How Much is Therapy in Kansas City?
Starting therapy is an investment. And if you’ve been looking for therapy in Kansas City, Missouri lately you’re likely starting to realize that it can be a significant investment. You also likely realize that starting therapy means placing your mental health, or a loved ones mental health, and well-being closer to the top of your priority list. With this, you may have several questions, like “Is the cost of therapy worth it?”, or “what therapy is even right for me or my loved one?”.
Our team of Missouri mental health therapists (plus our intake team) at Aspire Counseling are here to help answer some of those questions. We want to support you an while you embark on your journey to find counseling near Blue Springs, MO. Whether you’re looking for teen counseling, anxiety treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma therapy, or aren’t even sure what you’re looking for, we’re here to help. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming. And too many people give up just in the search for the right clinician. However, we believe in the power of mental health counseling to give people the tools and empower them to heal. We’ve seen firsthand what can happen when people have a supportive therapist who uses evidence based treatment methods. And, we believe everyone who is suffering deserves that kind of support. Therefore, we want to do whatever we can to make the process of finding a therapist and starting counseling as easy as possible for you.
So, let’s dive in. Let’s answer all of your questions about finances related to mental health care in the Kansas City area. We’ll answer all of the questions you’ve been wondering but haven’t known where to find answers such as , how much is therapy in Kansas City, how much does a therapist cost without insurance, is therapy even worth it with its expenses, and how many sessions of therapy you might need, and what we are doing to help.
How Much is Therapy in Kansas City?
Simply put, therapy is a significant investment and prices can vary significantly depending on a therapist’s license level (students are generally the least expensive, then provisionally licensed clinicians, then fully licensed therapists), a therapist’s specialized training and experience, the population that they work with (for example a child or teen therapist as well as a couples therapist may have to charge more because of time spent out of session on communication for these populations), the number of clients that therapist has been practicing, the amount of time they spend getting additional training each year and a variety of other factors. But simply put, in the Kansas City area therapists most commonly charge $100-$200 per session.
Things to Consider Related to Cost of Therapy in the Kansas City Area
We have to acknowledge that when searching for a therapist in Kansas City, it's important to consider your budget and what you can afford. Therapy is a significant financial commitment. At the same time, it's crucial to prioritize your mental health and well-being.
What is the price of not investing in therapy right now? That might be a tough question to ask, but it is something to consider when we’re discussing the cost of therapy. Because for many people, the price of not investing in therapy is high. It might be lost productivity, loss of relationships or loss of happiness.
The bottom line is that investing in high quality therapy can lead to long-term benefits and improvements in your overall quality of life.
Options to Make Therapy More Affordable in the Kansas City Area
While therapy can cost more in the Kansas City area than other parts of Missouri, there are ways that it can be more affordable. For example, many therapists in Kansas City offer sliding scale fees or payment plans to accommodate different financial situations. Additionally, some therapists may offer reduced rates for individuals facing financial hardships or students.
Also, if you pay for therapy and other mental health services out of pocket, you can often use your out-of-network benefits through your health insurance provider to be reimbursed for a significant portion of the cost. At Aspire Counseling, we use a billing system called Mentaya. Essentially our therapists bill clients through that system and if they’d like we can press a button that charges the client a 5% fee (goes directly to Mentaya, not us) and submits a claim directly to their insurance company on the client’s behalf. You don’t have to do any of the paperwork to get the claim submitted. In the event that the claim is denied (insurance companies are known for doing this), Mentaya then resubmits instead of you having to go through that process like our clients used to struggle through. So, it’s still an out of network process that requires clients to pay upfront but it makes the process to get reimbursed by insurance in a timely manner much easier.
Choosing a Kansas City Therapist Isn’t Ony About the Cost
Finding the right therapist in Kansas City involves more than just considering the cost. It's essential to find a therapist who aligns with your needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals. Research shows that the therapeutic relationship is essential for ensuring that you reach your mental health goals. So, take the time to research therapists in the Kansas City area, read reviews, and reach out for initial consultations to find the best fit for you.
Remember, therapy is an investment in yourself and your future well-being. By seeking therapy in Kansas City, you're taking a proactive step toward addressing your mental health concerns and achieving personal growth and healing
How Much Does a Therapist Cost Without Insurance?
The cost of therapy sessions can be different for everyone! In Kansas City, Missouri, it usually falls between $100-200 per session depending on the therapist, expertise, and more. In your search, you’ll find that it is very common for private practice therapists to not work directly with insurance.
Aspire Counseling, like so many other private practices, is out of network with your health insurance. If this is the first time you’ve been looking for a therapist in the last 10 years or so, you may be surprised how many of us are out of network. And, we know this can feel frustrating and disappointing. Therapy isn’t cheap. Yet, it’s a really critical expense.
Why pay for a therapist without insurance?
Some of the reasons why Aspire Counseling is out of network with your health insurance provider is that using health insurance to pay for therapy reduces your confidentiality, it requires a specific diagnosis, health insurance companies can try to influence your treatment, and being out of network allows our therapists to focus their attention completely on providing your the best possible care. Insurance companies typically use an electronic medical record system, with disclosure to insurance there is always a risk of HIPAA violations. Also, with insurance, to be able to bill you have to be diagnosed, and we believe that you shouldn’t have to have a mental health diagnosis on your permanent medical record, we can all use a little help, and shouldn’t need a diagnosis for help!
Insurance companies also have the decision on how often you can come to therapy, and even what treatments you can have. For instance, with OCD, it is recommended to have two weekly sessions using an evidence-based treatment called ERP, and insurance can dictate what they are willing to pay, and only allow a weekly 45-minute session. We here at Aspire Counseling would rather be able to focus on solely our clients, and not worry about diagnosing, and how often we’re allowed to see clients.
How Aspire Counseling Helps Ease the Burden of Out of Network Counseling Expenses
We here at Aspire Counseling recognize that there is a financial commitment to therapy, and that’s why we use a billing system called Mentaya, that helps clients with their out-of-network benefits and getting reimbursement. Along with using Mentaya, we also try to have interns when possible. With interns, we’re able to offer a reduced price, and along with getting excellent care from our interns, you also have the support of their supervisor to provide excellent care. We also have 10-20% of our client spots at reduced rates.
Before using Mentaya, we would often get several rejected superbills from insurance companies. Both our clients AND our staff would get so frustrated when clients would have to resubmit the same superbills to insurance companies over and over again before getting reimbursed very small amounts. Honestly, many of our clients gave up even trying before they ever actually get reimbursed. And it was heartbreaking when this would lead some clients to quit therapy before they were really ready.
It was so frustrating to see our clients struggle with getting reimbursement and trying to jump through the hoops of insurance.
Our team set out on a mission to find a better way to help our clients afford therapy without becoming beholden to insurance companies. Eventually, we found Mentaya. Mentaya helps ease the burden of submitting claims to insurance. For a small 5% processing fee, they do all the hard work for our clients of submitting superbills directly to the insurance companies. In fact, our clinicians bill directly through Mentaya so the client never has to deal with the insurance company at all. Then, if your claim is rejected (and that does still happen occasionally), Mentaya is now the first point of contact and they automatically do that work of resubmitting. So far, we’ve seen great success and many of our clients are enjoying the smooth and easier process of reimbursement. We’re finding that most are getting reimbursed faster and more than they previously were.
Is Therapy Worth it? Why is Therapy is Expensive?
Thinking about the cost of therapy is like considering a bigger picture, especially when searching for an LGBTQ therapist or a depression therapist in Kansas City. Instead of just spending money, think of it as making an investment in both your mental health, and complete well-being. It’s comparable to buying something that brings lasting joy- not just a fleeting moment of happiness but a continuous sense of feeling good. The importance goes beyond the money you put it, it’s about the positive changes that can happen to your whole self!
Choosing therapy means you are making a commitment to improve your mental health and well-being for the long run, whether you're seeking an LGBTQ therapist in Kansas City, or a depression therapist. Therapy can mean investing in improving relationships, helping to reduce trauma responses, and getting better at handling life’s challenges. It is similar to taking care of a beautiful garden, where you put effort into seeing growth and resilience. Committing to therapy is about nurturing not just your present, but also your future self, making a positive impact on various parts of your life!
Curious about how to tell if therapy is worth it, especially with the financial commitment, and whether it's with an LGBTQ therapist or a depression therapist in Kansas City? One way to know if therapy is worth it is by looking at the positive signs! Think about understanding yourself better, finding effective ways to handle challenges, and an overall boost in how you feel. While therapy is not a straight line to happiness and relief, if you find yourself making improvements, and find yourself ready to take on each therapy session, it is a good sign that therapy is worth it.
So, as you go through therapy, pay attention to these positive shifts and improvements, whether you're working with an LGBTQ therapist or a depression therapist in Kansas City. If you find that the benefits, including the positives on your mental health and life, outweigh the financial commitment, then therapy is worth it for you!
How Many Sessions of Therapy for Anxiety?
How often you go to therapy is a discussion between you and your therapist. At Aspire Counseling, we recommend starting off on a weekly basis for at least the first eight weeks. For example, with going to an anxiety therapist in Kansas City, you may start off at once a week, or even twice a week to feel relief from symptoms sooner. Starting off on a more frequent basis means that you are able to hit goals in your treatment plan.
The good news is that anxiety is very responsive to therapy. Also, the therapists at Aspire Counseling specialize in treating anxiety. So, many of our clients experience significance improvement in those first 8 weeks.
We have found that when clients start off at biweekly, or even monthly appointments, they spend more money in the long-run, as each appointment is focused on catching up between those sessions, rather than getting to focus more on treatment plan and goals.
After the eight weeks, this can be a discussion between you and your therapist to determine if you should continue to stay at weekly sessions, or move to less frequent sessions like biweekly or even monthly!
Alternatively, it’s also important to note that occasionally clients actually need more than weekly therapy. For example, when undergoing ERP for OCD isn’t common for clients to attend therapy twice a week for a short period of time to make significant progress.
The bottom line is that, your therapist can help figure out what is best for you, and can find the right amount of support that fits your financial needs, schedule, and helps you to feel better! Your treatment schedule should be based on your own treatment needs, treatment goals and the type of interventions your therapist is using. You and your therapist are a team. So, this is a personal decision that you will make together.
Counseling Near Kansas City Missouri
At Aspire Counseling, we recognize that therapy is a financial commitment, and that is why we strive to provide excellent evidence-based practice and care. Our goal is use the most effective counseling methods we can so that you get real healing and meet your mental health goals faster. Then, you can move forward from therapy faster costing you less money overall. At the same time, we offer a limited number of sliding scale spots and use a billing system that helps you use your out-of-network insurance benefits. Most importantly, our therapists provide compassionate, and tailored support for a wide range of mental health concerns such as depression, trauma, anxiety, grief, and more.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, a teenager, or another adult in your life, our dedicated team of therapists are here to help. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and our therapists are able to address a variety of concerns with expertise and care!
With our offices in Lee’s Summit Missouri, and Columbia Missouri, we offer in-person services for those who prefer face-to-face, or, we offer online therapy services to anyone in the state of Missouri!
Don’t wait to take the first steps towards reaching your mental health goals, creating a life that’s really worth living and being the best version of yourself. Reach out to Aspire Counseling today, or give us a call at 573.328.2288 ext. 1, and let us support you on your journey to healing!
