Invest in Your Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: Why Paying Out of Pocket for Psychotherapy is Worth It
Choosing to pay out of pocket for psychotherapy with an experienced clinical psychologist is an investment in truly personalized, high-quality care. Without the limitations imposed by insurance companies—such as session caps, diagnostic labeling, and privacy concerns—you gain full control over your mental health journey. This approach allows for deeper, more flexible, and individualized treatment, guided by a seasoned professional who tailors therapy to your unique needs and goals. Prioritizing your emotional health is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make—and the freedom and confidentiality of private pay therapy can help you get the most out of it.
Paying out of pocket for psychotherapy can feel like a stretch, but with some planning, it can be more accessible than you think. Many clients use flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA), which let you use pre-tax dollars for therapy. Others prioritize mental health by adjusting discretionary spending—cutting back slightly on dining out, subscriptions, or other non-essential expenses.
Only you can decide if paying for good, quality, therapy is “worth” it. But I the better is question is are you and your happiness worth it?
fees
Fees vary depending upon the service provided, and this fee schedule reflects Dr. Sierra’s typical hourly rates for the services listed. However, the amount you pay out of pocket will depend upon several factors. All payments are due at the time of service, unless prior financial arrangements have been made. Dr. Sierra accepts all major credit cards and HSA cards. Her aim is to work with you to ensure you receive the care you need. Sliding scale fees, payment plans, and other payment arrangements are possible.
Typical Service Fees
Initial Diagnostic Interview for Individual Therapy: $230.00/60-min session
Individual Therapy Session: $200.00/45-55 min session
Initial Diagnostic Interview for Couple’s Therapy: $275/75-min session
Couple’s Therapy Session: $230/55-60 min session; $255/75 min session; $275/90 min session
Sliding Scale Fees
Dr. Sierra’s sliding scale is a variable fee plan based upon a client’s ability to pay. There are several options and Dr. Sierra will work with you to determine what is best.
insurance
Dr. Sierra is currently credentialed as an In-Network provider for:
Anyone with Medicare + a private Part B supplement (e.g., AARP, UHC, Aetna, BCBS)
Aetna via Headway (Headway is a third party company that helps me manage your insurance benefits)
Please Note: Even if you have insurance, you are still responsible for any co-pay, co-insurance, or deductible that is required.
Dr. Sierra is Out-of-Network for all other insurance providers.
Do you have out-of-network benefits? If so, contact Dr. Sierra to learn more about how she can help you determine how to use those benefits, what your out pocket cost will be, and how to work with your insurer to get reimbursement.
Not sure if you have out-of-network benefits? Contact Dr. Sierra, she can help you determine whether you can see out-of-network providers.
Don’t have out-of-network benefits and not sure if you can afford quality therapy services out of pocket? Dr. Sierra understands these challenges and can work with you in a myriad of ways. Sliding scale fees, payment plans, and other payment arrangements are possible!