Usually they charge a little less than the PhDs. Around here they go for around $100 or less an hour. Most of the PhDs go for $100+. Some nutjob PhDs around here are charging $185 for the first appointment. You would think more education would equal better therapy but that is definitely not the case. It's the person, their approach, and your compatability & fit together that matter more than the degree. And how safe they make you feel and whether or not you can trust them. That will matter much more than the years they spent in school with their head in books. I'd say their professional experience would be important too. Might want to get someone who has been doing it for a while rather than someone brand new and just getting started.