A breakup, the loss of a loved one, and other traumatic situations can sometimes require therapy in order to recover. However, many avoid therapy because of the costs. Every year, tens of millions of Americans fail to receive the treatment they need for their mental health. One of the main reasons for this is that therapy can be expensive. But affording therapy doesn’t have to be as hard as you think. Atlanta Center for Mental Health can be an affordable mental health alternative. Although we do not accept Medicaid, we do accept many private insurance plans. Call 833.625.0458 today and we can help you find the best treatment option for you.
Why Can Therapy Be So Expensive?
The effort and costs that therapists incur over their many years of training are an important factor for why therapy can be pricey. A mental health professional has a minimum of a Master’s degree before practicing their craft. Some professionals further develop their skills through different forms of specialized study and incur costs for maintaining their license. If your therapist is in private practice, then rental and insurance costs are also considered. As with any professional in any field, these costs contribute to the fee for their services.
So How to Pay for Therapy?
Therapy is extremely important for your overall well-being. But the number of options that are available can be overwhelming at times. Some of the many choices of treatment include:
- Anxiety treatment program
- Depression treatment program
- PTSD treatment program
- Mental health therapies
And when you add to that the cost of treatment, it can be difficult to know what to do. But before you choose to ignore your mental health care needs, consider the different ways that are available to pay for therapy.
Take Advantage of Your Benefits
If you’re a student or an employee, paying for therapy in GA or anywhere else can be a serious challenge. So check to see what student or employee benefits are available. Students might get discounts or affordable referrals to therapists in your area. For employees, ask your employer if there are any medical costs that come with your position at the company. These answers can help you anticipate whether you are looking at significant out-of-pocket expenses when you pay for therapy.
Ask About Your Insurance
Consult your insurance provider if there are any mental health care benefits you can receive to afford a residential mental health treatment program. If so, ask about your co-pays, the types of sessions that it covers, and your deductibles. If your insurance has deductibles, then you’ll only receive benefits once deductible caps are met. But this can still help in affording therapy.
If this is the case with your therapist, you might have to opt for out-of-network benefits or out-of-pocket payments.
Negotiate with Your Therapist
Don’t worry if your mental health care provider won’t accept insurance. There are sliding scale therapists who allow price flexibility for those who can’t afford it. However, don’t feel too pressured or intimidated when negotiating with your therapist. They are willing to treat patients like you at an affordable price.
Work your way through the negotiation with a specific amount in mind. Make sure that your income and expenses are factored into that amount. Once you have determined what you can afford, tell your therapist. If your price is too low for the therapist, they might recommend an alternative health care option or work with your budget.
Assess Your Spending Habits
For patients who have to opt for out-of-pocket payments, re-evaluate your income and expenses. Try listing all your income and expenses and rank them from needs to wants. Consider those expenses which are most important right now. Sometimes, a little reorganization is just the right solution.
Your Path to Recovery
Whether it’s a mild or chronic mental issue, immediate treatment is the best action. At the Atlanta Center for Mental Health, our expert team of professionals can work with you in deciding how to pay for therapy. Call Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458 for more information or to discuss options for paying for therapy in GA today.
