How much does group therapy cost? (And is it covered by insurance?)

One of the biggest questions people have about group therapy is how much it costs. If you have been considering joining a therapy group but feel unsure about the financial side, you are not alone. Cost is one of the top barriers that keeps people from seeking mental health support. The good news is that group therapy is one of the most affordable forms of professional mental health care available, and there are more options than you might think.

What does group therapy typically cost?

Group therapy sessions generally cost between $40 and $80 per session, though prices can range from as low as $20 to over $100 depending on the provider, location, and type of group. Compare that to individual therapy, which often runs $150 to $250 or more per session, and you can see why group therapy is an attractive option for people who want professional support at a lower price point.

The cost depends on several factors. Therapist-led clinical groups tend to be at the higher end because a licensed professional is facilitating the session. Peer support groups and community-based groups are often free or donation-based. Psychoeducation groups, which teach skills like DBT or anger management, may fall somewhere in between.

Is group therapy covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans do cover group therapy, especially when the group is led by a licensed mental health professional and focuses on a diagnosable condition like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Group therapy is billed similarly to individual therapy using CPT codes, and most major insurers recognize it as a legitimate treatment.

To find out if your plan covers group therapy, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask whether outpatient group psychotherapy is a covered benefit. Ask about your copay amount and whether the provider needs to be in-network. Some plans may require a referral or prior authorization, so it is worth checking before your first session.

What if you do not have insurance?

If you do not have insurance or your plan does not cover group therapy, you still have options. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on your income. Community mental health centers often run groups at reduced rates or for free. Peer support groups like those for grief, addiction recovery, or chronic illness are almost always free to attend.

Some therapists also offer payment plans or accept health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). It is always worth asking about financial options before assuming you cannot afford it.

Why group therapy is worth the investment

Beyond the lower cost, group therapy offers something individual therapy cannot: the experience of working through it alongside others. Research consistently shows that group therapy is just as effective as individual therapy for many conditions, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. You get the benefit of professional guidance, peer support, and real-time feedback from people who understand what you are going through.

When you break it down by cost per hour of therapeutic support, group therapy is one of the best values in mental health care. A typical group runs 60 to 90 minutes with 6 to 10 members, giving you extended session time at a fraction of the cost of a one-on-one appointment.

How to find an affordable group near you

Finding the right group at the right price starts with knowing where to look. My Therapy Groups makes it easy to search for therapy groups, support groups, and community groups by location and topic. You can browse listings, compare options, and connect directly with group facilitators, all for free.

Whether you are looking for a low-cost anxiety group, a free grief support circle, or an insurance-friendly DBT skills group, the right option is out there. Do not let cost be the thing that stops you from getting the support you deserve.

Browse therapy groups near you on My Therapy Groups and find a group that fits your budget and your needs.

Keep reading

• Group therapy vs individual therapy
• How to find a support group near you (online and in-person)
• The healing power of group therapy

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A note on what we do (and don’t). My Therapy Groups is a directory. Group leaders write their own listings, and we don’t vet, supervise, or endorse them. We’re not a clinic, and we don’t guarantee outcomes — that’s the group’s work, not ours.

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