Therapy costs may worry you or feel awkward to discuss. You can raise them from the beginning. A workable arrangement requires knowing what you will pay and whether you can afford it over time.
A clear agreement prevents surprises
Before agreeing, clarify the fee, session length, payment and receipts, cancellation terms, and any extra charges for reports or contact between sessions.
If you are offered prepaid sessions, ask for written terms about stopping and unused appointments. You do not have to decide immediately.
A request for a large advance payment can be a warning sign, especially if you are pressed to decide immediately or before your needs have been assessed. The page on concerns in therapy explains this concern in more detail. Written terms are useful, but do not justify pressure to commit.
If the cost is too much
You can say: “I cannot afford this amount regularly. Are there other options?” Reduced fees, group services or supervised training services may be available. Check who will provide care, supervision, eligibility and waiting time.
Consider travel, childcare and time away from work too. Financial difficulties are real circumstances to discuss, not evidence that you do not care about treatment.