How Much Does Group Therapy Session Cost?
Also known as: Group psychotherapy (CPT 90853)
A group therapy session led by a therapist with multiple patients who share similar concerns.
Group Therapy Session (CPT 90853) costs $24 at Medicare rates.
Patient Guide: Group Therapy Session
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
You will participate in a therapy session with a small group of people (typically 6-12) who are dealing with similar issues. The therapist guides discussion and therapeutic activities.
How Long Does It Take?
60-90 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Depression, anxiety, substance abuse recovery, grief support, social skills building, anger management, PTSD
How to Prepare
Be willing to share and listen to others. Confidentiality rules apply for everyone in the group. You do not have to share more than you are comfortable with.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Group psychotherapy
How to Reduce Your Cost for Group psychotherapy
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
For this procedure, the office rate ($30) differs from the facility rate ($24). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (0.91) x CF ($33.40) = $30
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
Is group therapy more expensive?
Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual therapy.
How much do group therapy sessions cost?
Many professionals follow a rule of thumb that group therapy should cost 25-50% of the rate for individual therapy. For example, if your individual therapy rate is 50, your group therapy rate might be between 7.50 and 5.
What is the 2 year rule for therapists?
Is 00 too much for therapy?
It's true that you can pay 00 an hour—or more—to see a private practice therapist who's in high demand and who doesn't accept insurance. But you can pay as little as 5 per session if you use insurance or find a community counseling center with low sliding-scale rates. Sometimes, you can even get therapy for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Group psychotherapy cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Group psychotherapy is $24. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Group psychotherapy cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Group psychotherapy can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Group psychotherapy?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Group psychotherapy when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.