Practical info
Fees & insurance
At Union Square Psychotherapy, we believe that the financial arrangement is an integral part of the therapeutic work. We prioritize transparency, accessibility, and the integrity of the patient-therapist relationship.
USQTherapy offers a sliding scale both organizationally and individually. Your fee will be set in consultation with your clinician, taking into account the totality of your circumstances, including your income, wealth, and the circumstances of your life. Fees range from $15 to $500 and above. A caveat is that while therapy should be affordable, it should also represent a significant financial sacrifice.
Collaborative fee setting
We believe psychotherapy should be affordable and accessible. Unlike the rigid structures of insurance panels, we set our fees through a direct conversation between you and your therapist.
- A shared decision: We discuss your ability to pay and your commitment to the work.
- Flexibility: We strive to find a rate that feels manageable for you while allowing your therapist to earn a sustainable income.
- Referral network: If we cannot reach an agreement on a fee, we will do our best to refer you to a trusted colleague who can accommodate your budget.
Choosing the right therapist
Therapy is an investment in yourself. While it is reasonable to want your insurance to cover the cost, limiting your search to “in-network only” significantly narrows your options.
In New York, the average private-pay fee is approximately $250-300. By choosing an out-of-network provider, you gain access to a wider range of clinicians, and, more importantly, the freedom to choose the person you feel the best “fit” with.
Our advice: Investigate your options. Meet with several therapists. Do not sell yourself short—invest in the treatment and the person that feels right for you.
Our status: out-of-network
We are not in-network with any insurance providers. However, we provide “Superbills” (detailed statements) that you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. Many of our patients receive partial or, in some cases, full reimbursement for their sessions.
Why we are out-of-network
The relationship between you and your therapist is the primary tool for change. Insurance companies often intrude on this relationship by dictating the frequency of care and the value of the work.
- Protecting the relationship: By remaining out-of-network, we minimize third-party intrusions that can distort the therapeutic process.
- Clinical meaning: How you feel about the fee—whether it feels reasonable, manageable, or frustrating—is vital clinical information. Setting the fee together helps your therapist learn how you experience the world.
- Individualized care: Insurance companies use a “one-size-fits-all” model. Our independence allows us the flexibility to arrive at the right fee for you, specifically.
Understanding your benefits
Navigating insurance can be confusing. Here is a brief look at the two primary models of care in New York City (as of 2026):
| Feature | In-network | Out-of-network (our practice) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider pay | Fixed by insurer (approx. $100/session) | Established between you and therapist |
| Patient cost | Co-pay ($5–$75) | Full fee initially (until deductible is met); then reimbursed by insurer |
| Flexibility | None; insurer dictates all terms | High; allows for sliding scales and adjustments |
How reimbursement works
If your policy includes out-of-network benefits, you are typically responsible for:
- Deductible: An annual amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance begins to contribute.
- Co-insurance: A percentage of the fee that you cover after the deductible is met.
- Out-of-pocket maximum: A cap after which many insurers increase their reimbursement to 100%.
Next steps
Ready to take the next step?
Browse our clinicians to find the right fit, or schedule an intake consultation and we’ll help guide you.