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Therapy Cost, Insurance & Pricing in Denver

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Understanding the Cost of Therapy at Mountainside

Finding a therapist that takes insurance in Denver — or at least one you can afford — is often one of the biggest barriers to getting the help you deserve. At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we believe that understanding your investment in therapy should never feel confusing or stressful. That’s why we’re completely transparent about our pricing, our insurance model, and how you can maximize your out-of-network benefits to make expert behavioral health care more accessible.

We are an out-of-network practice, which means we do not bill insurance companies directly. However, many of our Denver clients receive partial or even full reimbursement from their insurance plans by submitting the superbills we provide. Below, we’ll walk you through exactly what that means, what therapy costs at our practice, and how to make the most of your mental health benefits.

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Why Specialized Therapists in Denver Often Don’t Accept Insurance

If you’ve ever searched for an affordable therapy option in Denver only to discover that the most qualified specialists are out-of-network, you’re not alone. There are important reasons why highly trained therapists — especially those specializing in evidence-based treatments like DBT and CBT — often choose not to contract with insurance panels.

It Protects the Quality of Your Care

Insurance companies frequently dictate the type of treatment you can receive, how many sessions are covered, and even the length of each appointment. For complex conditions such as borderline personality disorder, trauma, or chronic emotion dysregulation, cookie-cutter session limits simply don’t work. By operating out-of-network, our clinicians at Mountainside Behavioral Health maintain full control over your treatment plan — choosing the approaches and timelines that are right for you, not an insurance algorithm.

It Allows for True Specialization

Insurance reimbursement rates for therapists are often low enough that in-network providers must see a high volume of clients to sustain a practice. At Mountainside, our team — led by Dr. Emily Biggs-Heisler and Anabelle Brecker, LCSW — has invested years of advanced training in DBT, CBT, trauma-informed care, and DBT-Prolonged Exposure. Staying out-of-network means we can dedicate the time and energy each client deserves without compromising our level of expertise.

It Safeguards Your Privacy

When therapists bill insurance directly, your diagnosis and treatment details become part of your insurance record. Our out-of-network model gives you greater control over your personal health information, keeping sensitive details between you and your therapist.

What we do

Our Therapy Pricing in Denver

We believe you deserve to know exactly what to expect before your first session. Below is our current fee schedule at Mountainside Behavioral Health:

Service

Duration

Cost per Session

Individual Therapy

45 minutes

$175–$200

Parent Training

45 minutes

$175–$200

Couples Therapy

45 minutes

$200

Adult DBT Skills Group

2 hours

$125

Multi-Family Skills Group (Teen DBT)

2 hours

$150

Session rates vary based on clinician credentials and experience. Your exact rate will be discussed during your free consultation so there are never any surprises.

All new clients are offered a complimentary consultation to discuss your needs, ask questions about the therapy process, and determine which of our services is the best fit. Request a Consultation to get started.

How Out-of-Network Therapy Benefits Work in Denver

Even though Mountainside Behavioral Health does not bill insurance directly, you may still be able to use your health insurance to offset the cost of therapy. Most PPO and many POS plans include out-of-network mental health benefits — and many of our clients are pleasantly surprised to learn that their plans reimburse a significant portion of each session.

Here’s how it works in simple terms:

  1. You pay for your session at the time of service. We accept payment at each appointment at our Denver office or via telehealth.
  2. We provide you with a superbill. After each session (or on a monthly basis, per your preference), we generate a detailed receipt called a superbill.
  3. You submit the superbill to your insurance company. This can usually be done online through your insurer’s member portal, by email, or by mail.
  4. Your insurance reimburses you directly. Depending on your plan, you may receive reimbursement for 50–80% of the session cost once you’ve met your out-of-network deductible.

The result? Many Denver clients find that their effective out-of-pocket therapy cost is significantly lower than the listed session rate.

What Is a Superbill?

A superbill is a detailed receipt that your therapist provides after a session. It includes all of the information your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network claim, including:

  • Therapist’s name, credentials, and NPI number
  • Date of service and session duration
  • CPT codes (the billing codes that describe the type of therapy provided)
  • Diagnosis codes (ICD-10)
  • Amount paid

Think of it as an itemized invoice that makes it easy for you to seek reimbursement. At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we prepare your superbills promptly so you can submit claims without delays.

How to Check Your Out-of-Network Mental Health Benefits

Before your first appointment, we encourage you to contact your insurance company to understand your out-of-network coverage. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Call the Number on the Back of Your Insurance Card

Ask to speak with someone in the behavioral health or mental health benefits department. Let them know you’re looking into out-of-network coverage for outpatient therapy in Denver, Colorado.

Step 2: Ask These Key Questions

  • Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
  • What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much have I met so far this year?
  • What percentage does my plan reimburse for out-of-network outpatient therapy (CPT codes 90834 and 90837)?
  • Is there a maximum number of sessions covered per year?
  • What is the process for submitting a superbill for reimbursement?
  • Is prior authorization required for out-of-network mental health services?

Step 3: Keep a Record

Write down the name of the representative, the reference number for your call, and all answers provided. This protects you if there are any discrepancies later.

Step 4: Share What You Learn With Us

During your free consultation or first session, let your Mountainside therapist know what your insurance company shared. We can help you navigate the process and ensure your superbills include everything your plan requires.

Who Our Pricing Model Is Designed For

Our transparent, out-of-network pricing model is ideal for clients who:

  • Want access to Denver’s top DBT and CBT specialists without the limitations insurance imposes on treatment
  • Have a PPO or POS plan with out-of-network benefits and want to maximize their reimbursement
  • Value privacy and prefer that therapy details stay off insurance records
  • Are looking for specialized treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, BPD, trauma, or self-harm that requires expert-level care
  • Appreciate knowing the exact cost of therapy upfront — no surprise bills, no hidden fees

As a female-owned practice rooted in the Denver community, Mountainside Behavioral Health is committed to making high-quality, evidence-based care as accessible as possible. We’re always happy to help you explore your reimbursement options so you can focus on what matters most: your healing.

Begin Your Healing Journey

Understanding therapy cost in Denver shouldn’t stand between you and the support you need. Whether you’re considering individual therapy, couples sessions, or a DBT skills group, our team is here to answer every question — including the financial ones.

Your first consultation is always free. During this no-pressure conversation, we’ll discuss your goals, explain our approach, and help you understand what your investment in therapy will look like.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Cost & Insurance in Denver

Does Mountainside Behavioral Health accept insurance?

We are an out-of-network provider, meaning we do not bill insurance directly. However, we provide superbills after every session that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many of our Denver clients receive partial to significant reimbursement through their out-of-network mental health benefits.

How much does therapy cost at Mountainside Behavioral Health?

Individual therapy sessions are $175–$200 for a 45-minute session, couples therapy is $200 per session, Adult DBT Skills Groups are $125 for a 2-hour session, and our Multi-Family Skills Group is $150 for a 2-hour session. Parent training sessions range from $175–$200. Your exact rate depends on the clinician and will be confirmed during your free consultation.

What is a superbill, and how do I use it?

A superbill is a detailed receipt we provide after each therapy session. It contains all the information your insurance company needs — therapist credentials, diagnosis codes, CPT codes, dates, and amounts — to process an out-of-network claim. You simply submit it to your insurer online, by email, or by mail, and they reimburse you directly based on your plan’s out-of-network benefits.

How much will my insurance reimburse for out-of-network therapy?

Reimbursement varies by plan, but many PPO plans cover 50–80% of the session cost after you meet your out-of-network deductible. We recommend calling the number on the back of your insurance card and asking about your out-of-network behavioral health benefits before your first appointment. Our team can also help guide you through this process.

Is the initial consultation really free?

Yes. We offer a complimentary consultation for all new clients. This is your opportunity to share what you’re looking for, learn about our therapists and treatment approaches, ask questions about pricing, and determine if Mountainside Behavioral Health is the right fit — all at no cost to you.

Can I use HSA or FSA funds to pay for therapy?

Yes. Therapy is considered an eligible expense under most Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). You can use these pre-tax funds to pay for your sessions at Mountainside Behavioral Health, which can further reduce your overall therapy cost in Denver.

Ready to Begin Therapy?

Mountainside Behavioral Health is a female-owned behavioral health practice in Denver, Colorado, specializing in DBT, CBT, and trauma-informed care for adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Learn more about our team or request your free consultation today.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance, Cost & Access

Mountainside is an out-of-network practice. We do not bill any insurer directly — we provide superbills you submit yourself, and many clients with out-of-network benefits are reimbursed 50–80%.

How much does therapy cost in Denver?

Rates across the Denver metro vary widely by credential and specialization. At Mountainside, individual and parent training sessions are $175–$200 per 45 minutes, couples sessions are $200, the adult DBT skills group is $125 per two-hour session, and the teen group is $150. All rates are published on our insurance and pricing page.

Does insurance cover therapy?

Most plans include behavioral health benefits, but what you pay depends on whether the provider is in your network, your deductible, and your copay or coinsurance. Mountainside is out-of-network with every insurer and does not bill directly. We provide superbills for you to submit, and many clients recover a substantial portion. How that works.

Does insurance cover DBT?

DBT sessions are billed under standard psychotherapy codes, so plans that cover therapy generally cover DBT — including skills group sessions, though some plans treat group therapy differently. Because we are out-of-network, you would pay us directly and submit the superbill for reimbursement. Ask your insurer specifically about out-of-network group therapy benefits. Our DBT groups.

Does insurance cover CBT?

CBT is billed under the same psychotherapy codes as any other talk therapy, so it is covered wherever therapy is covered — the modality itself is not usually the deciding factor. With Mountainside, you pay at the time of service and submit our superbill to your insurer for out-of-network reimbursement. CBT therapy in Denver.

What insurance plans cover therapy in Colorado?

Nearly all major commercial plans sold in Colorado include mental health benefits, and federal parity law requires those benefits to be comparable to medical ones. Health First Colorado, the state Medicaid program, also covers mental health treatment for eligible residents. Mountainside is out-of-network with all of them, so we cannot verify benefits on your behalf — your insurer can.

Does Aetna cover therapy?

Aetna plans generally include outpatient mental health benefits, though the specifics depend on your particular plan. Mountainside is not in Aetna's network — we are out-of-network with every insurer. If you have out-of-network benefits, you can submit our superbill for reimbursement. Ask Aetna what percentage they reimburse and what your out-of-network deductible is.

Does Cigna cover therapy?

Cigna plans typically include outpatient behavioral health coverage, with the details varying by plan. Mountainside does not participate in Cigna's network. If your plan has out-of-network benefits, the superbill we provide after each session is what you would submit. Call the number on your card and ask specifically about out-of-network outpatient psychotherapy.

Does United Healthcare cover therapy?

United Healthcare plans generally include mental health benefits, administered in many cases through a behavioral health subsidiary. Mountainside is out-of-network with United, as with all insurers. Clients with out-of-network benefits submit our superbills for partial reimbursement. Confirm your out-of-network deductible and reimbursement rate before your first session so there are no surprises.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover therapy?

Blue Cross Blue Shield plans — in Colorado usually through Anthem — generally include outpatient mental health benefits, with coverage varying considerably between plans. Mountainside is out-of-network. If your plan reimburses out-of-network care, our superbill is what you submit. See our insurance and pricing page for what a superbill contains.

What is a therapy copay?

A copay is the fixed amount you pay per session when seeing an in-network provider, with the insurer paying the rest. Out-of-network care works differently: rather than a copay, you pay the full fee up front and your insurer reimburses a percentage afterward, once any out-of-network deductible is met. That percentage is commonly 50–80%.

How do I use my insurance for therapy?

Call the number on your card and ask four questions: do I have out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits, what is my out-of-network deductible and how much of it has been met, what percentage do you reimburse, and how do I submit a superbill. Then pay for sessions and submit ours. Our page walks through it.

What is out-of-network therapy reimbursement?

It is the portion your insurer pays back when you see a provider outside their network. You pay the practice directly, receive a superbill — an itemized receipt with diagnosis and procedure codes — and submit it to your plan. Once your out-of-network deductible is met, many plans reimburse 50–80% of the session fee.

Can I afford therapy without insurance?

Many clients pay privately, and it is worth weighing against what the problem is currently costing. Practical options include a lower session frequency once you are established, group therapy at a lower per-session rate — our adult DBT group is $125 for two hours — and community providers with reduced fees. See affordable mental health treatment in Denver.

What is a sliding scale for therapy?

A sliding scale is a fee adjusted to your income, offered by some practices and many community clinics. Mountainside publishes flat session rates rather than a sliding scale, so the figures on our pricing page are what you would pay. If cost is the obstacle, raise it during the free consultation — we would rather discuss options than have you not ask.

How do I find affordable therapy in Denver?

Look at community mental health centers, training clinics at local universities where supervised graduate clinicians charge substantially less, group therapy rather than individual, and providers offering sliding scales. Health First Colorado covers treatment for eligible residents. Our Denver mental health resources page lists free and low-cost options directly.

Are there free mental health resources in Denver?

Yes. Colorado Crisis Services (1-844-493-8255) provides free, confidential support around the clock, and you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. NAMI Colorado and DBSA Denver run free peer-led support groups, and Health First Colorado covers treatment for eligible residents. Full list here.

Browse every question in our comprehensive mental health FAQ →