How Much Does Therapy Cost in Phoenix? (2025)
#Therapy
Updated on Jun 19, 2025
Wondering how much therapy costs in Phoenix in 2025? This guide breaks down prices by neighbourhood and provider, explains insurance details, and shares smart tips to help you find affordable, quality care with confidence.
Back to Top
Looking for therapy in Phoenix but worried about the cost? This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay for mental health services across Phoenix in 2025, with neighbourhood-specific pricing and insurance details.
- Quick Summary
- Therapy Costs by Provider Type
- Neighbourhood Price Variations
- Insurance Coverage
- Affordable Therapy Options in Phoenix
- Online Therapy Options
- Factors Affecting Therapy Costs
- Transportation Considerations
- How to Reduce Therapy Costs in Phoenix
- Phoenix-Specific Resources
- Sources
Quick Summary
- Average therapy session cost in Phoenix: $100-$201 (ranges from $70-$316 depending on provider type and location).
- Psychiatrist session: $140-$316 (average $200).
- Psychologist session: $110-$230 (average $150).
- LCSW/LMFT session: $90-$201 (average $125).
- With insurance: $20-$46 copay (in-network), 50-70% reimbursement after deductible (out-of-network).
- Sliding scale options: Available from $25-$86 per session.
Therapy Costs by Provider Type
| Provider Type | Initial Consultation | Regular Session | Insurance Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist | $175-$403 (avg $250) | $140-$316 (avg $200) | Many accept Medicare/some commercial | Higher in Scottsdale/Paradise Valley; medication management may be shorter/less expensive |
| Psychologist | $125-$316 (avg $200) | $110-$230 (avg $150) | Mixed insurance acceptance | PhD/PsyD with testing capabilities |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker | $100-$230 (avg $140) | $90-$201 (avg $125) | Most likely to accept insurance | Master's level clinicians, often more affordable |
| Licensed Professional Counsellor | $90-$201 (avg $130) | $80-$173 (avg $115) | Some insurance plans | Common provider type in Phoenix |
| Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | $100-$230 (avg $140) | $90-$201 (avg $125) | Some insurance plans | Specialises in relationship issues |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $150-$345 (avg $225) | $125-$288 (avg $175) | Most accept Medicare/some commercial | Can prescribe medication |
Neighbourhood Price Variations
Scottsdale/North Phoenix
- Scottsdale/Paradise Valley: $140-$316 per session (30-50% above city average).
- North Phoenix/Desert Ridge: $125-$259 per session (15-30% above city average).
- Cave Creek/Carefree: $125-$259 per session (15-30% above city average).
Central Phoenix
- Central Phoenix/Arcadia: $110-$230 per session (5-15% above city average).
- Biltmore/Camelback Corridor: $125-$259 per session (15-30% above city average).
- Downtown Phoenix: $100-$219 per session (at city average).
East Valley
- Tempe/ASU area: $90-$201 per session (at city average).
- Chandler/Gilbert: $90-$201 per session (at city average).
- Mesa: $80-$173 per session (10-15% below city average).
West Valley
- Glendale/Peoria: $85-$184 per session (5-10% below city average).
- Surprise/Sun City: $80-$173 per session (10-15% below city average).
- Avondale/Goodyear: $75-$161 per session (15-20% below city average).
South Phoenix
- Ahwatukee: $90-$201 per session (at city average).
- South Mountain/Laveen: $75-$161 per session (15-20% below city average).
- South/Southwest Phoenix: $70-$150 per session (20-30% below city average).
Insurance Coverage
In-Network Coverage
- Commercial Insurance: $20-$46 copay per session (after deductible).
- Medicare: 20% coinsurance after meeting Part B deductible.
- AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid): $0-$6 copay (very limited provider network).
- Arizona Health Insurance Marketplace 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 Phoenix therapists provide these for insurance reimbursement.
Phoenix Insurance Tip: Arizona has moderate mental health parity enforcement. Many providers in affluent areas operate on a cash-only basis, while providers in other areas are more likely to accept insurance.
Affordable Therapy Options in Phoenix
Training Institutes
- Southwest Institute for Families and Children: $25-$86 per session.
- Phoenix Counselling Collective: $30-$81 per session.
- Arizona Psychoanalytic Society: $30-$86 per session.
University Clinics
- Arizona State University Clinical Psychology Centre: $20-$69 per session.
- University of Phoenix Counselling Skills Centre: $25-$63 per session.
- Grand Canyon University Community Counselling Centre: $20-$58 per session.
Community Mental Health Centres
- Terros Health: $0-$58 based on income.
- Jewish Family & Children's Service: $0-$52 based on income.
- Southwest Behavioural & Health Services: $0-$46 based on income.
Online Therapy Options
- Phoenix-based online therapists: $80-$184 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 20-35% more.
- Seasonal Population: Winter visitors increase demand and may affect pricing during peak season.
- 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 (Scottsdale/Paradise Valley has highest commercial rents).
Transportation Considerations
- Traffic: Factor in 20-45 minutes of travel time each way during peak hours.
- Parking: Most offices offer free parking in suburban areas.
- Public Transit: Limited options, primarily serving central areas via Valley Metro.
- Telehealth Options: Many Phoenix providers offer virtual sessions to avoid heat and traffic.
- Seasonal Considerations: Summer heat may make telehealth more appealing from June-September.
How to Reduce Therapy Costs in Phoenix
- Ask about sliding scale fees: Many therapists reserve slots for lower-income clients.
- Consider group therapy: Typically $30-$86 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 Phoenix-specific programmes: Maricopa County behavioural health services.
- Consider telehealth options: Often 10-15% less expensive than in-person.
Phoenix-Specific Resources
- Crisis Response Network: 24/7 mental health crisis line (602-222-9444).
- Mercy Care RBHA: Behavioural health services for Maricopa County (602-586-1841).
- La Frontera EMPACT: Crisis services and affordable therapy (480-784-1514).
- Aurora Behavioural Health: Mental health services (623-344-4400).
- Banner Behavioural Health: Mental health services (480-448-7500).
Sources
- Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Fee Schedules (2025)
- Psychology Today Provider Directory - Phoenix (May 2025)
- ZocDoc Provider Listings - Phoenix (May 2025)
- Arizona Health Insurance Marketplace Plan Comparison (2025)
- American Psychiatric Association Fee Survey (2024-2025)
- Arizona Psychological Association Fee Survey (2025)
- National Association of Social Workers - AZ 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.
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.
