How much does therapy cost in Michigan?

Cost is one of the most common reasons people put off therapy. The good news: most people pay far less than they expect, and you can know your cost before your first session.

Self-pay: what therapy costs without insurance

Without insurance, therapy is usually priced per session. At Riverside, rates are public:

• Free 15-minute consultation — always free, no commitment
• First session (intake): $220
• Ongoing sessions (individual, couple, or family, 53+ minutes): $160 each
• ADHD and psychological testing: $1,500 for the full assessment, including a written report

HSA and FSA cards can be used for therapy. If you’re paying yourself, you’re also entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of costs in advance under the federal No Surprises Act.

With insurance: copays, coinsurance, and deductibles

Most commercial insurance plans cover outpatient therapy. What you pay depends on three parts of your plan:

• Copay — a flat amount per session, like $20 or $40.
• Deductible — what you pay out of pocket before insurance starts paying. Early in the year, you may pay the full insurance rate until it’s met.
• Coinsurance — a percentage you pay after the deductible, like 20%.

Two people with the same insurance company can pay very different amounts, because employers choose different plans.

Insurance Riverside accepts

Riverside accepts commercial plans from Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (including MESSA and Anthem), Blue Care Network, Priority Health, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, and ASR, plus most car insurance. Not every clinician is in network with every plan — the Find Your Match tool filters by insurance for you. Riverside does not accept Medicare or Medicaid plans.

How to check your exact cost

• Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card.
• Ask: “What is my coverage for outpatient mental health therapy, CPT code 90837?” (That’s the code for a 53+ minute session.)
• Ask about your copay, your deductible and how much is left, and whether you need a referral.
• Or call us at 616-367-5813 — we’re happy to help you figure it out.

If your plan isn’t accepted

If you have out-of-network benefits, Riverside can give you a superbill — a detailed receipt you submit to your insurance for possible partial reimbursement.

Is therapy worth the cost?

That’s a personal question, and the free consult is a good way to answer it. You’ll talk with a clinician, ask about cost and fit, and decide with no pressure.