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Cost is one of the most common reasons people put off therapy. In Los Angeles, prices vary widely, and it can be hard to tell what is reasonable or what you are actually paying for. This guide explains what affects the cost of therapy, how insurance fits in and how to think about value.
What affects the price of a session
- The clinician’s license and training. Psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists (LMFTs, LCSWs and LPCCs) and supervised associates are trained differently and typically charge different rates.
- Specialization. Clinicians with advanced training in approaches like EMDR or DBT, or in areas like trauma or addiction, may charge more.
- Session length. Standard sessions are often 45 to 60 minutes. Longer or more intensive sessions cost more.
- Type of service. Individual therapy, family sessions, psychiatric evaluations and psychological testing are each priced differently. Testing is usually billed as a package because it includes hours of testing, scoring and a written report.
- Location and overhead. Westside practices often have higher costs than other parts of the county.
How insurance works
If you have health insurance, mental health care is often covered, but how much depends on your plan.
- In-network providers have agreed rates with your insurer. You typically pay a copay or coinsurance after meeting your deductible.
- Out-of-network providers do not contract with your insurer. You pay the provider directly, and if your plan has out-of-network benefits, you can submit a receipt called a superbill to be reimbursed for part of the cost.
- Deductibles matter. If you have a high deductible, you may pay the full rate until you reach it, even in network.
Before you start, call your insurer and ask: Do I have outpatient mental health benefits? Do I have out-of-network coverage? What is my deductible, and how much have I met? What percentage is reimbursed?
Private pay: why some people choose it
Some people choose to pay privately even when they have insurance. Reasons include more choice of clinician, more flexible scheduling, more privacy and treatment decisions that are not limited by what an insurer will approve.
Thinking about value, not just price
The cheapest option is not always the least expensive in the long run. A clinician who is a strong fit and uses the right approach can help you make progress faster. Coordinated care, where your therapist, psychiatrist and other providers work together, can also prevent the cost of fragmented or duplicated treatment. When comparing options, ask:
- Does this clinician have real experience with what I am dealing with?
- What approaches will they use, and how will we measure progress?
- Can they coordinate with psychiatry or other services if I need them?
Ways to manage the cost
- Use out-of-network benefits with superbills if your plan offers them.
- Ask whether a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) can be used.
- Talk with the practice about session frequency that fits your goals and budget.
- Check whether your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for initial sessions.
How fees work at Blackburn
Blackburn Clinical Services is an out-of-network practice. We do not take or bill insurance, except for TMS and neuropsychological testing. For all other services, we provide superbills so clients can seek out-of-network reimbursement, and we recommend the Reimbursify app to make submitting claims simple. Read more on our Fees and Insurance page.
Blackburn offers individual therapy, psychiatry, family services and testing in West Los Angeles. Call us to talk through fees and your out-of-network benefits. Read how to find a good therapist in West LA.
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Talk with our team
Blackburn Clinical Services is at 12326 Venice Blvd in Los Angeles, serving Venice, Mar Vista, Santa Monica, Culver City and West Los Angeles. Call (888) 870 7405, email info@blackburnclinical.com or contact us to schedule an assessment.
Related care at Blackburn Clinical Services
- Therapy in Venice, Mar Vista and West Los Angeles: individual therapy at our office on Venice Blvd
- Concierge Outpatient Program: 3 to 5 hours a week of one-on-one care, no groups
- Fees and insurance: out-of-network practice with superbills