Insurance and Fees Fees are not as cheap as one would like, the average fee can range from $130 to $200 per hour, however, this money is often seen as an investment in the person's health and life in general. Keep in mind that depending on the kind of therapy, longer sessions will be required. Sessions can go from 45 minutes to two hours or more if necessary. In certain cases such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) sessions they are usually 90 minutes or more. In the case of phone consultations, they are charged if not kept to a minimum. These consultations should be about small details and 911 cases. Keep in mind that telephone consultations are not covered by your insurance. In cases in which the psychotherapist is required to go to court, review cases, etc. fees will have to be negotiated by the patient, since therapists would have to take a day off to go to court or review cases fees will be in the $200 per hour fee range.

Consultations have to happen in the time established for your appointment, most good therapists work on a pretty tight schedule, meaning that if you arrive late, the appointment will end at the time previously arranged and you will be asked to pay for the full consultation. Most therapists will take your major credit cards, checks and cash, always think about the most convenient way of paying for your consultation. As far as cancellations is concerned, you should inform your therapist well ahead of time so that he or she can reschedule your appointment and fill the space you left with other patients, in those cases you will not be charged for the full price of the consultation that you cancelled. If you cancel just a few hours before your consultation, the full fee will be charged. Remember that cancelled appointments are not covered by Insurance. Most therapists will require you to have an acceptable attendance record, or therapy could be suspended. Make sure that if you pay by check, they have enough funds so that you do not have to incur in extra expenses. Additional fees are usually charged by services such as record analysis, court time and court appearances, telephone conversations, test administration and scoring, etc. In case you do not have insurance and paying for consultations is not possible for you you could ask for better options and even free services. Make sure you get a clear picture of what your insurance covers and what services it does not cover, find out if your therapist belongs to a network covered by your insurance or not, if he or she is not, find out how your insurance could help you. Remember that the whole transaction in terms of your insurance reimbursing your money is your responsibility, and the therapist will have nothing to do with it. Dealing with insurance procedures is never an easy thing, so remember to be patient and good luck!