The cost of therapy depends on several personal factors, including the type of care you need, your provider’s credentials, and whether you plan to pay out of pocket or use insurance coverage. This page walks you through everything that shapes therapy costs so you can make an informed decision about your mental health care. To discuss your specific situation and learn what working with Cottonwood Psychiatry looks like, request a consultation here.
What Factors Shape the Cost of Therapy?
Therapy costs are not one-size-fits-all. Many factors influence what you will pay per session, and understanding them helps you evaluate your options with confidence.
Provider Credentials and Experience
Therapist experience plays a significant role in session cost. A board-certified psychiatrist who also provides therapy — like Dr. Colleen McGuire, DO — brings a depth of clinical training that differs meaningfully from a general counselor or less specialized provider. Dr. McGuire completed her residency at the University of Colorado, served as Chief Resident, and has held roles as Attending Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at Denver Health. That level of expertise is built into the quality of care you receive.
Many mental health professionals focus on either medication management or talk therapy. At Cottonwood Psychiatry, both are integrated under one provider, which can reduce the overall complexity — and cost — of coordinating your mental healthcare across multiple practitioners.
Type of Therapy and Session Length
Session length and the type of therapeutic approach both affect therapy rates. Individual therapy sessions using approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or Psychodynamic Therapy may vary in structure and duration depending on what best fits your goals. Couples therapy cost and family therapy pricing are typically different from individual therapy, reflecting the complexity and time involved.
Session cost also varies based on whether you are receiving therapy only, psychiatric evaluation, or an integrated combination of both. Dr. McGuire tailors each session to your needs, which means your plan is built around you — not a standardized template.
In-Person Therapy vs. Online Therapy
Whether you choose in person therapy or online therapy can influence what you pay. Many patients find online therapy more accessible, particularly if they live in areas with provider scarcity or limited local mental health services. Virtual therapy sessions with Dr. McGuire offer the same quality of care as in-office visits — telehealth is a genuine option, not a lesser one.
Dr. McGuire is licensed in multiple states, which means online sessions are available to patients who travel frequently, live in rural communities, or simply prefer the flexibility of virtual therapy from home. Therapy deserts are real, and telehealth helps bridge that gap meaningfully.
Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Insurance coverage is one of the most significant variables in how much therapy costs. Cottonwood Psychiatry does not accept insurance, which means patients pay out of pocket directly. While this may feel unfamiliar, many patients prefer this model because it removes network restrictions, insurance paperwork, and the limitations that can come with working only with an in-network therapist.
Why Cost Varies From One Patient to the Next
No two people come to therapy with the same history, goals, or mental health concerns. The actual costs of your care reflect the individualized nature of the work. A patient seeking support for trauma may need a different approach and session frequency than someone navigating midlife hormonal changes or relationship transitions. Dr. McGuire specializes in trauma, midlife hormonal issues, and alternatives to medication — and she builds a treatment plan that reflects your specific needs, not a generic protocol.
A consultation is the only accurate way to understand what your individual therapy will look like and what it will cost. Schedule a consultation with Cottonwood Psychiatry to receive a personalized plan and transparent pricing tailored to your goals.
Value Over Price: Choosing Mental Health Care Thoughtfully
It is natural to compare therapy costs when you are researching your options. But affordable therapy does not always mean the most effective therapy. When evaluating providers, consider the full picture: credentials, therapeutic approach, the ability to offer both psychiatry and therapy, and how well the provider’s style fits your needs.
Some providers offer lower session costs but operate within rigid insurance plan frameworks that limit session length, frequency, or treatment type. Others may lack the specialized training needed to address complex mental health treatment concerns like trauma or co-occurring conditions. Choosing a provider based on session cost alone may mean missing out on quality care that actually moves the needle.
At Cottonwood Psychiatry, Dr. McGuire’s integrated approach — combining psychiatric expertise with evidence-based therapies — means you work with one trusted provider who knows your full picture. That continuity has real value for your mental health support and long-term wellbeing.
Payment and Financing Options
We understand that paying out of pocket is a meaningful financial commitment. During your consultation, we are happy to discuss payment options and help you think through how to make mental health care work within your budget. Flexible scheduling is available to support patients with varying needs and availability.
Some patients also explore medical financing programs to manage monthly costs. We encourage you to ask about available options when you reach out.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Your first consultation is a conversation, not a commitment. Dr. McGuire takes time to understand your background, your goals, and what has or has not worked for you in the past. Together, you will review your options, discuss recommended approaches, and receive clear, transparent information about what your care will involve and what it will cost.
There is no pressure. You will leave with a clearer sense of your path forward and the information you need to make a confident decision about your mental health care.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Cottonwood Psychiatry to schedule your personalized consultation and learn what your individual therapy plan will look like.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Costs
How much does individual therapy cost at Cottonwood Psychiatry?
The cost of individual therapy depends on your specific needs, the type of sessions involved, and the frequency of care recommended for you. Because Cottonwood Psychiatry does not accept insurance and builds personalized treatment plans, pricing is discussed transparently during your consultation. Reach out to schedule a consultation and receive a clear picture of your investment.
Does insurance cover therapy at Cottonwood Psychiatry?
Cottonwood Psychiatry does not accept insurance. However, your insurance plan may offer out-of-network benefits that partially cover therapy sessions. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about out-of-network coverage for mental health visits. An employee assistance program through your employer may also be worth exploring.
Why does therapy cost more at some practices?
Therapy costs reflect the provider’s credentials, training, and the depth of care offered. A board-certified psychiatrist who integrates therapy and medication management brings specialized expertise that many practices do not offer. Session cost also varies based on location, session length, and the therapeutic approach used.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Online therapy is not inherently cheaper, but it does eliminate travel time and offers greater flexibility for patients in therapy deserts or those with demanding schedules. Dr. McGuire offers virtual therapy sessions across multiple states, providing the same quality of mental health care as in-person therapy.
What is included in the cost of therapy at Cottonwood Psychiatry?
Your session cost reflects Dr. McGuire’s time, clinical expertise, and the personalized care built into every appointment. For new patients, the initial consultation includes a thorough evaluation, discussion of your goals, and a review of recommended treatment approaches. Specific details are covered transparently before you begin care.
What is a sliding scale fee, and does Cottonwood Psychiatry offer one?
Sliding scale fees are therapy rates adjusted based on a client’s income, often used to make mental health care more accessible. Whether sliding scale options are available at Cottonwood Psychiatry is best discussed directly during your consultation. Contact us to ask about current availability.
How much does couples therapy cost compared to individual therapy?
Couples therapy cost is typically different from individual therapy because sessions involve more complexity, longer duration, and a different therapeutic structure. The average cost of couples therapy sessions varies by provider and approach. Dr. McGuire can discuss whether couples or family therapy is part of her current offerings during your consultation.
How do I get an accurate quote for therapy?
The most accurate way to understand your therapy costs is through a personal consultation. Dr. McGuire reviews your needs, recommends an approach, and provides transparent pricing before any commitment is made. Schedule your consultation with Cottonwood Psychiatry today.
Take the First Step Toward Personalized Mental Health Care
If you have been asking how much does individual therapy cost, the honest answer is that it depends — on your goals, your needs, and the provider you choose. What we can promise is transparency. Dr. Colleen McGuire, DO, is a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience in trauma, integrative mental health care, and evidence-based therapy. At Cottonwood Psychiatry, you will never be met with pressure or confusion about what your care involves. Contact Cottonwood Psychiatry to schedule your consultation and get a personalized look at your path forward.
Dr. Colleen McGuire, DO, is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with a holistic approach to mental health. She completed her medical training at Touro University and residency at the University of Colorado, where she served as Chief Resident. Specializing in trauma, midlife hormonal issues, and alternatives to medication, Dr. McGuire integrates therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Licensed in multiple states, she is known for her empathetic, client-centered care and dedication to mentoring. Outside work, she enjoys piano, swimming, and spending time with animals.
Schedule an Appointment
Start your journey toward the life you’ve always wanted with the help of Dr. McGuire at Cottonwood Psychiatry, and contact us today. Fill out our contact form below.
Please note that we do not do after-hours calls. If you are in an emergency situation please call an emergency hotline.