Investment in Your Healing: Fees, Insurance, and Payment Options

One of the most common questions I hear is “How much does therapy cost?” It’s a fair question, and you deserve a clear answer. I believe in radical transparency when it comes to therapy fees. You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or schedule a call just to learn what working together will cost.

At Affinity Counseling, I operate as a private pay practice, which means I don’t accept insurance directly. While I know this can feel like a barrier initially, many clients find that the benefits of out-of-network therapy outweigh the additional therapy costs. I’ll explain everything below so you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right fit for you.

Therapy Fees: Clear, Upfront Pricing

Here’s exactly what therapy costs at Affinity Counseling. No hidden fees, no surprises. Understanding therapy fees upfront helps you budget appropriately and removes financial anxiety from the therapeutic process.

Individual Therapy Sessions

• 50-minute session: $165
• 60-minute session: $185
• 75-minute session: $225
• 90-minute session: $265
• Therapy intensives (2-3 hours): Priced pro-rata based on session length

Most clients start with 50 or 60-minute sessions. As our work deepens or when processing particularly complex material, some find that longer sessions allow us to go deeper without feeling rushed. Therapy intensives are ideal for EMDR work, preparing for major life transitions, or when you want concentrated focus on a specific issue.

Couples and Family Therapy Sessions

• 60-minute session: $210
• 75-minute session: $245
• 90-minute session: $285

Couples and family work often benefits from longer sessions, as there are more perspectives to honor and more relational dynamics to navigate. Many couples find 75 or 90-minute sessions give us the time needed to address issues thoroughly without leaving important conversations unfinished.

Why Private Pay? Understanding the Out-of-Network Model

I operate as a private pay practice for several important reasons that ultimately serve your care and privacy. While therapy costs are an important consideration, the benefits of this model often outweigh the initial financial investment.

When I don’t participate in insurance networks, I’m not bound by insurance company limitations on the number of sessions, types of treatment, or diagnoses. This means I can offer truly individualized therapy tailored to your needs rather than what an insurance company deems “medically necessary.” You and I decide together what your treatment looks like, how often we meet, and when you’re ready to complete therapy.

Private pay also protects your privacy. Insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis to provide coverage, and that diagnosis becomes part of your permanent medical record. By paying privately, you maintain complete control over your mental health information.

Finally, this model allows me to keep my caseload smaller and more manageable, which means I can give each client the time, attention, and energy they deserve. I’m not pressured to see more clients than I can serve well just to meet insurance reimbursement requirements.

Insurance Reimbursement Therapy: Getting Money Back from Your Insurance

Even though I don’t accept insurance directly, many clients are able to get significant insurance reimbursement therapy benefits through their out-of-network coverage. Here’s how it works.

Monthly Superbills for Therapy: Easy Reimbursement Process

At the end of each month, I provide you with detailed superbills for therapy. This is an itemized receipt that includes all the information your insurance company needs to process your claim: dates of service, session fees, diagnosis codes, my credentials, and tax identification number.

You simply submit these superbills for therapy to your insurance company (most have online portals now that make this very easy), and they reimburse you directly based on your out-of-network benefits. Insurance reimbursement therapy rates typically range from 50% to 80% of therapy fees, though this varies significantly by plan.

Understanding Your Out-of-Network Benefits

Before we begin working together, I strongly recommend calling your insurance company to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits. Here are the questions to ask:

• Do I have out-of-network mental health coverage?
• What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much have I met this year?
• Once I meet my deductible, what percentage does insurance cover for out-of-network therapy?
• Is there a limit to how many therapy sessions are covered per year?
• Do I need pre-authorization for out-of-network mental health services?
• How do I submit claims for reimbursement?

Having this information upfront helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Some people discover their insurance reimbursement therapy benefits are generous enough that out-of-network therapy costs only slightly more than in-network copays. Others find the investment is worth it for the benefits of private pay, even without substantial reimbursement.

Good Faith Estimates and the No Surprises Act

As required by federal law, I provide Good Faith Estimates of therapy costs before we begin working together. This estimate outlines expected therapy fees based on the frequency and length of sessions we discuss during your consultation. If the actual cost ends up being substantially different from the estimate (which is rare), you have certain rights and protections under the No Surprises Act.

Payment Methods: Convenient and Secure Options

I accept multiple payment methods to make therapy costs as manageable as possible:

• Credit and Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express accepted
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Cards: Therapy qualifies as an eligible medical expense
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Cards: Another tax-advantaged way to pay for therapy
• Automated Payments: Set up recurring payments through our secure client portal for convenience

Payment is due at the time of service. Many clients find automated payments through the client portal easiest, as it removes one more thing to think about and ensures sessions are paid promptly.

Sliding Scale Therapy: Making Counseling Accessible

I believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why I maintain a limited number of sliding scale therapy slots at reduced rates based on financial need and my current capacity.

Who Qualifies for Sliding Scale Therapy Rates?

Sliding scale therapy spots are prioritized for individuals experiencing genuine financial hardship, with particular attention to marginalized identities and community activists whose important work often doesn’t come with financial security. I use a transparent application process that doesn’t require you to jump through excessive hoops or provide mountains of paperwork.

I’m committed to maintaining 10-20% of my caseload at reduced rates. When sliding scale therapy slots are available, we’ll have an honest conversation about what you can afford and find a rate that works for both of us. When all slots are full, I maintain a waitlist and can also provide referrals to other therapists who may have availability.

Applying for Sliding Scale Therapy

If you’re interested in sliding scale therapy, simply mention it when you call for your free consultation at (720) 432-9812. We’ll discuss your situation, and I’ll let you know about current availability. There’s no shame in asking. Financial barriers to mental health care are real, and I do what I can within the constraints of running a sustainable practice.

Cancellation Policy: Respecting Everyone’s Time

Life happens. I understand that sometimes you need to cancel or reschedule. Here’s how cancellations work at Affinity Counseling:

I require 48-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling. This gives me enough time to offer your appointment slot to another client who may need it. If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, you’ll be charged the full therapy fees for your scheduled session.

I know this policy can feel strict, but it serves an important purpose. When someone cancels last-minute, I’ve already reserved that time for you, turned away other clients who wanted that slot, and lost the opportunity to schedule anyone else. The 48-hour window ensures I can manage my schedule responsibly while maintaining the flexibility you need.

Emergencies and illness happen, and I approach these situations with compassion. If you’re sick or experiencing a genuine crisis, let me know as soon as possible. We can often find a solution that works for both of us.

Questions About Therapy Costs or Insurance?

I know navigating therapy fees and insurance reimbursement therapy benefits can feel overwhelming. If you have questions about pricing, payment options, insurance coverage, superbills for therapy, or sliding scale therapy availability, I’m happy to discuss them during your free consultation call.

Call (720) 432-9812 to schedule your consultation. We’ll talk about your needs, answer your questions about therapy costs, and determine if Affinity Counseling is the right fit for you financially and therapeutically.

Investing in your mental health is one of the most valuable things you can do. I’m committed to making that investment as transparent, accessible, and manageable as possible.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate support, please visit SAMHSA’s National Helpline or call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.