Therapy in Virginia Beach typically costs between $100 and $200 per session if you are paying out of pocket. With insurance, most people pay a copay of $20 to $50 per visit. Your exact cost depends on your provider’s license, your insurance plan, and whether you choose in-person or virtual sessions. Let’s break it all down so you know what to expect before you book.
What Affects the Price of a Therapy Session
A few things push the price up or down. First, the provider’s license level matters. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), and psychologists often have different rates. Second, session length plays a role. A standard 50-minute session costs less than an extended 75 or 90-minute session, which is common for couples or family work. Third, specialty counts too. A therapist trained in trauma or a specific modality may charge more than general talk therapy. Finally, in-person sessions sometimes cost slightly more than telehealth, and where you live matters. Virginia Beach rates tend to sit in the middle compared to bigger cities.
This is also why online searches give you such a wide range of numbers. A quick search might show anywhere from $50 to $300 per session, and that gap can feel confusing. Most of that range comes down to the factors above, not random pricing. Once you know what you’re actually paying for, the numbers make a lot more sense.
Does Insurance Cover Therapy?
Yes, most insurance plans cover therapy. Federal mental health parity laws require many insurers to cover mental health care similarly to physical health care. But “covered” does not always mean “free.” Here’s what actually affects your bill:
- Copay: a flat fee you pay per session, often $20 to $50.
- Coinsurance: a percentage of the session cost you owe after meeting your deductible.
- Deductible: the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance starts covering sessions.
If your deductible has not been met yet, you might pay the full session rate until it is. This trips a lot of people up, so it is worth checking before your first appointment.
It’s also worth knowing that “in-network” and “out-of-network” make a real difference. An in-network therapist has a contracted rate with your insurer, which usually means a lower cost for you. An out-of-network therapist can still be reimbursed, just through a slightly different process, which we cover below.
Insurance Plans We Accept
Sequoia Psychotherapy works with a wide range of insurance providers, including:
- Aetna
- Anthem
- BCBS (Blue Cross Blue Shield)
- Humana
- Medicaid
- Optum
- Sentara
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
If your plan is on this list, reach out and we can help verify your specific benefits before your first session.
How to Check Your Mental Health Benefits Before You Book
Calling your insurance company can feel confusing, so here is a simple script. Ask them:
- Do I have outpatient mental health benefits?
- What is my copay for an outpatient mental health visit?
- Have I met my deductible this year?
- Is telehealth covered the same as in-person?
- Are there any session limits per year?
Write down the answers and the date you called. Insurance reps can give different answers on different days, so having a record protects you.
What Therapy Costs Without Insurance
Self-pay rates in Virginia Beach typically run $100 to $200 per session, depending on the provider and session length. Some people choose self-pay even when they have insurance, and there are real reasons for that:
- No mental health diagnosis goes on your insurance record.
- No session limits set by your insurer.
- More privacy, since your insurance company never sees your treatment details.
If cost is the only thing stopping you, self-pay is not automatically out of reach. Many practices, including ours, offer flexibility.
What Is Sliding Scale Therapy?
Sliding scale therapy means the session fee adjusts based on what you can reasonably afford. It is designed for people who want therapy but cannot manage the standard rate right now. If you are curious about this option, just ask. You do not need to prove anything or explain your full financial situation in detail. A short, honest conversation is usually enough to figure out a fee that works for both sides.
Other Ways to Make Therapy Affordable
Beyond insurance and sliding scale, a few other options can help:
- HSA or FSA funds: many people don’t realize these accounts can be used for therapy sessions.
- Employer EAP programs: some workplaces offer a set number of free counseling sessions each year.
- Superbills: if your therapist is out-of-network, they can give you a superbill, a receipt you submit to your insurance for partial reimbursement.
It is worth checking all three before ruling out therapy because of cost.
Is Therapy Worth the Cost?
This is a fair question to ask, and only you can weigh it against your own budget and needs. What we can say is that many people find real value in having a consistent space to work through what they are carrying. Therapy is an investment of both time and money, and it makes sense to think it through.
Some people start with a set number of sessions in mind, just to see how it feels. Others come in for something specific, like a life change or a rough patch, and stop once they feel steadier. There is no single right way to use therapy, and no minimum commitment required to try it. We are not here to pressure you into a decision, just to make the numbers clear so you can decide with confidence.
Getting Started in Virginia Beach
Sequoia Psychotherapy is located at 372 South Independence Blvd, Suite 105, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, with both in-person and virtual session options available. If you want to talk through cost, insurance, or sliding scale before booking, we are happy to answer questions first. No pressure, no obligation.
If you are in crisis right now, please call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.
Ready to take the next step? Request an appointment and we will help you figure out the details, including cost, together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a therapy session cost on average?
In Virginia Beach, self-pay sessions typically range from $100 to $200. With insurance, most people pay a copay between $20 and $50.
Does insurance cover therapy?
Yes, most plans cover therapy under mental health parity laws, though your out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific plan, deductible, and copay.
How do I find out if my plan covers therapy?
Call the number on your insurance card and ask about outpatient mental health benefits, your copay, and whether your deductible has been met.
What is a sliding scale fee and how do I ask for one?
A sliding scale fee adjusts your session cost based on what you can afford. Simply ask your therapist directly, no lengthy paperwork required.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for therapy?
Yes, therapy sessions typically qualify as an eligible expense under most HSA and FSA plans.
Does Tricare cover therapy?
Yes, Sequoia Psychotherapy accepts Tricare, and coverage details depend on your specific plan.