How Much is Therapy in Tennessee?

Takeaway: Therapy is an investment of time, money, energy, and other vital resources. It’s only natural to be curious about how much therapy costs. In this post, I explain the average cost of therapy in Tennessee and share some reasons why it’s worth the price.

Average cost of mental health services in Tennessee

For many people, finances are an important component of choosing which therapist to work with—or whether to pursue mental health care at all. Having a deeper understanding of the average cost of therapy in Tennessee and the factors that contribute to it can help you make an informed decision.

At the same time, it can be difficult to nail down exactly how much therapy costs. Each therapist can set their own rates, and there are a multitude of factors that influence how much you actually end up paying. Like other services such as healthcare or even getting a haircut, there’s no singular number that defines therapy cost.

Still, it can be helpful to get a ballpark estimate when starting your search for a therapist. Based on averages from 25 local therapists in each city, here’s some context into the average cost of an individual therapy session in Tennessee.

Keep in mind that these numbers are averages. Your therapist may charge more or less than this, depending on a variety of different factors that we’ll explore in a moment.

One important factor is the type of credentials a therapist has. For example, psychologists typically charge more than other types of therapists because they have more extensive education. Instead of a master’s degree like most other clinicians, psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology.

Here’s the average cost of an individual therapy session with a psychologist in Tennessee based on averages from local 12 psychologists in each area. (There are typically fewer psychologists than other types of therapists due to the highly specialized education, so there are fewer data points for that reason.)

Again, these numbers are averages based on some local psychologists who advertise their rates online.

Why should I work with a psychologist when they charge more?

As you can see, average rates for psychologists in Tennessee are higher than those of other types of therapists like licensed professional counselors or clinical social workers. While this isn’t always the case, it is common for psychologists to charge more than other therapists.

Here are a few reasons to consider working with a psychologist.

• Extensive education and training. As I touched on earlier, psychologists have a higher level of education than most other therapists. Psychologists complete a doctoral program (usually in psychology) whereas most other therapists have a master’s degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, or another related field.
• In-depth assessments. Due to this extensive education, psychologists are also highly trained in providing in-depth, comprehensive clinical assessments. Having a detailed assessment at the start of your therapy journey can ensure that your challenges are clearly identified and treated accordingly.
• Psychological testing. Some psychologists also provide psychological testing. If you’re seeking evaluation for a learning disorder, condition like ADHD or autism spectrum disorder, or other issue, I recommend working with a psychologist.
• Licensing and ethical standards. Psychologists are held to rigorous standards for licensing in the state where they practice. Plus, many psychologists are also licensed on a national level, unlike other types of therapists. Therefore, psychologists must have a high level of integrity and professionalism.
• Research and innovation. Psychology doctoral programs also have a stronger focus on research than other therapist education programs. This may lend psychologists to being more up-to-date with certain research and evidence-based practices.

Keep in mind that each psychologist, like any other type of therapist, has their own unique background, training, and expertise. It’s important to inquire with each clinician you’re interested in working with to understand how they can help you and what they charge.

It’s also important to note that therapists (including psychologists) are also required to provide a Good Faith Estimate to clients who don’t have insurance or who don’t plan to use their health coverage for care. Basically, it ensures that people receive an estimate for the cost of their treatment. For other forms of medical care, it also includes related costs like hospital fees, prescription drugs, and medical tests. Read more about what a Good Faith Estimate is here.

Why is therapy so expensive?

Depending on your financial situation, expectations, and assumptions about the cost of therapy, these numbers may (or may not) surprise you. If so, it can be helpful to understand the different factors that can contribute to the cost of mental health services. Here are some of the main ones.

Type of therapist

Different types of therapists have different credentials. For example, a clinical psychologist has a doctoral degree and may charge more than other therapists who have a master’s degree.

Professional experience

Similarly, a therapist’s professional experience can influence their session fees. If a therapist has been in practice for several years, they may charge higher rates than a new therapist who is still working toward licensure.

Training & expertise

Certain types of therapy, like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy or internal family systems (IFS) therapy, require additional training. As a result, therapists who are trained in these methods may charge more for their services.

Location

Where you live can also contribute to the cost of therapy. Therapists in urban areas might have higher rates for counseling sessions while those in rural areas may charge less. While online therapy has made mental health care more accessible to people in all areas, location can still play a part in price.

Frequency & length of treatment

The overall cost of therapy can increase if you see your therapist longer and more frequently. For example, weekly sessions over the course of a year will increase the total expected cost of therapy when compared to six months of meeting every other week.

There are many other elements that can play a role in the cost of therapy in Tennessee or elsewhere. However, my hope is that this broad overview can provide you with some insight and understanding about what goes into your investment.

Paying for mental health treatment in Tennessee & beyond

You have options when it comes to paying for your mental health care. There is no right or wrong way to fund your sessions, so it’s important to reflect on your financial situation as well as your values and goals. Here are some of the most common ways of paying for therapy.

Insurance plans

If you’re interested in using your mental health coverage to pay for therapy, look for therapists who accept insurance. If they accept your plan, they will bill your insurance company directly. Keep in mind that your therapist will also need to give you a diagnosis and share medical information with your insurance provider in order to bill your plan.

Out-of-network benefits

Don’t let insurance stand in the way of working with a therapist. Even if a therapist doesn’t accept your plan, they may be able to provide documentation that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.

Low-cost therapy

If finances are a significant barrier to seeking care, consider low-cost therapy options. You may be able to get therapy through your local behavioral health agency or a nearby clinic. Some private practice therapists also offer sliding scale spots to clients who qualify.

Private payment

Paying out of pocket gives you the most freedom and flexibility when choosing a therapist. If it’s financially feasible for you, I recommend considering this option. You’ll have full control over your treatment plan and will not need to receive a diagnosis or share sensitive information with your insurance company.

Keep these options in mind when searching for a therapist in Tennessee. Most therapists offer a free consultation, so you can discuss payment at this time in order to fully understand the investment before diving in.

Is therapy worth it?

Yes, therapy is worth it. While each person’s situation is different, people notice improvement with therapy in most cases. I’ve seen this firsthand with the hundreds of clients I’ve helped in my 25+ years of working as a therapist in Nashville, TN.

While mental health providers can’t guarantee certain outcomes, there are many common benefits to working with a therapist. Here are just a few reasons why the investment is worth it.

Get in touch with your emotions

Therapy can act as a safe space for you to explore, identify, and express your feelings without judgment. This can be incredibly validating and healing, especially for people who struggle to connect with their emotions.

Shift your thinking patterns

Certain ways of thinking can leave us feeling stuck, anxious, or depressed. By identifying these patterns and consciously shifting them, you can feel more at ease in your day-to-day life.

Learn new coping skills

Uncomfortable emotions and difficult situations are a part of life, no matter how much therapy you attend. Learning skills to navigate these feelings and experiences can help you feel prepared to face anything life throws at you.

Improve mental health symptoms

While you don’t need a formal mental health diagnosis to see a private practice therapist, counseling can improve symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and more.

Build healthier relationships

Working with a therapist can also help you learn new communication skills and strategies for resolving conflict in a healthy, constructive way. This will help you improve your relationships with others. Plus, you’ll reflect on your own needs and values which can help you grow your connection with yourself.

These are just a few of the ways that therapy can help people. When you start therapy, you’ll work toward goals of your own.

Invest in mental health services today.

If you’re ready to make an investment in your mental health, I’m here to help. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy to people in the greater Nashville, TN area and beyond. My offices are located in Brentwood and Franklin if you prefer to meet in person. I also offer virtual therapy to people in Tennessee and over 30 states nationwide.

Where you’re navigating life transitions, struggling with depression and anxiety, or want to have more fulfilling relationships, therapy can be a place for you to get support, insight, and encouragement. Reach out today for a free consultation to learn more about how I can help. I look forward to hearing from you!

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