How Much Is Online
Therapy in Illinois?

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Table of Contents

Average Cost of Online Therapy in Illinois

Factors Affecting Online Therapy Costs

Payment Options

Tips for Choosing an Online Therapist Within Your Budget

Conclusion

The decision to start therapy is a significant step toward better mental health, and nowadays, you don’t even need to leave your home to connect with a qualified professional. Online treatment has become increasingly popular in Illinois, offering convenience and flexibility that traditional in-person sessions can’t always match. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, virtual therapy may provide the support you need. And one of the first questions many people ask is, “How much will it cost?”

In this guide, we’ll break down the typical prices of online therapy in Illinois, explore payment options, and help you understand how to make it fit within your budget. From insurance coverage to fees, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your mental health.

Raven Fisher, LCPC

07 Jan, 2025

Average Cost of Online Therapy in Illinois

Online therapy costs in Illinois range from $75 to $200 per session, averaging around $130. These rates are usually slightly lower than traditional in-person treatment, costing $150 to $250 per visit. Prices vary significantly based on the doctor’s experience, specialization, and session frequency. Some providers offer package deals or reduced rates for committing to multiple visits upfront.

Factors Affecting Online Therapy Costs

Therapist's Qualification and Experience

Therapists’ education, credentials, and years of experience significantly impact their rates. Licensed Clinical Psychologists (LCPs) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) with extensive expertise typically charge more, ranging from $150 to $200 per session. Therapists with specialized training in specific treatment methods or particular mental health conditions may also have higher rates. In contrast, early-career professionals usually charge lower fees, starting around $75 to $100 per session.

Nave Wellness Center has a great team of LCPCs and Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHPs) who provide top-level care and empower people to improve their lives. With affordable fees and convenient online service, we offer personalized treatment and support our patients on their journey toward healing.

Session Length and Frequency

The duration and frequency of your therapy sessions directly influence the overall cost. Standard online meetings typically last 45-50 minutes, but some providers offer shorter 30-minute appointments at reduced rates or extended 75-90-minute treatments, which are more expensive. For example, a therapist might have the following fees for different sessions: $80 for short, $120 for regular, and $160 for extended.

Frequency also plays a crucial role in cost considerations. While weekly sessions are the most common, many patients opt for bi-weekly or monthly meetings for financial reasons. Some platforms, such as Nave Wellness Center, offer virtual and in-person therapy, which can affect the overall price structure. It’s important to discuss both session length and frequency options with your provider to find a schedule that balances your needs with your budget.

Type of Therapy

The therapeutic approach and modality can significantly affect the prices of online therapy sessions. Specialized treatments, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or specific trauma-focused care, often cost more due to the additional training and certification required. Payments may constitute $150-200 per session, compared to $100-130 for standard talk therapy.

Group counseling, which involves multiple participants and requires specific expertise, typically costs more than individual meetings. Some therapeutic approaches might also entail longer sessions or more frequent meetings, which can impact the overall prices. It’s worth noting that insurance providers may reimburse some types of therapy but not others, so it’s essential to verify coverage for your specific treatment plan.

Platform or Service Used

The online therapy platform or service you choose can significantly impact your overall costs. Universal services like Nave Wellness Center offer promotional rates, sliding scale fees, and other options to make treatment more accessible. In contrast, independent therapists who use Zoom for their sessions typically charge per meeting, with potentially higher costs. Overall, the price of online therapy services depends largely on the platform where they are provided.

Payment Options

Insurance Coverage

Many insurance providers in Illinois now cover online mental health services, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic normalized telehealth. If your plan includes such benefits, you may only need to pay a copay of $20 to $50 per session rather than the full fee. Major insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare cover online counseling and therapy with in-network providers.
It’s crucial to verify several aspects with your insurance carrier before starting treatment:

whether telehealth services are covered
which types of mental health professionals are included in your network
how many sessions are covered annually
whether you need a referral from your primary care physician

Unlike many online platforms, Nave Wellness Center accepts various insurance plans. This page provides all insurance-related information.

Out-of-Pocket Payments

While potentially more expensive upfront, paying out-of-pocket for online therapy offers several advantages and flexibilities. Self-pay rates typically range from $75 to $200 per session, and many Illinois online therapists offer a straightforward fee structure without the complications of insurance billing. Some providers have discounts for paying in advance or purchasing session packages.

Self-pay gives patients more control over their therapy journey without insurance limitations on session numbers or treatment types. They can address all of their mental health concerns, including depression, eating disorders, life transitions, and stress due to chronic illness or the loss of a loved one, without gathering documentation and waiting for insurance approval.

Therapists and online platforms accept various payment methods, including credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, PayPal, or Venmo, making transactions convenient and secure. When paying out-of-pocket, you can also maintain complete privacy about your mental health care, as no information needs to be shared with insurance companies.

Nave Wellness Center offers a convenient payment scheme accommodating each patient’s needs. We aim to provide online therapy services with maximum comfort and full transparency regarding pricing.

Sliding Scale Fees

Sliding scale fees are a flexible payment option that adjusts therapy costs based on your income level and financial situation. It makes mental healthcare more accessible to those who might otherwise struggle to afford it. In Illinois, therapists offering the sliding scale scheme typically reduce their standard rates by 20-50%, with sessions potentially ranging from $30 to $80. For example, a therapist who generally charges $120 per video therapy session might decrease rates to as low as $40 for patients with limited financial resources. To qualify for sliding scale fees, you may need proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns.

Nave Wellness Center reserves a limited number of sliding scale slots in our practice, so feel free to inquire about their availability. Some online therapy platforms offer income-based pricing or financial aid programs that function similarly to traditional sliding scale models.

HSA/FSA Options

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can be reliable sources of payments for online therapy, as mental health services are considered qualified medical expenses. These tax-advantaged accounts allow you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for counseling sessions, effectively reducing out-of-pocket costs by 20-30%, depending on your tax bracket. Most online therapy platforms accept HSA/FSA cards as payment methods, treating them like regular debit cards.

If you have an HSA or FSA through your employer, you can typically use these funds for individual therapy sessions. Keep detailed receipts and documentation of your therapy expenses for tax purposes and potential account audits. Remember that FSA funds must be used within the calendar year, while HSA funds roll over indefinitely, allowing for longer-term treatment planning.

Tips for Choosing an Online Therapist
Within Your Budget

When searching for an online therapist who fits your budget, ask the right questions upfront to avoid unexpected costs or disappointment. Start by inquiring about their fee structure, including session rates, payment policies, cancellation fees, and whether they offer sliding scale options or payment plans. Don’t hesitate to ask about insurance acceptance, out-of-network benefits, and their experience with providing superbills. Watch for red flags, such as therapists who are reluctant to discuss fees, pressure you into purchasing large session packages upfront, or can’t provide transparent information about their licensing and credentials.

Nave Wellness Center can simplify the search process! Our staff will contact you to discuss your needs before scheduling the initial consultation. We offer online therapy and in-person visits to ensure you have a safe and supportive space for empowerment and exciting life changes!

Conclusion

Online therapy in Illinois offers an accessible and flexible way to address mental health needs while accommodating various budgets. With a wide range of pricing options, payment methods, and platforms, finding quality care that fits your financial situation is possible. Whether covered by insurance, using sliding scale fees, or paying out-of-pocket, the investment in mental health is invaluable. Online therapy can be the first step toward improved well-being and a brighter future! Nave Wellness Center is always here to guide you on this path!

Raven Fisher, LCPC

07 Jan, 2025

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