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Red Light Therapy Cost: Comparing Clinic vs. At-Home Treatments

Last Reviewed on February 1, 2024

Red light therapy has been used as an effective treatment for many conditions, but how much does this light-based treatment really cost? Find out what red light therapy actually costs at a clinic vs. at-home!

Red light therapy has become increasingly popular over the past few years. It’s a safe, non-invasive light-based treatment that has numerous therapeutic benefits, from skin rejuvenation to wound healing to pain relief. But, how much does red light therapy cost?

In this article, we’ll walk you through the costs of red light therapy, whether you’re considering professional sessions at a clinic or investing in your own red light therapy device for use within the comfort of your own home.

So, read on, and discover how you can benefit from red light therapy without breaking the bank!

How Much Does Red Light Therapy Cost in a Clinic?

For many, red light therapy can be a popular treatment option for common skin conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and other common dermatological issues. These light treatments have also been increasingly used to treat chronic conditions like arthritis, back pain, and fibromyalgia. It works by exposing patients to specific therapeutic wavelengths of red light, which stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Man doing red light therapy at a wellness clinic

While many clinics offer these treatments, red light therapy pricing will vary widely depending on where you receive care. For example, some clinics and wellness centers charge $15 to $100 per session, while others charge upwards of $300. The cost of a red light therapy session depends on several factors, including the number of sessions required, the length of each session, and whether or not additional services are offered.

To determine how much red light therapy costs, consider these factors:

First, figure out how long you plan to undergo treatment. Some clinics recommend between three and six months of treatment, while others suggest two to four weeks. In truth, your recommended treatment duration will depend heavily on what you’re planning to use red light therapy for. Those looking to treat chronic skin disorders may strongly consider ongoing maintenance treatments, as red light therapy oftentimes provides symptom relief but not a cure.

Next, decide how frequently you want your red light therapy sessions to be. For best results, it’s often recommended to have consistent sessions. That said, we know that’s not always feasible, especially for those with busy schedules.

From there, you can estimate the number of sessions required. Some clinics may require you to book a minimum number of treatment sessions, although you might get discounted rates if you purchase multiple of them.

You’ll also want to ask how long each session is and if the clinic offers different rates for different treatment times. While it’s generally recommended that each red light therapy session be around 10 to 20 minutes, this is not a hard-and-fast rule. If you’re particularly sensitive to light, you might want a shorter session, and you might be able to save a few bucks!

Finally, ask about any add-on services that might be available or are already included. These could include vitamin supplements, topical creams, or even treatments like micro-needling and facials. These may be worth the extra cost, as a red light therapy and green tea combo treatment can have beneficial effects on skin tone and wrinkles [1].

Woman receiving a facial at a spa

In addition to determining how much red light therapy will cost, it’s also important to understand what insurance covers. Many plans cover only certain types of clinic treatments, so check with your provider to learn more.

However, if you foresee yourself needing a lot of sessions (especially for those looking to treat chronic conditions), the costs can quickly build up. Plus, it can sometimes be a hassle fitting these LED treatments into your daily schedule once you factor in the time spent in the waiting room and commuting. As a result, you may want to opt for an at-home approach to red light therapy.

How Much Do At-Home Red Light Therapy Devices Cost?

At-home red light therapy devices are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability and convenience. That said, there are many different types of these LED light therapy devices available, with prices ranging anywhere from $100 to $1,500+.

But, before you spend any of your hard-earned money, make sure you research the different types of red light therapy devices available and find one that suits your unique needs. Each device type has its own benefits and drawbacks.

For instance, a handheld device is often the most budget-friendly, convenient, and portable option. The tradeoff is that these devices are generally less powerful and have a much smaller surface area than something like a panel. As a result, you’ll likely need to spend significantly more time per session to treat each affected area.

On the other hand, full-body red LED light therapy panels cost considerably more and can sometimes be a hassle to set up. That said, these devices are much more powerful, and they can cover a huge treatment area. This can save you a lot of time in the long run.

Woman sitting in front of a red light therapy panel at-home

Beyond device type, the cost of a red light therapy device also depends on factors such as the number of LED lights, the number of unique wavelengths, and what other miscellaneous features are included.

For example, some models come with built-in timers while others don’t. Some devices allow you to selectively toggle on/off the red light and near-infrared light, while some might not even include near-infrared light!

For those looking to use red LED therapy for full-body treatments, another cost factor to consider is how you want to set up your red light therapy panel in your home. Most of these panels come with over-the-door hooks, but that might not work for everyone. You may need to pay a couple hundred more dollars for a floor, vertical, or horizontal stand.

What’s More Affordable: Red Light Therapy in a Clinic vs. At-Home

At the end of the day, what’s best for you will depend entirely on your own needs and preferences.

If you’re looking to try red light therapy to see if it’ll work for you, going to a clinic or spa might be the better option. After all, you can pay for a few sessions and then decide whether or not you like it, instead of immediately buying a red light therapy device and then regretting it.

That said, if you’re looking to use red light therapy on a regular basis and for long-term treatment, you may want to invest in an at-home model instead. You might face a higher upfront cost, but you’ll be saving tons of money in the long run.

For instance, let’s say you want to purchase a full-body panel for $1,200. If you were quoted $30 per session at your local wellness center, you’d break even after 40 sessions, which is a little over three months (assuming three treatments per week). That might sound like a long time, but it generally takes one to two months for people to start seeing the best results from red LED light therapy.

Plus, with an at-home device, you have the flexibility to use the device whenever you’d like, so you won’t ever feel limited by the hours of operation. You also won’t have to even leave the comfort of your own home to experience the health benefits of this LED light treatment.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the actual cost of red light therapy will vary depending on your unique situation. And, the decision about whether or not to buy a red light therapy device comes down to personal preference.

Some people prefer the convenience of having a professional administer their treatments, while others enjoy the freedom of being able to do it themselves. Either way, there’s no right answer here. It really just comes down to what works best for you.

References

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19817517/
Anne, Founder of Therapeutic Beams

Anne Linde

Since using it to clear up her acne in college, Anne has been an avid user and fan of all things light therapy. She now primarily uses red light therapy for its anti-aging benefits. Anne's mission is to make the science behind red light therapy easy to understand and accessible, so anyone can use it to take control of their health and wellbeing.

John Ni, BSc.

John, a graduate of the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, serves as a respected scientific reviewer at TherapeuticBeams.com. His expertise extends across various domains, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and dermatology. He contributes to publications like Royal Society of Chemistry, Drug Topics, and Practical Dermatology.

John Ni, Content Editor & Scientific Review

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