Insurance and Fees
Understanding the cost of therapy should be simple. AFS Counseling Services offers clear insurance and payment options so you know what to expect before beginning online therapy.
We are in network with several PPO insurance plans, provide superbills for out-of-network clients, and offer a self-pay option for those who prefer to pay directly. Sliding-scale options may also be available based on eligibility and availability.
Whether you’re using insurance or looking for therapy without insurance, we’re here to help you understand your options.
Insurance Coverage
In-Network Insurance
We are in network and accept the following PPO plans:
- Aetna Better Health of Illinois
- Aetna PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO (Advocate)
- Blue Cross Community Health Plan
- Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
- County Care
- Molina
- Optum/ United Health Care PPO
Your insurance benefits determine what you may pay for each session. Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and other plan requirements can affect your out-of-pocket costs. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your mental health benefits before beginning therapy.
Out-of-Network Insurance
If AFS Counseling Services is out of network with your insurance plan, we can provide a detailed superbill that you may submit directly to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Your insurance provider determines whether out-of-network therapy is covered and how much you may be reimbursed.
Self-Pay Therapy
$150 Per Individual Therapy Session
Our standard self-pay rate is $150 per individual therapy session.
Self-pay may be a good option if you:
- Don't have insurance
- Prefer not to use your insurance
- Want more flexibility without insurance restrictions
Self-pay allows you access therapy if you don’t have insurance.
Affordable Therapy Options
We understand that therapy needs to fit within your budget. In addition to insurance and self-pay, affordable therapy through a sliding-scale rate may be available for eligible clients, depending on individual circumstances and availability. If you're concerned about therapy cost, contact us before scheduling. We can explain the available payment options and help you understand what you may expect to pay.
What Does Therapy Cost Without Insurance?
If you're looking for therapy without insurance, the standard self-pay rate for individual therapy at AFS Counseling Services is $150 per session. You don't need to use insurance to receive online therapy. Paying privately may be a suitable option if you prefer not to use your insurance benefits or want to pay directly for your care.
When considering self-pay therapy, you can ask about:
- Session fees
- Payment policies
- Good Faith Estimates
- Sliding-scale availability
- Out-of-network reimbursement
Good Faith Estimate
If you are paying for therapy out of pocket and are not using insurance, you may be entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of expected costs under federal law. A Good Faith Estimate helps you understand the expected cost of scheduled services before receiving care.
What Your Good Faith Estimate Includes
- You can request an estimate before scheduling services.
- When required, you'll receive a written estimate at least one business day before a scheduled service.
- Keep a copy of your estimate for your records.
- If your final bill is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you may have the right to dispute the bill.
For more information about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or call 1800-985-3059
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does therapy cost?
The standard self-pay rate for individual therapy at AFS Counseling Services is $150 per session. If you use insurance, your actual out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan, benefits, deductible, copay, and coinsurance.
Can I get affordable therapy without insurance?
Yes. AFS Counseling Services offers a self-pay option, and sliding-scale rates may be available for eligible clients depending on circumstances and availability.
Can I get therapy without insurance?
Yes. You can pay for individual therapy directly at the standard self-pay rate of $150 per session. This allows you to receive therapy without using your insurance benefits.
Does insurance cover therapy?
Many insurance plans provide coverage for mental health services, but benefits vary. AFS Counseling Services is in network with BCBS PPO, BCBS HMO, Optum/United Health Care PPO, Aetna PPO, Aetna Better Health of Illinois, County Care, Molina, and Blue Cross Community Health Plan.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
A Good Faith Estimate provides an estimate of expected healthcare costs when you're paying out of pocket and not using insurance. It helps you understand potential costs before receiving scheduled services.
Can I use out-of-network insurance benefits?
If AFS Counseling Services is out of network with your insurance plan, we can provide a detailed superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Reimbursement depends on your specific plan.
What affects the cost of therapy?
Your therapy cost may depend on whether you use insurance, your plan's deductible and copay, whether you're receiving out-of-network benefits, and whether you qualify for a sliding-scale rate.
Should I use insurance or self-pay?
There isn't one right option for everyone. Insurance may reduce your out-of-pocket cost, while self-pay can be an alternative for people who don't have insurance or prefer not to use it. We can help you understand the available options before you begin.
Have Questions About Insurance and Fees?
You shouldn't have to guess what therapy will cost. If you're considering affordable therapy, need therapy without insurance, or want to understand your insurance coverage, we're happy to explain your options.