Mental health therapy is typically not paid for entirely upfront. Most therapists charge on a per-session basis, with payment due at the time of each session. However, some therapists may offer different payment structures, such as:

1. Sliding Scale: For individuals with financial constraints, some therapists offer a sliding scale fee, where the cost is adjusted based on income.

2. Insurance: Many therapists accept health insurance, meaning clients pay co-pays or deductibles rather than the full session cost upfront. Insurance typically covers a set number of sessions per year.

3. Prepaid Packages: Some therapists may offer discounted rates if a client commits to a package of sessions upfront, though this is less common.

4. Online Therapy Platforms: For online or telehealth services, payment structures may vary, but generally, they are subscription-based, with fees paid in advance for a set period (e.g., monthly).

In general, unless specifically agreed upon, therapy is typically paid for on a session-by-session basis rather than upfront for the entire treatment plan.