How Much Does It Cost To Become A Mental Health Counselor? (In 2023)
Please note that the data provided in this article are estimates and may vary depending on various factors, and should not be considered as perfect or definitive.
The cost of opening a a mental health counselor can vary based on several factors. However for a a mental health counselor you can expect to spend $62 to $23,259 with an average cost of $12,272.
- The minimum startup costs for a mental health counselor: $62
- The maximum startup costs for a mental health counselor: $23,259
- The average startup costs for a mental health counselor: $12,272
Here's a detailed list of a mental health counselor startup costs:
Learn more about starting a mental health counselor:
Where to start?
-> Pros and cons of a mental health counselor
Need inspiration?
-> Other mental health counselor success stories
-> Examples of established mental health counselor
-> Mental health counselor slogans
Other resources
-> Blog post ideas for a mental health counselor
Business Formation Fees
There are a few key costs associated with forming your business entity, such as setting up an LLC and getting trademarks, copyrights, and patents sorted.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Set up business: LLC & Corporations |
Required |
$50 |
$500 |
Small Business Insurance |
Recommended |
$500 |
$2,000 |
Permit and License Fees |
Optional |
$50 |
$700 |
Lawyer Fees |
Optional |
$0 |
$1,500 |
Software Expenses
Your mental health counselor needs software to run efficiently!
Why spend money on software? Because it can help you save time and automate certain parts of the business, so you can focus on the most important matters. Software and technology can help you grow your business, and save you from expensive personnel costs.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
File Hosting Service |
Recommended |
$0 |
$299 |
Email marketing tool |
Recommended |
$0 |
$100 |
CRM Software ➜ |
Recommended |
$12 |
$300 |
Project Management Software |
Recommended |
$0 |
$25 |
Internal Communication Tool |
Recommended |
$0 |
$20 |
Accounting & Invoicing Software |
Recommended |
$0 |
$50 |
IT Support ➜ |
Optional |
$150 |
$2,000 |
Social Media Management Tools |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Design Programs & Software |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Office Space Expenses
It will be your call to determine if you need office space. It is not a requirement but may be necessary as your mental health counselor grows.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Rent ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$5,750 |
Utility Costs For Office Space ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$1,150 |
WiFi & Internet ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$100 |
Employee & Freelancer Expenses
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Payroll Costs & Fees ➜ |
Optional |
$150 |
$250 |
Website Costs
Every business should have a website, and it's worth spending a bit of money to set it up right.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Domain Name ➜ |
Required |
$12 |
$200 |
Website Hosting Costs ➜ |
Required |
$0 |
$300 |
Website Builder ➜ |
Recommended |
$10 |
$500 |
Business Email Hosting Service ➜ |
Recommended |
$1 |
$15 |
Web Designer ➜ |
Optional |
$200 |
$6,000 |
Advertising & Marketing Costs
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Business Cards ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Networking Membership Fees |
Optional |
$0 |
$250 |
Direct Campaigns, Printing and Mailing |
Optional |
$0 |
$300 |
Press |
Optional |
$0 |
$500 |
Google Ads |
Optional |
$0 |
$300 |

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