Therapy in New Hampshire: Costs, Licensing & How to Find Help
A guide to therapy in New Hampshire — costs, licensing, telehealth rules, and how to find a therapist.
$170
Avg. session cost
#8
MH ranking (of 51)
365
Providers per 100K
4.7%
Uninsured rate
Therapist Licensing Requirements
Overseen by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice.
| Credential | Title | Supervised Hours | Required Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCMHC | Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor | 3,000 | NCE, NCMHCE |
| LCSW | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | 3,000 | ASWB Clinical |
| LMFT | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | 3,000 | MFT National Exam |
| Licensed Psychologist | Licensed Psychologist | 4,000 | EPPP |
Therapy Costs in New Hampshire
The average therapy session in New Hampshire costs $170 — $5 below the national average of $175. Online therapy is typically 15% less.
| Metro Area | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | $172 | $130–$220 |
| Concord | $165 | $125–$210 |
Telehealth Rules in New Hampshire
PSYPACT Member (since 2019)
PSYPACT member state. Out-of-state psychologists may practice via APIT. Other therapists must be licensed in New Hampshire.
Audio-only therapy: Allowed
Medicaid telemental health: Covered
Consent: Informed consent required; verbal consent acceptable if documented in the medical record.
Insurance & Parity in New Hampshire
Parity enforcement: moderate
Medicaid expanded: Yes (no session cap)
Typical in-network copay: $25–$50
Major insurers: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Ambetter, Cigna
Crisis Resources in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services — Bureau of Mental Health Services
Crisis Lines
Warm Lines (Non-Crisis Support)
Notable Programs
- New Hampshire's 10 Community Mental Health Centers provide comprehensive behavioral health services in every region.
- The NH Rapid Response system connects anyone in crisis to immediate behavioral health support through a single number.
- New Hampshire's mobile crisis teams provide community-based crisis response as an alternative to emergency room visits.
Therapy Landscape in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has made mental health a legislative priority in recent years, with increased funding for community mental health centers and crisis services. The state's ten community mental health centers form the backbone of the public behavioral health system, serving all regions. While the southern tier near Manchester and Nashua has the greatest provider density, the North Country and Lakes Region face ongoing shortages. New Hampshire was significantly impacted by the opioid crisis, leading to expanded substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment. Out-of-pocket therapy costs typically range from $120 to $185 per session. Anthem and Harvard Pilgrim are among the major insurers. NH Medicaid covers behavioral health services for eligible residents.
Finding a Therapist in New Hampshire
New Hampshire licenses clinical mental health counselors (LCMHCs), clinical social workers (LICSWs), psychologists, and marriage and family therapists (MFTs). The Board of Mental Health Practice oversees counselor licensing. New Hampshire participates in PSYPACT and has supported telehealth expansion, making it easier for residents in rural areas to connect with providers.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most widely available evidence-based approach in New Hampshire, effective for anxiety, depression, and substance-related concerns. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is also increasingly available through community mental health programs.
Out-of-pocket sessions generally cost $120 to $185. Insurance copays typically range from $20 to $50. Community mental health centers provide sliding-scale options.
Yes. NH Medicaid covers outpatient mental health services including individual therapy, group therapy, crisis services, and substance use treatment.
Telehealth is often the best option for residents in northern New Hampshire. The Northern Human Services community mental health center also provides in-person and remote care across the region.
Yes. New Hampshire's response to the opioid crisis has expanded the number of providers trained in co-occurring mental health and substance use treatment. Community mental health centers and SAMHSA-listed providers are good starting points.
Look for LCMHC, LICSW, licensed psychologist, or licensed MFT. All are regulated by the NH Board of Mental Health Practice or Board of Psychology.
Licensing and Credentials in New Hampshire
New Hampshire licenses Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHCs) through the Board of Mental Health Practice. Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSWs) are the fully independent social work credential. Licensed Psychologists hold doctoral degrees and are overseen by the Board of Psychology. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are also available but in smaller numbers.
Pre-licensed professionals working toward full licensure practice under supervision and often have shorter wait times and more affordable rates. New Hampshire's ten community mental health centers employ a range of credential types, providing care to residents across the state. The state's response to the opioid crisis has also expanded the number of providers holding dual credentials in mental health and substance use counseling. Verify credentials through the NH Board of Mental Health Practice or the Board of Psychology.
Teletherapy Laws in New Hampshire
New Hampshire supports telehealth expansion for mental health services, and insurers cover virtual sessions. Both video and audio-only therapy are permitted. New Hampshire participates in PSYPACT, expanding options for psychologists, and has also joined the Counseling Compact.
For providers not covered by these compacts, they must hold a New Hampshire license. NH Medicaid covers telehealth behavioral health. Telehealth is especially important for residents in the North Country and Lakes Region where local providers are limited.
Medicaid and Insurance Coverage in New Hampshire
NH Medicaid covers outpatient behavioral health services including individual therapy, group therapy, crisis services, and substance use treatment. New Hampshire expanded Medicaid under the ACA through a managed care model.
Major private insurers include Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim, and Cigna. Mental health parity laws apply to commercial plans. For more on paying for therapy, see our how to pay for therapy guide.
Cost of Therapy in New Hampshire
Therapy costs in New Hampshire are moderate for the Northeast. Out-of-pocket sessions generally range from $120 to $185. Insurance copays typically fall between $20 and $50. Community mental health centers provide sliding-scale options.
University clinics and nonprofit counseling organizations also offer more affordable sessions. For a nationwide comparison, see our therapy cost by state guide.
Crisis Resources in New Hampshire
If you or someone you know needs help:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for 24/7 support
- NH Rapid Response Access Point — 1-833-710-6477 (statewide crisis line)
- Headrest — 603-448-4400 (serving Upper Valley and NH)
- NAMI New Hampshire — 603-225-5359
New Hampshire's ten community mental health centers also provide crisis intervention services statewide.
How to Get Started with Therapy in New Hampshire
Here is how to begin:
- Check your insurance — Contact Anthem or Harvard Pilgrim for in-network providers. If you have NH Medicaid, behavioral health coverage is included.
- Contact your community mental health center — New Hampshire's ten centers are required to provide services regardless of ability to pay.
- Search directories — Psychology Today and the NH Psychological Association directory help you find providers by specialty and location.
- Use telehealth — PSYPACT and the Counseling Compact give New Hampshire residents access to out-of-state providers via video.
- Call the Rapid Response line — If you need immediate support, call 1-833-710-6477 for crisis help and referrals.
For more guidance, visit our how to find a therapist guide or our therapy for beginners guide.
New Hampshire's investment in community mental health and crisis infrastructure is paying dividends. Whether you are in Manchester or the White Mountains, support is available through a combination of local providers, community centers, and telehealth options.