Therapy and Insurance: How Much Does Therapy Cost?
How Much Does Therapy Cost, Really? A Guide for BIPOC Women and High Achievers
Let’s be honest. Finding a therapist is hard enough. Add the confusing world of insurance and unpredictable pricing and suddenly your mental health journey starts to feel more like a maze than a path to healing.
If you are a high-achieving woman of color balancing a million responsibilities, you are probably asking, “Can I even afford therapy? ” The answer is: maybe more than you think.
Understanding Therapy Fees and Insurance
Therapy in Ontario typically ranges from $120 to $250 per session depending on the provider’s credentials. While psychologists tend to be on the higher end, Registered Nurse Psychotherapists like those at Balens Therapy offer high-quality care that is often more affordable.
Here is the good news. Many insurance plans do cover therapy, but not all cover the same types of providers. Some plans cover psychologists only. Others include coverage for only social workers and Registered Psychotherapists while some also cover Nurse Psychotherapists. It is always worth a call to your provider to ask whether therapy provided by a Registered Nurse is included under your mental health benefits.
Research shows that people are more likely to stick with therapy when cost is not a barrier. A 2021 study in Psychiatric Services found that insurance coverage significantly improves access to psychotherapy and reduces dropout rates (Rowan et al.). Yet racial and economic disparities persist. Many BIPOC professionals report skipping care due to unclear pricing or lack of inclusive services (Holden et al.).
So, what can you do?
Confirm your insurance benefits for psychotherapy. Look for terms like “Registered Nurse,” “psychotherapist,” or “counselling.”
Ask about direct billing or reimbursement options.
Consider sliding scale rates. Some providers, like Balens Therapy, offer reduced-fee spots.
Your mental health is not a luxury. It is essential. The system is not always built with our communities in mind. That is why Balens Therapy was created to make therapy more accessible, empowering and culturally attuned.
Let’s Talk
If you are feeling burnt out, stuck or overwhelmed, book a free 20-minute consultation today. We will walk you through the process so you can make the best choice for your wellbeing.
Works Cited
Holden, K. B., et al. “Disparities in Depression Treatment Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations in the United States.” Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, vol. 21, no. 3, 2014, pp. 177–193. Springer, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-014-9405-1.
Rowan, K., et al. “Trends in Outpatient Psychotherapy Use Among Adults in the United States: 2004 to 2019.” Psychiatric Services, vol. 72, no. 10, 2021, pp. 1174–1181. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.202000680.
