You are here because you are weighing an important decision. You want to know what therapy costs, whether your insurance will help, and whether it is worth the investment. Those are the right questions. Here are the straightforward answers.
Start Your JourneySelf-Pay Rates
$130 to $200 per session depending on the therapist’s credentials and experience.
In-Network
Aetna, BCBS, United Healthcare, Optum, and VCAP. You typically only pay your copay/coinsurance.
Out-of-Network
We provide superbills upon request. Many plans reimburse 50–70% of session costs.
Payment Methods
Credit cards, debit cards, HSA cards, and FSA cards are accepted at the time of service.
What Therapy Costs at Turning Leaf Therapy
Individual therapy sessions at Turning Leaf Therapy range from $130 to $200 per session, depending on session length and the therapist’s credentials and experience level. If you are using an in-network insurance plan, your out-of-pocket cost will typically be your copay or coinsurance, which for most plans falls between $15 and $50 per session after your deductible is met.
We believe in transparency. The cost of therapy should never be a surprise. Your therapist and our intake team will discuss fees and insurance coverage before your first session so you know exactly what to expect.
Insurance Plans We Accept
We are in-network providers with the following insurance plans. If your plan is listed below, you can use your benefits to cover the cost of therapy at our practice.
Aetna
We accept all Aetna plans for individual therapy, including Aetna through employer-sponsored plans, marketplace plans, and student health plans.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield plans across multiple states, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Capital Blue Cross, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, BlueCross BlueShield standard plans, and the Federal Employee Program (FEP). Please note: we do not accept Independence Blue Cross (IBX). If you have a different BCBS plan and are unsure whether we are in-network, reach out and we can help you verify.
United Healthcare and Optum Behavioral Health
We accept United Healthcare and Optum Behavioral Health plans for individual therapy, including UHC through employer-sponsored plans and Optum EAP referrals.
Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP)
We collaborate with the Pennsylvania Victims Compensation Assistance Program, which covers therapy costs for victims of crime, including survivors of assault, domestic violence, and other traumatic experiences. If you are eligible for VCAP, your sessions may be fully covered.
HSA and FSA
You can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for therapy sessions. Therapy is a qualified medical expense under IRS guidelines.
Out-of-Network Insurance Reimbursement
If your insurance plan is not listed above, you may still be able to receive reimbursement for therapy through your out-of-network benefits. Many insurance companies cover between 50 and 70 percent of session costs for out-of-network mental health providers.
Here is how it works:
Step 1. You pay the full session fee at the time of your appointment.
Step 2. You request a superbill from your therapist. A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes your diagnosis, the service provided, CPT codes, and all the information your insurance company needs to process a claim.
Step 3. You submit the superbill to your insurance company (most plans accept submissions online, by mail, or through a mobile app). Your insurance reimburses you directly, typically within two to four weeks.
To find out what your out-of-network benefits cover, call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask these questions:
- Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
- What is my annual deductible for out-of-network mental health services, and how much of it have I met?
- What percentage of the session fee will my plan reimburse for the following services with a licensed mental health provider: CPT Code 90834 (45-minute individual therapy session) and CPT Code 90837 (53-minute individual therapy session)?
- Is there a limit on the number of sessions covered per year?
- Is there a specific claim form I need to use, and where do I get it?
Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate
Under the No Surprises Act, which took effect January 1, 2022, health care providers are required to give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of expected charges before services are provided. This is called a Good Faith Estimate.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency health care services, including therapy. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.
Payment Methods
We accept credit cards, debit cards, HSA cards, and FSA cards. Payment is collected at the time of service. We do not accept cash or checks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Costs and Insurance
Individual therapy sessions range from $130 to $200 per session, depending on session length and therapist. If you are using an in-network insurance plan (Aetna, BCBS, United Healthcare, or Optum), your cost will typically be your copay or coinsurance, which most clients find falls between $15 and $50 per session.
We are in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (including Anthem, Capital Blue Cross, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Highmark, and Federal Employee Program), United Healthcare, and Optum Behavioral Health. We also work with the Pennsylvania Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP).
The average cost of therapy in Philadelphia ranges from approximately $120 to $250 per session for individual therapy with a licensed therapist. Costs vary based on the therapist’s credentials, session length, and whether you are using insurance. At Turning Leaf Therapy, sessions range from $130 to $200 before insurance. Most in-network clients pay significantly less out of pocket.
Yes. Mental health services, including individual therapy, are considered essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act. If you have health insurance through an employer, the marketplace, or Medicaid, your plan is required to cover mental health treatment. Your specific out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan’s copay, coinsurance, and deductible structure.
A superbill is a detailed receipt your therapist provides after each session upon request. It includes your diagnosis, the type of service provided, the CPT code, the date, the fee charged, and the provider’s credentials and license number. You submit this document to your insurance company to receive reimbursement for out-of-network therapy sessions. Just ask your therapist or our administrative team and we will prepare one for you.
In-network means your therapist has a contract with your insurance company and has agreed to accept negotiated rates. You pay your copay or coinsurance, and insurance covers the rest. Out-of-network means the therapist does not have a contract with your insurer, but your plan may still reimburse a portion of the cost (typically 50 to 70 percent) after you submit a superbill.
Yes. Therapy is a qualified medical expense under IRS guidelines. You can use your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account to pay for sessions, including copays and self-pay fees.
Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask: Am I eligible for outpatient mental health benefits? What is my copay or coinsurance for a licensed therapist? Do I have a deductible, and how much of it have I met? Is there a limit on the number of sessions per year? If you have questions after calling, reach out to us and we can help you navigate your coverage.
No. We do not currently accept Independence Blue Cross. If you have IBX, you may still be able to see us using your out-of-network benefits. Many IBX plans reimburse 50 to 70 percent of session costs for out-of-network mental health providers. Call the number on the back of your card and ask about your out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits.
We offer a limited number of reduced-fee spots for clients experiencing financial hardship. Availability varies. If cost is a barrier, we encourage you to reach out so we can discuss options.
A Good Faith Estimate is a written estimate of expected charges for non-emergency health care services, required under the No Surprises Act for patients who are uninsured or choosing not to use their insurance. You have the right to receive this estimate before your first session.
We accept credit cards, debit cards, HSA cards, and FSA cards. Payment is collected at the time of service.
Most clients begin with weekly sessions. Your therapist will discuss a recommended frequency based on your needs and goals. Some clients eventually transition to biweekly sessions as their work progresses.
Investing in Therapy
Research consistently shows that therapy works. Approximately 75 percent of people who enter psychotherapy experience meaningful benefit (APA). Therapy clients see an average 17 percent reduction in future medical costs. And psychotherapy has been shown to be 32 times more cost-effective at improving well-being than equivalent financial compensation.
Consider what the challenge you are facing is already costing you: in sleep, in relationships, in your ability to be present at work or with your family, in the weight of carrying it alone. Therapy is not an added expense on top of everything else. It is the investment that begins to reduce all the other costs.
Start Your Journey