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The cost of treatment is a major concern for anyone who needs healthcare. Too many people who need help are all too aware of the prospect of medical debt. But, regardless of how much mental health services may cost, they are still necessary as around 1 in 5 people in the United States struggle with a mental illness.
As such, the cost of mental health care and treatment is something that many people may wonder about, and they may want to consider their options before they look into seeking treatment for mental health issues.
How Much Does Mental Health Therapy Cost?
The cost of a single therapy session can vary. Typically, therapy costs range from $100 to $250 per session. However, this cost can depend on the specific provider, and some can charge more or less than that.
Remember that therapy sessions alone do not constitute an outpatient program, such as an intensive or partial hospitalization program. Those are both specialized forms of mental health therapy, and their overall cost may be greater than the sum of their sessions.
Online therapy platforms also use algorithms to match patients with therapists. Instead of paying the full cost of individual sessions, patients pay a monthly subscription fee and can have online sessions and message their therapists.
How Much is an Outpatient Treatment Program?
Outpatient programs are specialized forms of treatment that offer structured yet flexible care for mental illness. In these programs, a person will attend individual and group therapy sessions.
An Intensive Outpatient Program is a form of treatment wherein a person attends weekly counselling sessions. In this treatment, they do not live in a treatment facility, and a person often fits treatment into their normal schedule. The cost can vary, but they should be between $250 and $350 a day.
A Partial Hospitalization Program is a form of treatment wherein a person will spend multiple days a week in a treatment center. However, they’ll only spend the day at the center and return home in the evenings. PHPs are more intensive than IOPs, and they cost between $350 and $450 a day. However, some programs can cost $6,000 a month or more.
However, it should be noted that the average cost may not reflect reality, as prices can vary greatly based on the healthcare providers and the scope of support offered.
How Much is Inpatient Care?
Inpatient treatment for mental health conditions can offer the most intensive care for mental disorders. However, they are also often the most expensive. In these programs, a person will live in a treatment center, sometimes for months at a time.
While in the center, they’ll be in a controlled environment where they can receive care under constant supervision. The cost of this form of treatment can vary, but it should fall between $500 to $2,000 a day. This means a person should expect to pay between $15,000 and $60,000 for a 30-day program.
However, many mental health centers can cost far more than this. Some luxury inpatient centers in high-end areas can charge tens of thousands of dollars for a week of treatment.
Does Insurance Cover Mental Health Treatment?
Health insurance plans generally offer mental health benefits. Because mental health treatment is considered a form of healthcare, commercial insurance providers must cover it by law.
However, while health insurance coverage includes mental health treatment, the exact scope will depend on various factors, such as a person’s specific plan and network.
How to Cover the Cost of Therapy and Treatment Without Insurance
There are ways to cover the cost of therapy and treatment without health insurance, and many will have to do so. Some may need specialized facilities that only select mental health treatment facilities can offer, and these facilities may not be in their networks. Because of this, they’ll have to pay the full cost of these mental health treatment programs entirely out of pocket.
Other ways exist to pay for mental health treatment and counseling programs. One is to borrow money, either from friends and family or from banks. These can help a person pay for treatment without private insurance.
Another option is to go to community mental health centers. They offer services from mental health professionals at an affordable cost. This can allow someone to address their mental health challenges at an accessible rate.
Some charitable organizations also offer free or low-cost services. Some may even offer financial aid to help people cover healthcare costs without insurance.
What Are the Social Costs of Mental Health Disorders?
While treatment can be expensive, not getting it can leave a person worse off. Many people who let their mental health troubles go unaddressed often hurt themselves. For example, severe depression or anxiety without any medical intervention can often lead a person to substance use or even suicidal ideation.
Strained relationships can also occur when a person doesn’t get the treatment they need for their mental health struggles. Their symptoms may be too much for the people around them to bear, or they may lash out or push away their loved ones.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Mental Health Treatment?
Numerous factors can make therapy cost so much. One is the cost of a treatment provider’s services. They can charge variable rates based on their specialties and years of experience.
The scope of support will also be a factor. Some people will need both substance abuse and mental health services, as the two can often co-occur. Because they’ll need more support, they’ll have to pay more for that support.
Find the Support You Need
Numerous treatment providers charge different rates for their services. If you or your loved one needs help with mental health difficulties, then browse through our website and find the support you need to meet your challenges and overcome them.
