More than 23% of Americans live with a mental health condition, including nearly 20 million children. This means that nearly one in four individuals are living with issues that impact their quality of life—and many are facing financial barriers when it comes to accessing care. Earlier this year, studies revealed that the cost associated with caring for a child with a mental health condition jumped by almost a third between 2017 and 2021. It now costs the average American $4,361 more per year to care for a child with a mental health condition. Add to that the cost of caring for a parent or another family member with a mental health condition—nearly 1 in 10 Americans say they’ve accumulated debt to pay for mental health treatment—and it’s easy to see how mental health care is quickly becoming a luxury service.
Locate a provider with adjustable fees
Brenay, a single mom, tells Parents that she has been forced off medication vital to her mental health as she cannot afford the $35 co-pay necessary to see her provider. “As a low-income single mom, finding providers that accept Medicaid AND without a lengthy waitlist is the largest hurdle I face in accessing care, particularly mental health care,” Brenay explains. “I rarely have the funds to take care of my own mental health needs.” The scenario Brenay faces highlights a broader issue affecting many: the high cost of mental health services and the lack of accessible and affordable providers.
Sliding scale providers offer services based on your income and create rates based on what you can afford. This option is especially helpful for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Finding a provider who works on a sliding scale can help alleviate some financial pressure. Many therapy and counseling services offer sliding scale fees, which adjust the costs based on a person’s financial situation. It requires some research and potentially several phone calls, but the savings gained can make a significant difference for families in need.
Consider group therapy sessions or workshops
Group therapy is another viable option that may be more affordable than one-on-one therapy sessions. While individual therapy is the most common form, group therapy offers a collective approach to addressing mental health issues and is usually less expensive. In many cases, group therapy is just as effective as individual sessions for a variety of conditions, providing communal support and shared experiences that can be very therapeutic.
Meredith’s story further exemplifies the struggles families face. She lost her husband and consequently her health insurance, and her new plan did not cover mental health care. “It’s wild to me that in a time of grief, our system isn’t equipped to offer mental health services,” Meredith, a mom of two, stated. “I’m navigating grief, solo motherhood, and have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but on a fixed income. Getting services just isn’t in the budget these days.” For families like Meredith’s, the search for affordable care is ongoing. Participation in group therapy sessions or workshops can be a practical way to maintain mental health support without breaking the bank.
Look for grants or financial aid, if applicable
For some, the financial burden of mental health care can be mitigated by accessing grants or scholarships. Many treatment facilities offer these types of financial aids to help offset the cost of attending. This is particularly common in inpatient facilities and partial hospitalization programs. However, it’s essential to understand the stipulations of each grant or scholarship, as most do not cover the entire cost of treatment and some can be revoked if one does not complete the program.
Inpatient mental health programs can be cripplingly expensive, with standard 30-day programs running anywhere between $15,000 to $60,000. For many, this is a prohibitive cost. However, some families have found relief through partial scholarships or grants that help lessen the financial load. The application processes for these funds can be rigorous and time-consuming, but the potential savings make it worth the effort. It’s important to explore every avenue of financial assistance available to manage these overwhelming costs.
Compare prices for providers and medications
Just as the cost of therapy and mental health services can vary, the price of medications can fluctuate widely between different pharmacies. A Consumer Reports investigation revealed significant price differences in prescription costs. Therefore, taking the time to shop around can lead to substantial savings. Tools and apps exist to help with this comparison shopping, making the task a bit easier.
I too have stopped treatment due to lack of funds. I live with bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD and have accumulated debt to cover my mental health expenses. I have a psychiatrist, a therapist, and take multiple medications. Using online tools and resources to compare the prices of both providers and medications can save a considerable amount of money over time. Additionally, calling different pharmacies to get quotes can help find the most cost-effective options for needed prescriptions.
Request samples from your doctor or psychiatrist
Requesting medication samples from your healthcare provider is another way to mitigate some of the costs associated with mental health treatment. Most doctors and psychiatrists receive samples, especially for newer medications, which they can provide to patients usually at no cost. These samples are particularly useful for trying out new medications to ensure they are effective before committing to a full prescription.
Asking your healthcare provider for samples can help you maintain your treatment regimen during financially tight periods. These samples can help bridge gaps in medication coverage, ensuring that treatment remains consistent even when funds are low. While not every medication will be available via sample, it’s always worth inquiring with your doctor or psychiatrist to determine the best course of action.
Consult the school for support if seeking help for a minor
If you are seeking mental health support for a child, consulting with their school can open up additional resources. Many schools have counselors, social workers, or psychologists on staff who can provide support directly to students. Accessing these services typically requires a formal request, whether in writing or via phone call, and can be highly beneficial for the child’s mental health.
However, it should be noted that while these services can make a huge difference, in some regions, they can be hard to access. Some school systems are overburdened and overloaded, making it difficult to take on new students—especially in emergency situations. Others face funding issues that limit their ability to provide adequate mental health support. To better understand what services are available to your child, it’s important to contact their school directly.
Explore resources from SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides numerous resources to help families find mental health services and support. SAMHSA offers helplines, substance abuse programs, mental health programs, and disaster support. Their “Find Treatment” section can match individuals with mental health care providers in their area, including information on paying for services.
SAMHSA helps individuals and families tap into resources they may not have found through online searches alone. For example, their helpline can assist in finding local mental health care providers, and their website provides tools and information on various programs available. By utilizing resources like SAMHSA, families can better navigate the complicated landscape of mental health care and find the support they need without excessive financial strain.
The rising costs of mental health care have placed significant financial strain on families across the United States. With nearly one in four individuals dealing with mental health issues, including a vast number of children, the financial burden is substantial. But by locating providers with adjustable fees, considering group therapy, looking for grants, comparing prices, requesting medication samples, consulting schools, and exploring SAMHSA resources, families can begin to offset these expenses. It’s crucial for those affected to explore multiple avenues to ensure that both mental health and financial wellbeing can be maintained.
