Therapist Hourly Rates & Fees in San Francisco: $120 - $300


Therapy rates and fees vary by therapist discipline and by level of experience. In terms of having a successful treatment, the discipline of a therapist is ultimately less important than their skills and experience as well as how you feel about the relationship that you develop with them.

1) LMFTs
LMFTs are Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They hold a master’s degree in psychology or counseling. The terms “Marriage and Family” suggest that these clinicians only see couples and families but they are trained to provide therapy for individuals as well. MFT rates for psychotherapy generally range from $120 to $200 per session.

2) LCSWs
LCSWs are Licensed Clinical Social Workers. LCSWs have a master’s degree in social work and often work in hospitals, clinics, and agencies as well as in private practice. LCSW rates for psychotherapy usually range from $120 to $200 per session.

3) Psychologists
Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology. The degree that a psychologist holds may be a PhD, PsyD or DMH (Doctor of Mental Health). Some psychologists provide psychological testing as well as psychotherapy. Psychologist rates generally fall between those of master’s level clinicians and psychiatrists (MDs), often ranging from $140 to $275 per session.

4) Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are MDs and as physicians can prescribe medication. They are the only mental healthcare provider that can prescribe medications. A psychiatrist's training now focuses more on psychopharmacology or prescribing medications and less on psychotherapy. Psychiatrist hourly rates for psychotherapy tend to be more expensive, usually ranging between $180 to $300 or more per session. Psychiatrist fees for medication evaluations can be higher.

While fees vary by discipline, there is overlap between disciplines as well as considerable variation from one practitioner to another within a particular discipline.

More Info
Under the link Low Cost Therapy is information about paying for therapy out-of-pocket included where to find reduced and low fee referrals.

The link About Health Insurance provides information about using health insurance to pay for therapy.

Click here or on the links to the left for additional Resources about the different kinds of therapy, identifying potential therapists, and beginning and financing therapy.