How Much Does Therapy Cost in Sacramento, California? 2025 Guide

The cost of therapy in Sacramento ranges from free and low-cost university programs and community centres to premium private care with experienced professionals. With average session prices between $150 and $250, the city offers a competitive market where costs vary significantly by provider type, neighbourhood, and the level of insurance coverage. Read on for a full breakdown of what you can expect to pay, how costs differ across the city, and where to find the right support for your needs.

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

Quick Summary

Therapy Costs by Provider Type

Neighbourhood Price Variations

Insurance Coverage in Sacramento

Factors Affecting Sacramento Therapy Costs

Affordable Therapy Options in Sacramento

How to Reduce Therapy Costs in Sacramento

Sources

Quick Summary

• Average therapy session cost in Sacramento: $150-$250 (ranges from $100-$350 depending on provider type and location)
• Psychiatrist session: $300-$500 for an initial consultation; $200-$350 for follow-ups
• Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) session: $180-$300 (average $220)
• Licensed Counsellor/Therapist/Social Worker session: $150-$225 (average $180)
• With insurance: Varies by plan, typically a $20-$60 co-payment for in-network providers
• Sliding scale options: Excellent local options available, starting from free to $70 per session

Therapy Costs by Provider Type

Neighbourhood Price Variations

Premium Neighbourhoods

• East Sacramento (Fab Forties)/Sierra Oaks/Land Park: $200-$350+ per session (25-50% above city average). These affluent areas host many of the city's most experienced private practitioners.
• Midtown/Downtown: $180-$275 per session (10-20% above city average). A high concentration of practices with higher commercial rent.

Mid-Range Neighbourhoods

• Curtis Park/Tahoe Park/Roseville/Folsom: $160-$240 per session (at city average). A mix of established city neighbourhoods and large suburbs with a wide range of providers.

More Affordable Areas

• South Sacramento/Oak Park: $120-$190 per session (below city average). Greater availability of community health centres.
• North Highlands/Arden-Arcade: $130-$200 per session (below city average).

Insurance Coverage in Sacramento

Private Insurance

• In-network providers: If you see a therapist who is contracted with your insurance plan (e.g., an in-network Kaiser or Sutter provider), you will typically pay a co-payment of $20-$60 per session after meeting your annual deductible.
• Out-of-network providers: Many therapists in private practice do not contract directly with insurance companies. In this case, you pay their full fee upfront. They can provide a "superbill" (a detailed receipt) for you to submit to your insurer for partial reimbursement, which often covers 50-80% of the cost, depending on your plan's benefits.

Public Health System (Medi-Cal)

• Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, which covers mental health services for eligible low-income residents.
• The Sacramento County Division of Behavioural Health Services is the local mental health authority. It provides and manages a network of services for residents with Medi-Cal or those who are uninsured, ensuring access to care regardless of ability to pay.

Factors Affecting Sacramento Therapy Costs

• Provider Experience: Clinicians with decades of experience, specialised certifications (e.g., in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing), or advanced training from prestigious institutions often charge higher rates.
• Practice Overheads: The cost of office rent in desirable locations like Midtown or East Sacramento is significantly higher than in suburban areas, which is reflected in session fees.
• Session Length and Format: A standard session is 50 minutes. Longer intake appointments (60-90 minutes) or specialised couples and family sessions are typically more expensive.
• Healthcare System Affiliation: Providers affiliated with major systems like UC Davis Health, Sutter Health, or Kaiser Permanente may have different fee structures and billing processes.

Affordable Therapy Options in Sacramento

University Clinics

• California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) - Centre for Counselling and Diagnostic Services: Offers individual, couples, and family counselling to the community. Services are free or very low-cost (typically under $20 per session) and are available during the academic year.
• UC Davis Medical Centre - Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences: As a major teaching hospital, UC Davis often has training clinics and research studies that provide services at a reduced cost.

Community Mental Health Centres & NGOs

• Sacramento County Division of Behavioural Health Services: The primary public resource for county residents, offering a wide range of services on a sliding scale, with many programmes available at no cost to eligible individuals.
• Life Practice Counselling Group: A well-regarded non-profit agency with multiple locations providing affordable and high-quality mental health services throughout the greater Sacramento area.
• Hope Counselling Centre: A non-profit offering low-cost counselling services with locations in Midtown Sacramento and surrounding areas.

Group Therapy

How to Reduce Therapy Costs in Sacramento

• Start with University Clinics: The CSUS Centre for Counselling and Diagnostic Services is an excellent first stop for free or extremely low-cost care.
• Contact County Services: If you have Medi-Cal or are uninsured, the Sacramento County Division of Behavioural Health Services is your primary access point.
• Look into Non-Profits: Call Life Practice Counselling Group or Hope Counselling Centre to inquire about their affordable programs.
• Ask for a Sliding Scale: Many private therapists hold a limited number of slots for clients who need a reduced fee.
• Use In-Network Insurance: Check your insurance provider's website to find a list of local therapists who accept your plan. This is the most direct way to manage costs.
• Use Pre-Tax Dollars: A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) allows you to pay for therapy with pre-tax money.

Therapy Cost Directory

• Nearby Cities: San Francisco | San Jose | Fresno
• 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

Board of Behavioural Sciences, State of California. (n.d.). Applicant Information.

Covered California. (n.d.). Mental Health Care Coverage.

NAMI Sacramento. (n.d.). Official Website.

Dauntless Anxiety Counselling. (n.d.). Rates.

Note: Costs may vary based on individual circumstances and insurance coverage. Always verify current rates with providers directly. Prices include consumption tax where applicable.