Self-esteem therapists charge $50 to $250 per session if your therapy is not covered by insurance. Prices vary significantly by location and typically fall at the highest end of the range in major cities like New York, Boston, and Los Angeles. With insurance, the average cost for a therapist is $20 to $50 per session for the copay.

Many therapists now offer online sessions, typically at the same price as in-person sessions. Online therapy sites charge $40 to $90 per week for a membership plan and pair you with a therapist who specializes in treating your areas of concern. Some virtual therapy programs offer texting or email features in addition to video sessions.

In most cases, a therapist can help you overcome low self-esteem. Through therapy, you can uncover the root causes of negative self-beliefs, then work with your therapist to process those past experiences, address the beliefs, and bring about positive changes.

A therapist can also give you practical tools and techniques to help you recognize negative thought patterns and challenge them whenever they occur, halting the seemingly endless cycle of negative self-talk.

Many individuals suffering from low self-esteem have experienced self-critical thoughts and harmful self-talk for so long the mentality has become ingrained. A therapist can provide an outside perspective to help you conquer these defeating thoughts and develop a healthy level of self-esteem.

Low self-esteem often manifests as feelings of not being "good enough" and can result in disliking yourself. Considering speaking with a therapist if any of these signs apply to you:

• Being self-critical or speaking negatively about yourself
• Feeling unworthy or inadequate
• Lacking confidence and doubting yourself and your abilities
• Having a pessimistic view of your present and future life
• Comparing yourself negatively to others
• Having trouble accepting praise or compliments
• Struggling to assert yourself in social or business situations
• Feeling overly eager to please other people
• Blaming yourself for things that aren't your fault

There are a variety of therapy approaches that can help you overcome low self-esteem. Popular approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)teaches you to identify the thought patterns that contribute to your low self-esteem, along with the behaviors and actions that stem from it, and how to change these patterns.
• Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy that helps you uncover the underlying causes for low self-esteem, which may stem from childhood or past experiences.
• Mindfulness-based therapy combines cognitive therapy and mindfulness practices to help you cultivate a present-centered non-judgmental attitude toward yourself and others. Mindfulness-based therapy often incorporates techniques like meditation, focused breathing, and body scanning exercises.

Follow these tips when choosing a therapist to treat low self-esteem:

• Choose a therapist who specializes in treating low self-esteem. Therapists who specialize in the condition are better equipped to help you recognize and overcome negative thought patterns.
• Consider which therapeutic approach you'd prefer and choose a therapist who practices that approach.
• Ask your doctor for recommendations.
• Read therapist reviews on Thervo and Google.
• Confirm the therapist is licensed to practice in your area.
• Ask the therapist if they accept your insurance or offer a sliding-scale rate.
• Ask about online and virtual therapy options.
• Meet with the therapist for an initial consultation to confirm you're happy with the their communication style and empathy.

Ask these questions to find the best therapist to help you overcome low self-esteem:

• How long have you been practicing?
• What certifications do you have?
• What is your philosophy as a therapist?
• Are you more directive or guiding in your therapy sessions?
• What does a typical session look like?
• How long will each therapy session last?
• Do you offer online therapy sessions?
• Will you give homework or reading assignments?
• How many sessions do you expect I'll need?
• How do you determine success in therapy?
• What is your success rate in treating past clients with low self-esteem?