You might worry that family therapy will cost more than you can afford. Most families pay between about $100 and $300 per session without insurance, though virtual sessions often fall on the lower end while in-person sessions in Chicago trend higher.
This article breaks down what shapes those numbers so you know what to expect. You’ll learn which factors raise or lower costs, how family therapy compares with other mental health services, and practical ways to pay out of pocket.
If you want an affordable, expert option, Tides Mental Health offers both virtual care and in-person sessions in the Chicago area to fit different budgets and needs.
Average Cost of Family Therapy Without Insurance
Family therapy without insurance commonly runs from lower-cost sliding-scale options up to higher private-practice rates. You can expect different prices based on session length, therapist training, and whether you choose virtual or in-person care.
Typical Session Prices
Session prices most often fall between $80 and $250 per hour. Many clinics and private therapists set standard 50–60 minute appointments, while some family sessions run 75–90 minutes and cost more.
You may find lower-cost options at university clinics or community centers for $60–$100 per session. Sliding-scale fees often adjust based on income, so ask about that when you call.
Higher-end private therapists commonly charge $175–$250+ per session, especially in large cities. If you need longer or multi-family sessions, expect a higher fee or an hourly rate.
Virtual sessions tend to cost slightly less than in-person Chicago-area appointments.
Cost by Therapist Type
Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) usually charge $100–$220 per session. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) and psychologists may range from $120–$250, depending on credentials and specialization.
Therapists who focus on adult issues like anxiety, depression, life transitions, and couples therapy often set fees in the mid-to-high end of those ranges. Therapists training in child and adolescent work may charge similar rates once launched, but trainee or supervised clinicians often charge $60–$100.
Choose a therapist type that matches your needs. If you want short-term, skills-based work for anxiety or depression, virtual sessions are often priced lower than in-person Chicago-area sessions.
If you prefer in-person family work, expect higher fees due to facility and travel costs.
National and Regional Cost Differences
National averages put therapy around $90–$200 per session, but location changes that. Urban areas like Chicago, New York, and San Francisco typically sit near the top of the range.
Rural and some suburban areas commonly have lower rates—often $60–$120—because fewer specialists and lower operating costs reduce prices. Within the Chicago area, in-person family therapy usually costs more than virtual care; expect a $20–$50 premium for office visits.
If budget is a concern, choose virtual sessions or ask about sliding-scale slots. Compare rates by zip code and confirm session length before booking to avoid surprise costs.
Factors Influencing Family Therapy Prices
Prices vary based on how long sessions last, who leads them, and whether you meet online or in person. Expect different rates for short check-ins, extended family meetings, and for licensed specialists versus trainees.
Session Length and Frequency
Session length directly changes cost. A standard 50–60 minute family session usually costs more than a 30-minute check-in.
Longer sessions (75–90 minutes) add time for multiple family members and more complex issues like blended-family dynamics or co-parenting plans. Frequency matters too.
Weekly sessions increase monthly cost but can speed progress for high-conflict situations or acute anxiety and depression. Biweekly or monthly visits lower short-term cost but slow change.
Ask about package pricing or sliding-scale options to reduce per-session cost when you commit to several appointments. Virtual sessions make it easier to fit frequent therapy into your week.
Provider Credentials
Therapist training affects price. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) and licensed professional counselors (LPCs) generally charge less than licensed psychologists or marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) with specialized family training.
Supervisors and advanced specialists often set higher fees because of extra years of education and clinical experience. Trainees or graduate interns charge lower rates but work under supervision.
They can provide quality care for common issues like anxiety or life transitions at a reduced cost. Ask about a provider’s specific experience with family therapy, couples work, or adolescent issues to match expertise to your needs.
In-Person Versus Online Therapy
Online sessions usually cost less than in-person appointments because overhead is lower. Teletherapy also removes travel time and can increase appointment flexibility, which helps if you balance work, school, or childcare.
Video sessions work well for most adult-focused therapy: anxiety, depression, couples, and family check-ins. In-person sessions often cost more, especially in major cities like Chicago where office rent raises rates.
In-person meetings can help with nonverbal communication and multi-person dynamics during complex family sessions.
Paying for Family Therapy Out of Pocket
You will find several practical ways to pay without insurance: reduced fees based on income, short-term payment plans, and nonprofit or community clinics that charge less. Each option can lower the cost or spread payments so therapy fits your budget.
Sliding Scale Fees
Sliding scale fees match what you pay to your household income and size. Many therapists offer sliding scales that can cut session costs by 25–75%.
Be ready to provide basic income info or recent pay stubs when you ask. Sliding scale slots are limited, so contact providers early and ask how often they open new spots.
Virtual sessions make it easier to access sliding-scale care. Ask whether the reduced fee applies to couples or full-family sessions, as those sometimes have a different rate.
Payment Plans
Payment plans let you split larger upfront costs into smaller, scheduled payments. You can often arrange weekly, biweekly, or monthly plans directly with your therapist or clinic.
Discuss the total number of sessions you expect and agree on a clear schedule and cancellation policy in writing. Many providers will require the first payment before the first session and then automatic payments after that.
Always confirm any late fees and whether the plan covers missed session charges.
Nonprofit and Community Mental Health Options
Nonprofit clinics, community mental health centers, and university training clinics charge lower fees or have income-based rates. These sites often provide services for anxiety, depression, life transitions, and family work at $0–$50 per session or on a sliding scale.
Call clinics in your area and ask about waitlists, intake papers, and whether they handle family or couples therapy. University clinics may be a good fit if you want longer-term care at reduced cost; supervised trainees provide services under licensed supervisors.
In Chicago, several community programs and in-person offices can connect you with nonprofit options and help you choose virtual versus in-person based on your needs.
Comparing Family Therapy Costs to Other Mental Health Services
Family therapy often costs more per session than individual or couples therapy because multiple people attend and sessions can need longer time. You’ll usually pay more when several family members join, when the therapist is highly experienced, or when you choose in-person visits in Chicago.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy typically costs less than family therapy. You meet one-on-one with a clinician, so sessions usually run 45–60 minutes and are simpler to schedule.
Without insurance, expect common rates to fall between $90 and $200 per session depending on therapist credentials and location. Virtual sessions are often cheaper than in-person ones.
If you need ongoing work for anxiety or depression, plan for weekly to biweekly visits. Some clinicians offer sliding scales or reduced-fee slots if cost is a barrier.
Ask about session length, cancellation fees, and whether the therapist charges more for specialty treatments.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy sits between individual and family therapy in price and complexity. Sessions usually involve two people and run 50–90 minutes.
Without insurance, typical rates range from about $100 to $250 per session, with higher fees for specialized training in couples work. Virtual couples sessions can lower travel time and cost.
In-person couples therapy in Chicago tends to cost more because of office overhead. Frequency depends on your goals: some couples meet weekly for short-term work, while others schedule biweekly or monthly maintenance sessions.
Ask about package rates, assessment fees, and whether the therapist uses evidence-based methods for relationship issues.
Ways to Reduce Family Therapy Expenses
You can lower costs by using lower-fee clinics or training programs, and by choosing virtual sessions when possible. Both options offer licensed supervision and structured care at a fraction of private-fee rates.
Low-Cost Clinics
Low-cost clinics offer sliding-scale fees based on income, typically charging between $30 and $90 per session. These clinics often serve adults dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and family or couples concerns.
Ask about sliding-scale eligibility, required income documentation, and whether they reserve slots for virtual sessions. Clinics usually employ licensed clinicians and supervised trainees.
That means you still get professional care, though the therapist may be in training or have a larger caseload. Check session length, cancellation fees, and whether family members can join remotely to avoid travel costs.
Confirm how many family members can attend per session and if records or treatment plans are available. Ask if they offer package rates for a set number of sessions; packages can reduce the per-session cost.
If you need mostly virtual care, prioritize clinics that list 60–70% virtual availability.
University-Based Therapy Programs
University clinics run by counseling or clinical psychology programs provide low-cost family therapy with graduate students under licensed supervisors. Fees often range from $20 to $60 per session.
These programs focus on evidence-based methods for anxiety, depression, couples, and family issues and can be a strong option if you want structured, research-informed care. Expect careful intake assessments and ongoing supervision.
Sessions may be longer or include extra educational materials as students learn clinical skills. Check the program schedule—some programs operate only during academic terms and may limit evenings or weekend slots.
Ask whether the program offers telehealth; many university clinics now provide virtual family sessions, which can reduce travel and make scheduling easier. If you prefer in-person care in Chicago, confirm clinic location and parking or transit options before booking.
Questions to Ask Before Booking Family Therapy
Ask about cost and payment upfront. Find out the price per session for family therapy without insurance and whether fees change for longer or joint sessions.
Check if sliding scale rates or payment plans are available. You might qualify for reduced fees or be able to pay in installments.
Confirm the therapist’s areas of focus and experience. Make sure they treat anxiety, depression, life transitions, and family or couples issues.
Ask about experience with adults versus children.
Ask whether sessions are virtual or in-person. If you prefer face-to-face, confirm the Chicago-area location.
If you need virtual care, check how sessions are run and what tech you’ll use.
Ask about session length and frequency. Typical sessions run 45–60 minutes, but some family sessions are longer.
Knowing the schedule helps you budget time and money.
Clarify cancellation and missed appointment policies. Fees can apply if you cancel late or miss a session, so know the window for free cancellation.
Ask how progress is measured and what goals look like. You should understand how the therapist tracks change and how often you’ll review goals.
Consider provider logistics: licensing and confidentiality. Ask whether they will include other family members or offer separate individual sessions.