How Much Does Therapy Cost in San Antonio, Texas? 2025 Guide

The cost of therapy in San Antonio, Texas, spans a wide range, from highly affordable university clinics and community programs to premium private practices in affluent neighbourhoods. 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 mental health support for your needs.

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

Quick Summary

Therapy Costs by Provider Type

Neighbourhood Price Variations

Insurance Coverage in San Antonio

Factors Affecting San Antonio Therapy Costs

Affordable Therapy Options in San Antonio

How to Reduce Therapy Costs in San Antonio

Sources

Quick Summary

• Average therapy session cost in San Antonio: $100-$180 (ranges from $75-$300 depending on provider type and location)
• Psychiatrist session: $250-$450 for an initial consultation; $175-$300 for follow-ups
• Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) session: $150-$250 (average $185)
• Licensed Counsellor/Social Worker session: $100-$175 (average $130)
• With insurance: Varies by plan, typically a $25-$70 co-payment for in-network providers
• Sliding scale options: Excellent local options available, starting from $5-$60 per session at university clinics and community centres

Therapy Costs by Provider Type

Neighbourhood Price Variations

Premium Neighbourhoods

• Alamo Heights/Terrell Hills/Olmos Park: $160-$275+ per session (20-40% above city average). These affluent areas host many of the city's most experienced private practitioners.
• The Dominion/Stone Oak (North Central): $150-$250 per session (15-30% above city average).

Mid-Range Neighbourhoods

• Northwest Side (Medical Centre Area): $120-$200 per session (at city average). A high concentration of medical and mental health professionals.
• Downtown/King William/Southtown: $120-$190 per session (at city average).

More Affordable Areas

• Southside/Westside: $80-$150 per session (below city average). Greater availability of community health centres and public services.
• Northeast Side (Windcrest/Converse): $90-$160 per session (at or slightly below city average).

Insurance Coverage in San Antonio

Private Insurance

• In-network providers: If you use a therapist contracted with your insurance plan, you are typically responsible for a co-payment, usually between $25-$70 per session, after your annual deductible is met.
• Out-of-network providers: Many therapists in private practice may not accept insurance directly. In this case, you pay their full fee at the time of service. They can provide a "superbill" (a detailed receipt) for you to submit to your insurer for potential reimbursement (often 50-70%), depending on your plan's benefits.

Public Health System (Medicaid/Uninsured)

• Texas Medicaid covers mental health services for eligible low-income individuals and families.
• The Centre for Health Care Services (CHCS) is the designated Local Mental Health Authority for Bexar County. CHCS is the primary resource for residents with Medicaid or those who are uninsured, offering a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use services on a sliding fee scale.

Factors Affecting San Antonio Therapy Costs

• Provider Experience: Therapists with 10+ years of experience and specialised certifications (e.g., EMDR for trauma, Gottman Method for couples) command higher rates.
• Military Specialisation: San Antonio's large military population ("Military City, USA") means therapists specialising in issues affecting service members, veterans, and their families (e.g., PTSD, deployment stress) are in high demand, which can influence costs.
• Bilingual Services: Therapists fluent in both English and Spanish are a valuable resource in San Antonio and may have higher demand for their services.
• Practice Setting: Fees at a private practice in Alamo Heights will be higher than those at a community non-profit or a university training clinic.

Affordable Therapy Options in San Antonio

University Clinics

• St. Mary's University Family Life Centre: Offers individual, couple, and family counselling services to the community. Fees are on a sliding scale, typically from $10-$60 per session.
• Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Community Counselling Service (CCS): Provides affordable and confidential counselling services to individuals, couples, and families. Fees start as low as $5 per session.
• UT Health San Antonio, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Sciences: Operates clinics that may offer services from supervised trainees at reduced rates.

Community Mental Health Centres & NGOs

• The Centre for Health Care Services (CHCS): The primary public mental health provider for Bexar County, offering services on a sliding scale based on income and family size.
• Jewish Family Service of San Antonio (JFS): Provides professional counselling services to people of all faiths on a sliding fee scale.
• Family Service Association of San Antonio: A long-standing non-profit offering a wide array of services, including individual, couples, and family counselling on an affordable sliding scale.
• The Ecumenical Centre: Offers faith-sensitive counselling and education from licensed professionals with fees based on a sliding scale.

Group Therapy

How to Reduce Therapy Costs in San Antonio

• Start with University Clinics: Contact St. Mary's or OLLU's clinics for the most affordable, high-quality options.
• Contact CHCS: If you are uninsured or have a low income, The Centre for Health Care Services is your primary resource.
• Check with Non-Profits: Call JFS or Family Service to inquire about their sliding scale counselling programs.
• Ask for a Sliding Scale: Many private practitioners offer reduced rates based on need. It is always appropriate to ask.
• Use Your In-Network Benefits: Use your insurance company's website to find a list of therapists who accept your plan.
• Utilise an EAP: Check if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program for a limited number of free sessions.

Therapy Cost Directory

• Nearby Cities: Austin | El Paso | Houston
• State: For a statewide overview of therapy costs, see: How Much Does Therapy Cost In Texas
• 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

The Centre for Health Care Services (CHCS). (n.d.). Official Website.

St. Mary's University. (n.d.). Family Life Centre.

Stillwater Counselling. (n.d.). Rates & Insurance.

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