Is Therapy Worth It If You’re Paying Out-of-Pocket? A South Asian Therapist in NY Explains
- Prerna Menon, LCSW
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 10
In a city like New York, therapy can feel like both a lifeline and a luxury. For many South Asian professionals, the idea of paying $150–$250 per session—especially without insurance coverage—can bring up serious hesitation. Is it worth it? What are you really paying for?
As a South Asian therapist, I hear these concerns often. Here’s the truth: therapy isn’t just a service—it’s an investment in your long-term emotional, relational, and even physical well-being.
Let’s unpack why out-of-pocket therapy can still be worthwhile—and how to make it work for you.
Why Many Therapists Don’t Take Insurance
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: why is therapy so expensive?
Most therapists who specialize in culturally competent care, trauma-informed modalities, or who work with high-functioning professionals choose not to be in-network. That’s not about greed—it’s about sustainability and clinical integrity.
Insurance companies often:
Limit the number of sessions
Require a severe mental health diagnosis to approve care
Reimburse at rates that make it difficult for therapists to take time for case consultation, continuing education, or self-care
When therapists opt out of insurance, they can:
Provide truly individualized care
Set flexible treatment goals (not just symptom reduction)
Protect your privacy
What Are You Actually Paying For?
When you pay out-of-pocket, you’re not just paying for the therapist’s time—you’re investing in:
A dedicated space to process intergenerational trauma, burnout, identity questions, and complex relationships
A provider who understands the nuance of being South Asian, immigrant-raised, queer, or high-achieving in Western society
A collaborative relationship designed to support your growth long after sessions end
Therapy can help you unlearn patterns that no longer serve you—like perfectionism, emotional suppression, or people-pleasing. These shifts can ripple into your career, your relationships, your self-worth, and your health.
How to Make It Financially Accessible
We understand that cost matters. At Boundless, we:
Offer sliding scale spots for clients with limited financial resources (usually between $150–$175/session)
Submit your claims for you directly to your insurance
Use Mentaya, a tool that simplifies OON claims and shows you how much your insurance might reimburse
You might be surprised how often clients end up getting 50–80% reimbursed, making therapy much more affordable than it first appears.
How to Know If It’s Worth It for You
Ask yourself:
Have I been stuck in the same emotional patterns for years?
Do I feel like I can’t talk to anyone else about what’s going on?
Do I want more than just “coping”—do I want transformation?
If your answer is yes to any of these, then therapy may be one of the most impactful investments you’ll ever make.
Final Thoughts
Your mental health deserves care that honors your story, not just a 15-minute check-in that checks a box. At Boundless, we offer culturally affirming, deeply attuned therapy for people navigating complex identities—without the compromise that often comes with insurance-based care.
If you’re curious about whether it’s worth it for you, we invite you to schedule a free consultation. Let’s figure it out together.
Make This a Portal, Not a Performance
Your wedding is not just an event — it’s a threshold into who you’re becoming. Visualize how you want to feel after it’s over. Let that guide your decisions. Prioritize presence over perfection, and if the weight gets too heavy, consider reaching out. Therapy can help you hold space for yourself in the chaos.
Authors
LCSW | CCTP Specialties: Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Complex Trauma, Race, Gender &, Sexuality-related Conflicts, Anxiety, Depression & Lack of Fulfillment, Generational Trauma & Family Systems Issues and LGTBQIA+ Relationship Concerns
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Discover the transformative power of therapy today! Explore therapy services tailored to your needs and find culturally sensitive support. Connect with our team of therapists at Boundless and experience the benefits of the right cultural fit. Begin today.
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