HOW MUCH DOES THERAPY COST IN WASHINGTON?

If you've ever tried to look up what therapy costs, you've probably noticed that almost nobody puts a straight answer on their website. That can make the whole thing feel more intimidating than it needs to be, especially when you're already working up the courage to reach out! So I want to be really honest about what therapy costs in Washington, why the numbers look so different in Seattle than they do in Spokane, and what options exist if the cost feels like a barrier.

WHAT THERAPY TYPICALLY COSTS IN WASHINGTON

Washington is one of the pricier states for therapy, and among practices that publish their rates, a private-pay session with a licensed therapist usually falls somewhere between $150 and $250. Seattle and the Eastside (Bellevue, Kirkland & Redmond) tend to sit at the higher end, while Spokane, the Tri-Cities and smaller towns are often lower. Psychologists usually charge more than master's-level clinicians (like LMHCs, LICSWs and LMFTs), and associates who are still finishing their supervised hours often charge less. My own sessions are $175 for 50 minutes, and I'm licensed in Washington as an LMHC, so I can see you online from anywhere in the state.

WHY PRIVATE-PAY THERAPY COSTS WHAT IT DOES

When you pay out of pocket, you're paying for more than the 50 minutes we spend together. You're also paying for the time I spend preparing, keeping notes, continuing my training, paying for licensure in five states and keeping your information secure. Choosing not to work with insurance also means no insurance company decides how many sessions you get, and you don't need a diagnosis on your record just to get started. For a lot of people, that privacy and flexibility is worth it!

CAN I USE MY INSURANCE?

Maybe, even with a private-pay therapist! Many PPO plans (including a lot of plans through big Seattle-area employers) have out-of-network benefits that reimburse part of what you pay. I provide a monthly superbill (basically a detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance yourself. Before we start, it's worth calling the number on the back of your card and asking three questions: Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits? What's my deductible? And what percentage do you reimburse? You can also often use HSA or FSA funds for therapy, which lets you pay with pre-tax dollars.

WHAT IF THERAPY ISN'T IN MY BUDGET RIGHT NOW?

You still deserve support, and there are real options. If your income qualifies, Apple Health (Washington's Medicaid program) covers mental health care through community providers like Sound in King County and Frontier Behavioral Health in Spokane. University training clinics, like the UW Psychological Services and Training Center in Seattle, offer lower-cost sessions with supervised graduate students. Open Path Collective connects you with therapists who charge reduced rates, and many employers offer a few free sessions through an Employee Assistance Program. If you're ever in crisis, you can call or text 988 anytime.

IS THERAPY WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

I'm biased, but I think the right therapy can change the way you move through the world. It's not a quick fix, and the cost is real! But getting to understand yourself, untangle old patterns and feel more like yourself in your relationships tends to pay off in ways that are hard to put a price on. Weekly sessions especially help the work build on itself instead of starting over each time.

If you're wondering whether therapy is worth it for you right now, I'd love to talk it through on a free 15-minute consultation. Learn more about my rates & payment →

I offer online therapy for women in Alaska, Arizona, Texas, Utah & Washington. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation.