Finding A Good Therapist that Takes Insurance in NYC

Finding a good therapist is hard enough—but finding one who’s reasonably priced and takes insurance? That’s often even harder. Whether you’re looking for therapy in NYC or anywhere in New York State, knowing where to start can make the process a lot easier.

Let’s walk through why it’s challenging and how to actually find a great therapist who fits your budget.

A Quick History Lesson

Not long ago, almost no therapists in private practice accepted insurance. Most were cash-pay only, which made it tough to find affordable therapy in NYC.

But things have changed. Thanks to newer platforms and insurance integrations, many more therapists now accept insurance—including our practice, PRGRS Therapy, based in NYC and licensed to see clients throughout New York State.

That’s the good news: more therapists than ever are now in-network.

Step 1: Start by Filtering for Your Insurance

This is where most people begin—and it’s the right place to start. When searching online, filter your results by your insurance provider.

If you’re on a therapist’s website, check their FAQ or payment page. Many practices clearly note which plans they accept, so you’ll have a sense right away if they’re in-network.

Step 2: Ask if the Practice Verifies Coverage

Once you find a few potential therapists, ask if they’ll verify your insurance as a courtesy.

At PRGRS Therapy, for example, we verify insurance and provide accurate estimates before a client ever books. If a practice offers this, you might be able to stop right there—no extra phone calls needed.

Step 3: Confirm Directly with Your Insurance Company

Call the number on the back of your insurance card. Provide the practice or therapist’s NPI number and office details. The insurance rep can confirm whether they’re in-network and what your out-of-pocket costs might be.

Ideally, their results should match what the therapist’s office told you.

Step 4: Double-Check Claims Early On

If you start therapy and your sessions are being billed through insurance, ask about claims within the first week or two. Most claims process within a week or two, and it’s much easier to fix an issue early than to deal with a pile of unpaid claims later.

Step 5: Explore Out-of-Network (OON) Benefits

If you find a therapist you really like but they’re not in-network, ask if they can help you use out-of-network benefits.

Many practices—including ours—manage OON claims directly, so you don’t have to deal with the paperwork. In some cases, insurance reimburses up to 80% of session costs.

If your provider doesn’t handle OON claims, ask for a superbill—a receipt you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

Wrapping Up

Finding a therapist who’s both skilled and affordable in NYC can be tough—but it’s absolutely possible. By filtering for insurance, verifying coverage, and asking about OON and sliding-scale options, you can make therapy more accessible and sustainable.

If you’re looking for high-quality, evidence-based therapy in New York, reach out to PRGRS Therapy today to book a free consultation.

We’d love to help you get started.