variations

Manhattan

• Upper East Side/Upper West Side/Midtown: $200-$460 per session (40-60% above city average).
• Downtown/Chelsea/Village: $175-$403 per session (30-50% above city average).
• Harlem/Washington Heights: $150-$345 per session (15-30% above city average).

Brooklyn

• Park Slope/Brooklyn Heights/Williamsburg: $150-$345 per session (10-30% above city average).
• Prospect Heights/Fort Greene/Clinton Hill: $140-$316 per session (5-20% above city average).
• South Brooklyn/Bay Ridge: $125-$259 per session (at city average).

Queens

• Astoria/Long Island City: $140-$288 per session (at city average).
• Forest Hills/Kew Gardens: $125-$259 per session (5-10% below city average).
• Eastern Queens: $100-$230 per session (10-20% below city average).

Bronx

• Riverdale: $150-$316 per session (at city average).
• Central/South Bronx: $100-$259 per session (10-20% below city average).

Staten Island

• North Shore: $125-$259 per session (10-15% below city average).
• South Shore: $100-$230 per session (15-25% below city average).

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Insurance Coverage

In-Network Coverage

• Commercial Insurance: $20-$58 copay per session (after deductible).
• Medicare: 20% coinsurance after meeting Part B deductible.
• Medicaid: $0-$12 copay (limited provider network).
• NY State of Health Marketplace Plans: Varies by metal tier.

Out-of-Network Coverage

• PPO Plans: Typically reimburse 50-80% of costs after deductible.
• FSA/HSA: Can use pre-tax dollars for therapy.
• Superbills: Most NYC therapists provide these for insurance reimbursement.

NYC Insurance Tip: Many NYC therapists don't accept insurance directly due to low reimbursement rates. Ask about sliding scale options or superbills for reimbursement.

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Public Sector Mental Health Services

Training Institutes

• William Alanson White Institute: $30-$115 per session.
• NYU Postdoctoral Programme: $35-$104 per session.
• Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy: $40-$115 per session.

University Clinics

• Columbia University Clinic: $25-$92 per session.
• NYU Counselling Centre: $25-$86 per session.
• CUNY Graduate Centre: $20-$75 per session.

Community Mental Health Centres

• NYC Health + Hospitals: $0-$40 based on income.
• Jewish Board of Family Services: $0-$58 based on income.
• Catholic Charities: $0-$52 based on income.

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Online Therapy Options

• NYC-based online therapists: $100-$230 per session.
• National platforms (BetterHelp, Talkspace): $60-$104 per week (subscription).
• Open Path Psychotherapy Collective: $30-$92 per session (one-time $59 membership fee).

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Factors Affecting Therapy Costs

• Provider Experience: More experienced therapists charge 25-50% more.
• Specialised Training: EMDR, psychoanalysis, and other specialities command 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 (Manhattan has highest commercial rents in US).

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How to Reduce Therapy Costs in NYC

• Ask about sliding scale fees: Many therapists reserve slots for lower-income clients.
• Consider group therapy: Typically $50-$115 per session.
• Explore university training clinics: Supervised students offer quality care at reduced rates.
• Use out-of-network benefits: May cover 50-80% after deductible.
• Try community mental health centres: Fees based on income.
• Look into NYC-specific programmes: NYC Well offers free short-term counselling.
• Consider telehealth options: Often 10-20% less expensive than in-person.

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Therapy Cost Directory

• Nearby Cities: Brooklyn | Manhattan | The Hamptons
• State: For a statewide overview of therapy costs, see: How Much Does Therapy Cost In New York
• 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

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Sources

• TheraThink New York Reimbursement Rates (2025)
• New York State Department of Health Fee Schedules (2025)
• ZocDoc Provider Listings - NYC (May 2025)
• NY State of Health Marketplace Plan Comparison (2025)
• American Psychiatric Association Fee Survey (2024-2025)
• National Association of Social Workers - NY Chapter Fee Survey (2025)

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Note: Prices are current as of May 25, 2025 but may change. Always verify costs directly with providers before beginning treatment.