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How Much Marriage and Family Counselors Charge
According to the National Directory of Marriage and Family Counseling, counselors' rates range from about $75 to $150 an hour, averaging out around $100. Of course there are many things that can mitigate those rates.
- Sliding scales. Many counselors will take less than their regular rates for some of their counseling work. They will look at your monthly income and make adjustments accordingly.
- Insurance. Many insurance plans cover counseling, but they vary greatly as to how many sessions they cover and whether they cover the whole cost. Even if they only cover part of the cost or a limited number of sessions, however, they can reduce the cost that you pay out of pocket.
- Type of counselor. There are different types of marriage and family counselors, with differing levels of certification. A psychiatrist or psychologist might charge more than a licensed clinical social worker or certified family counselor, depending on their experience, area of concentration, and part of the country.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy estimates that you will pay about $1200 altogether for family counseling, but there are some things to keep in mind when considering that figure. One of those things is that family counseling usually requires fewer sessions than individual counseling does, so there will be a foreseeable limit to your time in the counselor’s office. The other interesting fact is that once a couple or family enters counseling, their other medical expenses drop by almost 25%. Those savings may well compensate for any money you spend out of pocket for counseling.