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How Much Does Trauma Therapy Cost?
In California, private-practice individual therapy with a licensed therapist typically costs about $150 to $300 per session, with fee ranges from roughly $120 to $200 for licensed marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and professional clinical counselors. At Arlene Drake, Inc., individual therapy is $150 to $200 per session, and group therapy is $85 for a two-hour session. Financing is not offered, and a consultation is available so you can ask directly about current fees and availability before you decide anything.
Written by Dr. Arlene Drake, PhD, LMFT. This article is educational and not a substitute for individual clinical advice.
What does therapy typically cost in California?
Out-of-pocket session fees in California vary by region, credentials, and format. Licensed therapists in private practice commonly charge in the $150 to $300 range for a roughly 50-minute session, with costs generally higher in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. Group therapy is markedly less expensive, commonly around $25 to $75 per session in California outpatient settings, and in some Los Angeles private practices around $40 to $125. These are ranges, not fixed prices, and the only reliable number is the one a specific practice gives you directly.
Sources: GoodRx, How much does therapy cost without insurance, which draws on American Psychological Association figures, and Open Path Collective, eligibility and pricing, a nonprofit offering sliding-scale sessions.
What are the rates at this practice?
- Individual therapy: $150 to $200 per session
- Group therapy: $85 for a two-hour session
- Consultation: available as a low-pressure first conversation
- Financing: not offered
Please confirm current rates, session length, and availability when you inquire, because fees can change and schedules vary. The frequently asked questions page includes the same fee information for reference.
Why do therapy costs vary?
Several factors shape a session fee: the therapist's license and years of experience, whether the session is individual or group, the format (virtual or in person), and the local market. A newer therapist under supervision typically charges less than a psychologist with many years in practice. None of these differences tells you which therapist is a better fit for you; fit is a separate question, and cost is only one part of it.
Can group therapy lower the cost?
Yes. Group therapy is usually more affordable than individual work, which is one reason it is worth understanding. At this practice, group therapy is $85 for a two-hour session, and it offers the added benefit of shared experience among adult survivors. See group therapy for more, and the article individual therapy vs. group therapy compares the two formats directly.
What about insurance?
How insurance applies to therapy varies widely by plan, provider, and practice. Some practices are in network with insurers, others are private pay, and many use a mix. If coverage matters to you, the responsible step is to ask any practice directly whether it is in network, what it charges per session, and whether it provides receipts or documentation you can submit to your insurer yourself. Do not assume that because a therapist is licensed, a particular plan will cover their sessions.
How can you ask about cost without pressure?
A consultation is the natural place to ask about fees and availability. You are welcome to raise cost first, before any decisions: How is each session billed? What are the current rates for the format I am considering? Are there options if a session fee is a barrier? A practice that respects your position will answer plainly. You can request a consultation or call (818) 516-3013 to ask.
Where to go from here
To explore treatment options, you can read about individual trauma therapy and group therapy, or start with the overview of childhood trauma therapy. When you are ready, a consultation is a comfortable way to ask about fees, availability, and fit, with no obligation.
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Begin with a conversation
Cost should never be a mystery
Ask about current fees and availability in a free conversation, and decide without pressure. Virtual therapy is available to California residents.