How Much Does Therapy Cost in New York City? (2025 Prices)
#Therapy
Updated on Jun 19, 2025
Curious about therapy costs in New York City for 2025? This guide breaks down prices by neighbourhood and provider, explains insurance coverage, and offers tips to find affordable care—helping you access the support you need without surprises.
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Looking for therapy in New York City but worried about the cost? You're not alone. This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay for mental health services across NYC in 2025, with neighbourhood-specific pricing and insurance details.
- 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.
Therapy Costs by Provider Type
| Provider Type | Initial Consultation | Regular Session | Insurance Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist | $300-$690 (avg $450) | $250-$575 (avg $350) | Most accept Medicare/some commercial | Higher in Manhattan; medication management may be shorter/less expensive |
| Psychologist | $200-$460 (avg $275) | $175-$403 (avg $250) | Many accept insurance | PhD/PsyD with testing capabilities |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker | $150-$345 (avg $200) | $125-$288 (avg $175) | Widely accepted by insurance | Master's level clinicians, often more affordable |
| Licensed Mental Health Counsellor | $125-$316 (avg $175) | $100-$259 (avg $150) | Some insurance plans | Not covered by Medicare |
| Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | $150-$345 (avg $200) | $125-$288 (avg $175) | Some insurance plans | Specialises in relationship issues |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $250-$518 (avg $325) | $175-$403 (avg $250) | Most accept Medicare/some commercial | Can prescribe medication |
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).
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
Transportation Considerations
- Commute Time: Factor in 30-60 minutes of travel time each way.
- Subway Accessibility: Some offices may be far from accessible stations.
- Telehealth Options: Many NYC providers offer virtual sessions to avoid commuting.
- Parking Costs: If driving, parking can add $20-$46 per session in Manhattan.
NYC-Specific Resources
- NYC Well: 24/7 mental health helpline (1-888-NYC-WELL).
- HITE Site Locator: Database of low-cost therapy options (hitesitelocator.org).
- Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy: Sliding scale therapy (icpnyc.org).
- The Psychological Centre: Affordable therapy in Manhattan (psychcenter.org).
- Brooklyn Centre for Psychotherapy: Sliding scale options (brooklyncenterfortherapy.com).
Sources
- TheraThink New York Reimbursement Rates (2025)
- New York State Department of Health Fee Schedules (2025)
- Psychology Today Provider Directory - NYC (May 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)
Note: Prices are current as of May 25, 2025 but may change. Always verify costs directly with providers before beginning treatment.
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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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