Counseling Costs, Insurance & Payment Options

Cost is one of the first questions people have — and one of the last things they want to ask out loud. This page gives you a plain-language answer to what counseling at Light Counseling typically costs, what insurance covers, and what options exist if insurance isn't in the picture.

If you'd rather just talk it through, call or text us. Our intake team handles these questions every day and can tell you exactly what to expect for your specific plan before you book anything.
Talk to Our Intake Team

What You'll Typically Pay Per Session

Your cost per session depends primarily on your insurance plan. There are two main types to know about:

Copay Plan

~$50 or under
You pay a fixed amount each session — the same every time, regardless of how many sessions you've had that year. This is the most predictable option.

High-Deductible Plan

~$100+
You pay the full session rate until you've met your annual deductible. After that, your cost drops significantly — sometimes to zero. If you're early in your plan year and haven't met your deductible yet, expect higher out-of-pocket costs initially.

Self-Pay

Varies
If you don't have insurance or your plan isn't accepted, standard self-pay rates apply. Ask our intake team for current rates when you call.

Clinical Intern

$55 flat
Sessions with our clinical interns are billed at a flat $55 rate and don't require insurance. Interns are supervised graduate students gaining clinical hours — a good option if cost is the primary concern.
The most common confusion: People on high-deductible plans are sometimes surprised when their first few sessions cost more than expected. This happens because insurance doesn't kick in until you've paid your deductible for the year — which resets every January. If you're unsure where you stand, call your insurance company and ask "How much of my deductible have I met so far this year?" It's also worth knowing that very few plans cap the number of sessions you can attend. Once you understand your plan type, the cost becomes predictable.

Accepted Insurance Plans

We are in-network with most major carriers. Some of the plans our clients most commonly use:
    • Aetna
    • Anthem
    • United Healthcare
    • Cigna
    • Centra
    • TRICARE
    • Medicare
    • Medicaid
    • Medicare Advantage
    • VA Benefits
Not all providers accept all plans, and coverage can vary by location. Contact our office with your insurance information and we'll confirm whether your specific plan is accepted and give you an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost before you book.

If You Don't Have Insurance — or Can't Afford Self-Pay

Two options exist for clients who aren't covered or for whom standard self-pay rates aren't workable: Sliding scale fees adjust the cost of sessions based on household income. If you're uninsured or underinsured and the standard rates aren't within reach, ask about our sliding scale program when you call. There's an application process and availability varies, but it's worth asking about. Clinical intern sessions are available at a flat $55 per session, no insurance required. Our interns are graduate students in accredited counseling programs working toward licensure under the supervision of fully licensed clinicians. This is a legitimate clinical option — not a lesser version of care — and it works well for people whose primary barrier is cost.

Payment Methods We Accept

    • Credit & debit card
    • HSA card
    • FSA card
    • Online via client portal
    • In person at the office
    • Phone payment
    • Check by mail
HSA and FSA funds can be used for counseling sessions — if you have one of these accounts, it's often a good way to manage out-of-pocket costs while still using pre-tax dollars.

Cancellation and No-Show Policy

For counseling appointments, your first missed intake session is forgiven. After that, a $65 fee applies for no-shows or cancellations with less than 24 hours notice. For psychological testing and evaluation appointments, a 3-day notice is required — these sessions are longer, harder to fill on short notice, and often have active wait lists.
Before your first appointment: If you want to understand the full process — from your first call through what to expect in the room — our What to Expect at Your First Counseling Appointment page walks through it step by step, including how the intake process works and how we handle insurance questions on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does counseling cost with insurance?

If you have a copay plan, typically $50 or under per session. If you have a high-deductible plan, you may pay $100 or more per session until you've met your deductible for the year — after that, your insurance covers most or all of the cost. The exact amount depends on your specific plan.

Is therapy covered by insurance?

Most major insurance plans cover outpatient mental health services including individual counseling, couples therapy, and medication management. What varies is whether you have a flat copay per session or a deductible you need to meet first. Very few plans cap the total number of sessions you can attend.

What is a sliding scale fee?

A sliding scale adjusts the session cost based on your household income. If standard self-pay rates aren't workable for you, ask our intake team about the sliding scale program when you call. Availability varies by location.

Can I use my HSA or FSA for counseling?

Yes. HSA and FSA funds are accepted for counseling sessions.

Does my copay cover the full session, no matter how long?

Yes. Your copay is the same whether your session is 30 minutes or 60 minutes. Standard sessions are typically 60 minutes.

What happens if I can't afford even the self-pay rate?

Ask about clinical intern sessions — these are available at a flat $55 regardless of insurance, and don't require you to qualify for anything. Interns are supervised graduate students in accredited programs. If $55 is still a barrier, ask about the sliding scale program.

What's the cancellation policy?

Your first missed intake appointment is forgiven. After that, a $65 fee applies for no-shows or cancellations with less than 24 hours notice. Psychological testing appointments require 3 days notice due to scheduling complexity.

Can you call my insurance for me?

In some cases, yes — especially if you're having difficulty getting through to your provider. That said, we always recommend calling yourself too. It acts as a double-check: if we miss something, you'll catch it. The main things to ask your insurance are what your mental health benefits are, whether you have a copay or a deductible, and how much of your deductible you've already met this year.
For detailed billing information — including how to pay a balance, understanding your Explanation of Benefits, or questions about the No Surprises Act — see our billing page and insurance guide. To take the next step, our intake team can confirm your coverage and give you a cost estimate before you commit to anything.
Check Your Coverage & Schedule