This guide shows you how to find a therapist in Massachusetts, even if you have no insurance or very little money. It covers who is allowed to treat you, what sessions cost, how MassHealth and private insurance work and where to find free or cheap help. Every fact comes from a page listed at the end.
If you are in crisis right now. Call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), at any hour. In an emergency, call 911. The full list of Massachusetts crisis numbers is in Crisis help in Massachusetts.
How to find a therapist or psychologist in Massachusetts, step by step
Start with the route that matches your situation. You can work through the steps in order, and you can run two routes at the same time.
- Decide what you can pay per session. Look at the cost table below and pick a number you can keep up for several weeks.
- Choose your route. With no insurance, start with a training clinic or the Behavioral Health Help Line. With MassHealth, start with the member services number on your card. With a private plan, start with the number on your insurance card.
- Make a short list of three to five places. Do not wait for the first one to answer before you contact the next.
- Check each license. Use the state lookup in the section on checking a license.
- Send one clear message to each place. Say that you are looking for therapy, what days suit you, and what you can pay. A sample message is further down.
- Ask about fees before you book. Ask if there is a sliding scale, a trainee rate or a lower fee for the first weeks.
- Book a first session and see how it feels. You can switch if it is not a fit.
Where to search for names
- Your insurer's provider finder. Use the member portal or the number on your card. This is the list to start from if you want to use your plan.
- APA Psychologist Locator. Search by ZIP code or city, and by name or specialty.
Directory listings are written by the therapists themselves. Confirm the license in the lookup below, and confirm the insurance and the openings with the therapist.
Read more about the process across the country on the find a therapist hub.
Therapist, counselor, psychologist: Who can treat you in Massachusetts
"Therapist" is a general word. In Massachusetts, three boards license the main therapy professions, and the title tells you what training the person has. The state also warns that "psychotherapist" and "counselor" are vague terms. It is not illegal to use them without a license, and a board cannot discipline someone who has none.
| License | What it means | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) | Holds a master's degree. Licensed by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions. | Health Professions License Verification |
| LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist) | Holds a master's or doctoral degree. Licensed by the same board as LMHCs. | Health Professions License Verification |
| LICSW (licensed independent clinical social worker) | Holds a master's degree plus more supervised experience. The state tells people to look for this title in independent practice. | Health Professions License Verification |
| LCSW or LSW (social worker) | May work in an agency under supervision. The Board of Registration of Social Workers licenses them. | Health Professions License Verification |
| Psychologist | Holds a Ph.D., Psy.D. or Ed.D. Licensed by the Board of Registration of Psychologists. | Health Professions License Verification |
If you want medication, ask for a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse clinical specialist. The state says both can prescribe.
How to check a therapist's license in Massachusetts
One state site covers the psychology, allied mental health and social work boards. Open the Massachusetts Health Professions License Verification site, choose License Lookup and search by license number or last name.
If you cannot find a name, ask the therapist for the exact title and license number, and search again. The Health Professions License Verification Help Desk can help on (617) 973-0800.
Online therapy in Massachusetts: Can you see a therapist from another state?
Massachusetts looks at where the client is. An allied mental health board policy says counseling to a person in Massachusetts falls under the board's authority, wherever the provider is. It says professionals licensed only in another jurisdiction count as unlicensed here unless they hold a Massachusetts license or qualify for an exception. The policy was adopted in 2007 and is a guideline, not a law.
The psychologists board says Massachusetts has no licensing reciprocity with other states. We did not find a Massachusetts page on temporary practice by an out-of-state psychologist or social worker, so ask any provider outside the state which Massachusetts license they hold.
Here is where the compacts stand.
- Psychologists. Massachusetts was not on the list of states with final PSYPACT legislation when we checked on 22 October 2026.
- Professional counselors. Massachusetts is not a member of the Counseling Compact. The compact is live in 11 states so far: Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
- Social workers. Massachusetts is not on the list of jurisdictions that passed the Social Work Licensure Compact.
We found no verified information on a compact for marriage and family therapists. Ask for the therapist's Massachusetts license number and check it.
How much does therapy cost in Massachusetts?
We found no sourced statewide average. One cost guide puts private therapy in Boston at $150 to $300 a session. It lists LMHCs at $130 to $220, LICSWs at $140 to $230 and psychologists at $180 to $300. It also gives $110 to $200 for telehealth with a Massachusetts-licensed clinician. These are one guide's figures for Boston, so ask each practice for its fee.
| Route | What it costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private pay, Boston | $150 to $300 per session, per one cost guide | One guide's Boston figure, not a state average |
| UMass Amherst Psychological Services Center | $30 for a 50-minute individual session, $15 for group | Doctoral trainees. 2025-2026 fees |
| Danielsen Institute, Boston University | Self-pay never above $150 for individual therapy of 17 to 53 minutes, or $200 for longer | Sliding scale for clients without insurance. Intake is up to $250 |
| BU Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders | Sliding scale by income and family size | Ask the center for the current fee |
| Community Behavioral Health Center | Varies, ask | Covered by all MassHealth plans and many private plans |
| Private insurance | Varies, ask your plan | Depends on your plan |
| MassHealth | Varies, ask your plan | Ask what your plan charges |
Ask for the fee in your first message.
Does MassHealth cover therapy in Massachusetts?
MassHealth is the Massachusetts Medicaid program. Massachusetts adopted the Medicaid expansion, and it took effect on 1 January 2014. MassHealth has six coverage types, and it decides which one you get after you apply. Mental health and addiction services are listed under Standard, CommonHealth, CarePlus and Family Assistance. CarePlus is for adults who do not qualify for Standard. MassHealth Limited covers emergencies only.
We could not open a page with current income limits, so check them when you apply. The MassHealth Customer Service Center is (800) 841-2900, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For TDD/TTY, dial 711. The MassHealth site also says federal changes bring work or education requirements and more frequent eligibility checks for some members, though most members will not be affected.
To find a therapist, call the member services number on your MassHealth card, or ask your primary care doctor. Community Behavioral Health Centers are another route. They have more than 25 locations, offer individual and group therapy in person and by telehealth, and take all MassHealth plans. The state says they are open for walk-ins.
For a child, MassHealth gives benefits to qualifying children and families. We could not confirm the name of the children's health insurance program, so ask the Customer Service Center which coverage type applies.
Using private insurance: How to find a therapist in your network
In-network means the therapist has a contract with your insurer. Out-of-network means they do not, and you may pay more or the whole fee. A directory listing does not prove a therapist takes your plan, so check with the insurer.
- Call the number on your insurance card and ask for the behavioral health line.
- Ask for a list of in-network therapists.
- Ask what you pay per session, and if a deductible applies first.
- Call the therapist and confirm they still take that exact plan.
If your therapist is out of network. Ask the therapist for a superbill, which is an itemized receipt for your session. Call your insurer and ask what your out-of-network mental health benefits are, and whether the deductible applies first. Ask whether they reimburse you after you submit the superbill. If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), ask your plan if therapy fees are eligible. IRS Publication 502 treats amounts paid to a psychologist for medical care as medical expenses, but your plan decides what it pays.
If you have no insurance, the state points people to the Health Connector. The Division of Insurance Consumer Services Unit handles complaints about insurers. Call (617) 521-7794 or toll free (877) 563-4467, Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also email CSSComplaints@mass.gov.
Free and low-cost therapy in Massachusetts
Training clinics are one low-cost route, and some clinics here are run for doctoral students. Ask each clinic if they take insurance.
- UMass Amherst Psychological Services Center. A training clinic for doctoral students that welcomes the community. A 50-minute session costs $30. Phone (413) 545-0041.
- Danielsen Institute at Boston University. Clients without insurance can ask for a reduced fee on a sliding scale. The main desk is 617-353-3047.
- BU Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. It offers some services on a sliding fee scale based on income and family size.
- William James College Youth and Family Psychotherapy Services, in Newton. Doctoral trainees, supervised by licensed psychologists, offer youth and family psychotherapy. Ask about cost when you call.
The Behavioral Health Help Line can also point you to care. Call or text 833-773-2445 or chat at masshelpline.com. The line is free, and you do not need insurance. Its Treatment Connection directory lets you search for services.
The Department of Mental Health offers extra services beyond insurance for people with the most serious needs, and it must approve them. NAMI Massachusetts runs a helpline called COMPASS on 617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The state's Substance Use Helpline is 1-800-327-5050.
Why therapists don't call back, and what to send instead
When nobody replies, a short, specific message is easier to answer than a vague one.
Send the same message to several places. Keep it short, and ask one question at a time.
Hello, I am looking for a therapist and found your practice online. I am free on weekday evenings. Are you taking new clients, and what is your fee per session? If you have a sliding scale or a trainee rate, I would like to hear about it. Thank you.
If you hear nothing in a week, send a short follow-up or move to the next name on your list. You can also ask for a waitlist spot and keep looking.
While you wait. Book the first opening you are offered, even if it is weeks away. You can cancel later. Ask to join the cancellation list. Keep contacting two or three other places. In the meantime, you can talk to a primary care doctor, and you can call or text the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line on 833-773-2445 or 988 at any hour.
How to tell if a therapist is a good fit
You will not know in the first minute. Give it two or three sessions, and use the first call to ask a few plain questions. Ask whether they offer a free short phone call before you book. If they do, use it to decide.
- What do you usually help people with?
- How do sessions usually go?
- How often would you suggest we meet?
- What is the fee, and can it change if my budget changes?
- What happens if I need to cancel?
Watch for red flags. The person dismisses your concerns. They will not tell you their license details. They pressure you to book many sessions up front. If you see any of these, you can stop and look elsewhere. You can switch therapists.
Crisis help in Massachusetts
Call or text 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org, at any hour. Spanish text and chat are available.
The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line is 833-773-2445 by call or text, with chat at masshelpline.com. It runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and offers help in more than 200 languages. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, contact MassRelay at 711. Staff connect callers to 911 when someone needs immediate safety help.
Community Behavioral Health Centers also provide in-person crisis help, 24 hours a day, for anyone and with no insurance needed. In an emergency, call 911.
Sources27
- Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-allied-mental-health-and-human-services-professions
- Board of Registration of Social Workers (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-social-workers
- Psychologists Board Frequently Asked Questions (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/info-details/psychologists-board-frequently-asked-questions
- Licensed Mental Health Professionals Consumer Fact Sheet (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/info-details/licensed-mental-health-professionals-consumer-fact-sheet
- Check a health profession license (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/info-details/check-a-health-profession-license
- Board Policies and Guidelines (Allied Mental Health) (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/policy-advisory/board-policies-and-guidelines-allied-mental-health
- Final PSYPACT Legislation - Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), https://psypact.gov/page/statelegislation
- Compact Map - Counseling Compact, https://counselingcompact.org/map/
- Counseling Compact, https://counselingcompact.gov/
- Compact Jurisdictions - Social Work Licensure Compact, https://swcompact.org/compact-jurisdictions/
- Therapy Cost in Boston: $150-$300 a Session in a College Town Full of Clinics (TherapyCostGuide), https://therapycostguide.com/guides/therapy-cost-boston/
- Good Faith Estimate (The Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute), https://www.bu.edu/danielsen/clinic/good-faith-estimate/
- Billing and Insurance (The Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute), https://www.bu.edu/danielsen/clinic/insur/
- About Us (Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders), https://www.bu.edu/card/about-us/
- About : Psychological Services Center : UMass Amherst, https://www.umass.edu/psychological-services/about
- Youth and Family Psychotherapy Services (YFPS) (William James College), https://www.williamjames.edu/centers-and-services/forensic-and-clinical-services/yfps/index.html
- Status of State Action on the Medicaid Expansion Decision, KFF State Health Facts, https://www.kff.org/medicaid/state-indicator/state-activity-around-expanding-medicaid-under-the-affordable-care-act/
- MassHealth (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/orgs/masshealth
- MassHealth coverage types for individuals and families including people with disabilities (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/info-details/masshealth-coverage-types-for-individuals-and-families-including-people-with-disabilities
- Chart of MassHealth covered services (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/info-details/chart-of-masshealth-covered-services
- Community Behavioral Health Centers (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/community-behavioral-health-centers
- Finding Mental Health Support in Massachusetts (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/guides/finding-mental-health-support-in-massachusetts
- How To Contact The Division Of Insurance (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/info-details/how-to-contact-the-division-of-insurance
- 988 Lifeline, https://988lifeline.org/
- Psychologist Locator (American Psychological Association), https://locator.apa.org/
- Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses (IRS), https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502
- Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) FAQ (Mass.gov), https://www.mass.gov/info-details/behavioral-health-help-line-bhhl-faq