How Much Does Therapy Cost in Texas: 2025 Guide
#Counselling, #Informative, #Insurance, #Therapy
Updated on Oct 10, 2025
Therapy costs in Texas range from free university and community programmes to private sessions priced $100–$300. Prices vary by provider type, city, and insurance coverage, with options available for every budget.
This guide provides a clear breakdown of therapy costs across Texas, including typical fees by provider type, regional price differences, affordable care options, and insurance coverage, giving you the essential information to navigate mental healthcare expenses with confidence.
Table of Contents | Jump Ahead
Average Session Costs by Provider Type
Who Can Provide Therapy in Texas?
Insurance Coverage for Therapy in Texas
Quick Summary
- Average Cost: Individual therapy sessions in Texas range from $75 to $300 per session, with significant variation by provider type and location.
- Regional Differences: Dallas and Houston sessions cost 25-40% more than the state average, whilst smaller cities like El Paso and San Antonio offer sessions 15-25% below major metropolitan rates.
- Insurance Coverage: Texas requires mental health parity in all health insurance plans, with copays typically ranging from $30 to $70 per session.
- Affordable Options: Community clinics offer sessions from $15, and Texas Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage for eligible residents.
Average Session Costs by Provider Type
| Provider Type | Average Session Cost |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrist (MD, DO) | $200-$350 (avg $275) |
| Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) | $175-$275 (avg $225) |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | $120-$200 (avg $160) |
| Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) | $120-$200 (avg $160) |
| Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) | $140-$220 (avg $180) |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | $100-$180 (avg $140) |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $150-$300 (avg $225) |
Regional Cost Variations
Major Cities (Higher Cost)
- Dallas: $175-$300 per session, with Uptown and Highland Park commanding premium rates
- Houston: $150-$280 per session, reflecting the largest metropolitan area in Texas
- Austin: $160-$250 per session, competitive rates due to university presence and tech industry
- Fort Worth: $120-$200 per session, more affordable than Dallas whilst maintaining quality care
Mid-Range Markets
- San Antonio: $100-$180 per session, benefiting from lower cost of living and military healthcare infrastructure
- Plano: $140-$220 per session, suburban Dallas rates with family-focused services
- Arlington: $130-$200 per session, positioned between Dallas and Fort Worth markets
- Corpus Christi: $110-$190 per session, coastal city with moderate pricing
Lower-Cost Markets
- El Paso: $90-$160 per session, amongst the most affordable major cities in Texas
- Lubbock: $85-$150 per session, West Texas pricing with university training programmes
- Amarillo: $80-$145 per session, Panhandle region with agricultural economy pricing
- Beaumont: $90-$165 per session, East Texas rates reflecting regional economics
- Waco: $85-$155 per session, Central Texas with university clinic options
Who Can Provide Therapy in Texas?
To get good care, it helps to know about the different types of mental health workers in Texas. The Texas Behavioural Health Executive Council oversees four licensing boards that give licences to these professionals.
Types of Licensed Therapists
- Psychiatrist (MD, DO): Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy. They are licensed by the Texas Medical Board.
- Psychologist (PhD/PsyD): Psychologists hold doctoral degrees and can diagnose mental health conditions, conduct psychological testing, and provide therapy. They cannot prescribe medication in Texas. They are licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
- Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC): Professional counsellors hold master's degrees and provide individual, group, and family therapy. They can diagnose mental health conditions but cannot prescribe medication. They are licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counsellors.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Clinical social workers provide therapy and case management services. They hold master's degrees in social work and can provide psychotherapy and diagnose mental health conditions. They are licensed by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): These specialists focus on relationship and family issues. They hold master's degrees and complete specialised training in family systems therapy. They are licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists.
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): Master's level social workers who provide counselling and support services. They work under supervision and cannot provide independent psychotherapy. They are licensed by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Advanced practice nurses with specialised training in psychiatric care who can prescribe medications and provide therapy. They are licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Insurance Coverage for Therapy in Texas
Most health insurance plans in Texas are required to provide some level of coverage for mental health services. However, the extent of coverage can vary significantly between plans.
Top 10 Plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas- Coverage: Comprehensive mental health coverage with parity requirements
- Provider network: Largest network of mental health providers in Texas
- Cost to patient: $30-$60 copay for in-network providers
- Service limitations: Prior authorisation may be required for some services
UnitedHealthcare
- Coverage: Mental health services with federal parity compliance
- Provider network: Extensive statewide network
- Cost to patient: $25-$70 copay
- Service limitations: Session limits may apply, requiring ongoing authorisation
Aetna
- Coverage: Integrated behavioural health benefits
- Provider network: Moderate network size in major Texas cities
- Cost to patient: $30-$55 copay for in-network
- Service limitations: May require referrals for specialist care
Cigna
- Coverage: Mental health parity with medical benefits
- Provider network: Growing Texas presence
- Cost to patient: $35-$65 copay for in-network providers
- Service limitations: Preauthorisation required for some treatments
Humana
- Coverage: Comprehensive mental health services
- Provider network: Wide network of doctors and clinics across major Texas cities
- Cost to patient: $30-$50 copay depending on plan
- Service limitations: Annual session limits may apply
HealthSelect of Texas
- Coverage: State employee health plan with comprehensive mental health benefits
- Provider network: Statewide network for Texas state employees
- Cost to patient: $20-$40 copay for covered services
- Service limitations: Limited to state employees and retirees
Texas Medicaid
- Coverage: Comprehensive mental health services for eligible low-income residents
- Provider network: Extensive network of participating providers
- Cost to patient: No copay for most services
- Service limitations: Income and eligibility requirements apply
TRICARE
- Coverage: Military health coverage with mental health benefits
- Provider network: Network includes military treatment facilities and civilian providers
- Cost to patient: Varies by TRICARE plan type
- Service limitations: Geographic and eligibility restrictions
Scott & White Health Plan
- Coverage: Central Texas regional health plan with integrated services
- Provider network: Wide network of doctors and clinics throughout Central Texas
- Cost to patient: $25-$45 copay
- Service limitations: Regional network limitations
Community Health Choice
- Coverage: Houston-area Medicaid managed care with mental health services
- Provider network: Focused on Harris County and surrounding areas
- Cost to patient: Low or no copay for eligible members
- Service limitations: Geographic and eligibility restrictions
In-network vs. Out-of-network
- In-network: If you see a therapist who is in-network with your insurance plan, you will typically only be responsible for a copay or coinsurance.
- Out-of-network: If you see a therapist who is out-of-network, you will likely have to pay the full fee upfront and then submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Affordable Care Options
There are several options for affordable therapy in Texas:
University Training Clinics
- Cost range: $15-$80 per session based on sliding scale
- Examples: University of Texas at Austin Psychology Clinic, Texas Tech University Psychology Clinic, and University of Houston Psychology Clinic offer comprehensive services on income-based sliding scales
- Quality: Services provided by graduate students under licensed supervision
- Availability: Limited appointment slots with potential waiting lists
Community Mental Health Clinics
- Providers: Dallas County MHMR, Harris Centre for Mental Health, and San Antonio MHMR are known to provide services at reduced cost
- Cost range: $15-$100 per session with sliding scale options
- Services: Individual, group, and family therapy plus psychiatric services
- Eligibility: Open to all, with priority for low-income individuals
Texas Medicaid Services
- Cost structure: Comprehensive coverage for eligible low-income residents
- Services: Full range of mental health services including therapy and medication management
- Provider network: Extensive network of participating providers statewide
- Accessibility: Required to serve all eligible patients regardless of immigration status
Federally Qualified Health Centres (FQHCs)
- Cost range: Fees based on federal poverty guidelines, often $20-$75 per session
- Services: Integrated medical and mental health care
- Payment options: Accept Texas Medicaid, Medicare, and offer sliding scale fees
- Locations: Available throughout Texas, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas
Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs
Provider Strategies
- Ask about sliding scale: Many therapists adjust fees based on income, particularly in private practice settings
- Consider group therapy: Group sessions typically cost $50-$150, significantly less than individual therapy
- Explore trainee therapists: Licensed professionals completing additional training often offer reduced rates
- Negotiate payment plans: Some providers offer monthly payment arrangements for ongoing treatment
Alternative Resources
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Many Texas employers provide 3-8 free counselling sessions per year
- Peer support groups: Free support groups available through NAMI Texas and other organisations
- Crisis services: Texas has 24/7 crisis hotlines and mobile crisis teams available statewide
Making the Most of Your Insurance
- Verify provider networks: Confirm therapist participation before scheduling to avoid out-of-network charges
- Understand your benefits: Review annual deductibles, copays, and session limits under Texas mental health parity laws
- Use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Pre-tax dollars can be used for qualified mental health expenses
- Submit superbills: For out-of-network providers, request detailed receipts for insurance reimbursement
Financial Planning
- Budget for therapy: Plan for ongoing costs rather than treating as one-time expense
- Compare provider rates: Fees can vary significantly even within the same credential level and geographic area
- Consider telehealth options: Often 10-20% less expensive than in-person sessions
- Explore shorter-term approaches: Solution-focused and cognitive-behavioural therapies often require fewer sessions
Therapy Cost Directory
More Texas Cities
Dallas | El Paso | San Antonio | Fort Worth | Houston
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 USA".
References
Texas Behavioural Health Executive Council. (2025). Mental Health Professional Licensing.
Texas Medical Board. (2025). Physician and Surgeon Licensing.
TheraThink.com. (2025). Texas Reimbursement Rates for Therapy and Mental Health.
Texas Department of Insurance. (2025). Mental Health Parity Overview.
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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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