How Much Does Therapy Cost in Ohio?
Takeaway: The cost of therapy in Ohio depends on various factors, including the therapist’s expertise, the type of therapy you need, and more. In this post, we’ll break down the average price of a therapy session in Ohio to help you make a well-informed decision.
Embarking on the mental health journey is a commendable decision, but the financial aspect of therapy can often be a concern. Understanding the factors that influence therapy costs in Ohio and exploring your options can help alleviate this burden. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who grew up in Ohio and throughout my career, I've had the honor of witnessing firsthand the power of therapy for all of my clients. This blog is intended to provide information on the average cost of therapy in Ohio, understand the several factors that impact session fees or coverage, and to emphasize that investing in your mental health is a vital step toward a fulfilling life.
What’s the average cost of therapy in Ohio?
Although there's no definitive answer to how much therapy costs, it can still be helpful to look at some general figures as a starting point. In Ohio, it can range between $60 and $200 per session. Fee cost largely depends on the experience of the therapist, duration of treatment, treatment setting, and location. The table below represents numbers based on averages from 25 local therapists in each city.
| City in Ohio | Average Cost of a Therapy Session |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $146 |
| Cincinnati | $140 |
| Cleveland | $126 |
| Toledo | $131 |
| Akron | $121 |
| Dayton | $125 |
Please keep in mind these numbers are averages, and your therapist's fees may cost more or less than what is reflected here.
Are costs for online therapy different than in-person therapy in Ohio?
In recent years, receiving treatment through online therapy has surged in popularity. Virtual therapy offers an extremely accessible and convenient alternative to in-person sessions. In addition, mental health services that are available via Telehealth allow for flexibility in scheduling and continuity of care. On the other hand, online therapy can have drawbacks such as technical problems with the internet or concerns about privacy in your environment. Mental health treatment that requires immediate intervention is not recommended for virtual therapy.
The costs between in-person and online therapy may vary depending on the state of type of facility providing services. For example, platforms such as BetterHelp use a subscription model ranging between $65 and $100 per week. While this option may be more affordable, it may not include as personalized of care as a private practice would. You will also want to consider the experience level of any licensed therapist when seeking therapy. Ultimately, it is up to you on what your needs and preferences are regarding therapy costs and services.
Why is therapy so expensive?
Therapist Experience
A therapist with several years of experience and a solid professional background is likely to charge more per session than a newly licensed therapist who is just starting their career. Similarly, therapists with advanced degrees, such as clinical psychologists holding a doctoral degree, may have higher fees due to their advanced education and expertise. The amount of training a therapist has can also impact the standard rate.
Number of Sessions
The total cost of therapy can also be influenced by how many sessions you attend. Depending on your mental health history, many therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or trauma-focused therapy, may involve several weeks or months of regular sessions. Some individuals may only desire having a few sessions for short-term issues that require a solution-focused approach. This cumulative cost reflects the investment in the therapeutic process, with more frequent or long-term sessions leading to a higher overall cost. Keep in mind that many therapists offer insurance coverage which can reduce the financial undertaking. Check with your current health insurance provider to find therapists that are in-network.
Type of Therapeutic Setting
Therapy is offered in various forms depending on what mental health services are provided. In a private practice setting, sessions are usually more expensive compared to community clinics or nonprofit organizations. Because private practice therapists typically have overhead costs, such as office rent, insurance, and administrative expenses, they charge higher session fees. However, therapists in private practices tend to offer more personalized care and flexible scheduling, which can also influence pricing. On the other hand, group therapy such as support groups or community health centers tend to be more affordable due to shared resources and lower operational costs. Your insurance provider will have more information on what they will cover or what out of pocket costs may exist.
Is therapy worth it?
Absolutely! There are plenty of mental health benefits to participating in therapy. Read more to find out why.
Strengthen Relationships
Whether you are struggling with a partner, family member, coworker, or friend, therapy services are able to address communication, conflict resolution, or codependency to help strengthen this relationship. Our therapists provide individual and couples therapy, which both include insurance coverage! In couples counseling, a therapist will work to foster a deeper connection between you and your partner by addressing any unhealthy patterns and implementing communication skills. Individual therapy can also be a space for you to unpack your emotions regarding a relationship and a therapist's office provides a safe and private environment to explore those feelings.
Increase Self-Knowledge
Therapists have specific training to detect gaps in their client's insight and utilize questions to promote self-reflection. As you develop trust in the therapeutic process, you can begin to learn more about your values, core beliefs, past influences, and much more (Schwartz, 2024). I have seen many of my clients prosper in therapy as they begin to examine their own experiences and sensations and be able to develop an increased connection with themselves. Often times when we pay more attention to identifying our emotions, authenticity can thrive.
Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Common concerns of many clients involve developing practical tools for managing emotions, stress, or anxiety. Our SGTG therapists are trained in various techniques that can equip you with strategies to tackle any of the issues you may be facing. We offer individual therapy using a technique called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which can be done in-person or online. In fact, a study conducted in 2021 found that EMDR performed virtually can be an effective treatment for clients experiencing mental health issues (McGowan IW, Fisher N, Havens J, Proudlock S., 2021). This type of therapy is especially helpful in treating symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Investing in therapy at SG Therapy Group
SG Therapy Group is a team of experienced therapists that will tailor treatment to your specific needs. Our counselors genuinely care about the well-being of our clients and hope to help you achieve your personal goals. We accept all major credit cards, are in-network with insurance companies (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO & Medical Mutual), and have affordable options for self-pay. A great first step is consulting with your primary care physician or contacting your insurance provider to find out what coverage you have for mental health. We can also run your benefits and find out information about your deductible.
Investing at our group means you are investing in yourself. If you have any additional questions about payment, do not hesitate to contact us! You can also check out our FAQ page that has more information about insurance.
Final thoughts on the cost of therapy in Ohio
Therapy offers numerous benefits to your life, such as strengthening relationships, increasing self-knowledge, and developing coping mechanisms. It is my belief that this investment on your mental health is completely worth it! If you have other questions about therapy costs or would like to learn more about how our services can help you, feel free to reach out today. We look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on your journey!
