how to pay for mental health treatment if you don't have insurance

^{4 Tips for Getting Mental Health Care If You Don't Have Insurance}

1. See if you qualify for Medicaid/Medicare or a low-cost insurance plan. The first thing I would do is go to Healthcare.gov and see what you qualify for. ...
2. Go to a free clinic. If you do not qualify for anything I have mentioned above, there is still hope for you to receive mental health care.
3. Look for mental health providers with “sliding scale” payment. Many mental health providers offer sliding scale payment arrangements. These providers will only make you pay what you can afford.
4. Sign up for a program to help pay for your prescriptions. There are many programs that will provide assistance in obtaining your medications. ...

Full Answer

How to get mental health care if you don't have insurance?

 · The National Alliance on Mental Illness operates a toll free helpline for people who need to get mental health help with no insurance. You can reach NAMI online at Nami.org or by phone at 1-800-950-6264. You can also text “NAMI” to 741741 on a smartphone.

How much does mental health insurance cost per hour?

 · Can You Get Affordable Mental Health Care Without Insurance? 1. Local Mental Health Services 2. University Hospitals 3. Non-profits 4. Employee Assistance Programs 5. Disability Benefits 6. Negotiate with Private Practices 7. Online Services Conclusion The Standard Cost of Therapy

Does your health plan cover mental health care?

 · Employee Assistance Programs. Some employers offer mental health benefits through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Because these benefits are paid for by your employer, access is free for employees. Your employee handbook or human resources department can provide additional information on any EAP benefit options.

What do I do if I Can’t afford mental health services?

 · Free clinics have amazing resources for those who do not have health insurance. You can search for a free clinic in your area by visiting the Partnership for Prescription Assistance website. 3. Look for mental health providers with “sliding scale” payment. Many mental health providers offer sliding scale payment arrangements.

How can I get therapy if I have no money?

If you live near a university, call the graduate psychology department and ask if they have a counseling center for people in the community. These centers are typically staffed by graduate students who are learning to provide therapy, and the care is usually excellent and free or very-low cost.

What is the cost of untreated mental illness?

Untreated mental illness costs the nation $113 billion annually. It ends up adding to inefficient, costly care of physical ailments. It hurts the nation's economy through lost productivity. The benefits of treatment exceed the relatively small cost of parity-less than 1 percent of current premiums.

Is mental health care free in Canada?

Treatment from a psychiatrist or GP is covered by public health insurance (such as OHIP in Ontario), and will not cost you anything.

What are the 5 signs of mental illness?

Here are five warning signs of mental illness to watch for, especially when you have two or more of these symptoms.Long-lasting sadness or irritability.Extremely high and low moods.Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety.Social withdrawal.Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits.

What happens if you don't treat your depression?

Untreated depression increases the chance of risky behaviors such as drug or alcohol addiction. It also can ruin relationships, cause problems at work, and make it difficult to overcome serious illnesses. Clinical depression, also known as major depression, is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts.

How do I pay for therapy in Canada?

How can I pay for mental health care?Extended health coverage from your own or an immediate family member's workplace benefits.Employee (Family) Assistance Program from your own or an immediate family member's workplace benefits.For students, school or campus mental health services.More items...

Do I have to pay for therapy in Canada?

Generally, if someone is treated for mental health needs through a medical or hospital visit, treatment is covered. There are some family doctors (general practitioners or GPs) who are trained and licensed to offer psychotherapy.

How do I admit myself to a mental hospital in Canada?

If you would like to be admitted as a voluntary patient, you can try the following.Speak to someone in your community mental health team (CMHT), if you have one. ... Contact your local crisis team. ... Contact your GP. ... Go to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of a local hospital.

How do I contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness?

You may call them toll free at 1-800-950-NAMI or contact them through their website.

How to find a therapist?

Finding a therapist or mental health center: 1 The Partnership for Prescription Assistance has a free clinic finder . Type in your zipcode and you will find clinics in your area. 2 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources also has a listing of free clinics in your area. All you have to do is plug in your geographic location. 3 The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) may also provide information on where to find treatment or mental health care in your area. You may call them toll free at 1-800-950-NAMI or contact them through their website. 4 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a national helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service, it is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

What is the organization called that helps people get their medications paid for?

There is an organization called Needy Meds that may be able to give you assistance in obtaining your medications. Mental Health America also has some ideas of how you can get your medications paid for when you don't have the financial means.

What are some resources for mental health?

Mental health resources: There are quite a few mental health resources out there to give you even more ideas and suggestions of how to obtain treatment, therapy, or medications when you are uninsured or have no money to pay for services: The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. The National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Do people have to pay for mental health services?

Many people do not have the money or the insurance to pay for mental health services services. Here is a list of ways you can find care despite your lack of funds.

How much does it cost to get a therapist?

According to therapist directory GoodTherapy.org, the average cost of an hour-long therapy appointment can range from $65 per hour to $250 (or even more). The pricing usually depends on the therapist level of training, their years of experience, and location — therapy is pricier in more expensive cities. In most parts of the country, people seeking therapy expect to pay $100 to $200 per session.

How to contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness?

You can reach the helpline at 1-800-950-6264. This is a great resource not only for emergency situations but also for guidance on where and how to access additional free resources in your area.

What is the Affordable Care Act?

The Affordable Care Act requires that all health plans offer some level of coverage for mental services. But what if you don’t have health insurance?

How much does open path psychotherapy cost?

Although costs vary by state and mental healthcare provider, rates tend to range from $30 to $50 per hour.

Can private therapists adjust their fees?

Private therapists may be willing to adjust their fees to meet your financial resources. It never hurts to ask about discounts for paying in cash or if there’s a way to afford treatment based on your budget.

Does an employer pay for mental health benefits?

Some employers offer mental health benefits through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Because these benefits are paid for by your employer, access is free for employees. Your employee handbook or human resources department can provide additional information on any EAP benefit options.

What is the number to call for mental health?

You can search for sliding scale providers in your area by doing a simple web search or by calling The National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) at this number: 1-800-950-NAMI. 4.

How do I find a sliding scale mental health provider?

You can search for sliding scale providers in your area by doing a simple web search or by calling The National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) at this number: 1-800-950-NAMI.

How much do you have to make to qualify for the tax incentive?

One thing I did not know is you have to make around $12,000 a year (before taxes are taken out) to qualify for the tax incentive which will lower your monthly payment drastically. If you do not make that amount, you may qualify for other programs.

How to apply for medicaid if you aren't applying?

1. See if you qualify for Medicaid/Medicare or a low-cost insurance plan. The first thing I would do is go to Healthcare.gov and see what you qualify for. If you aren’t applying during the enrollment period, you will have to have had a “major life event” to apply such as giving birth, losing your job or moving.

What is Partnership for Prescription Assistance?

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance also has a website that will help you get your medications by placing you in a program that you qualify for where your medications will be free or nearly free. Learn more about this program here.

What is the best treatment for mental health?

The best treatments are the ones prescribed by a doctor or mental health practitioner, and that may include counseling, medication, support, diet and exercise, and alternative therapy among others. Unfortunately, visiting mental health providers ...

What happens if you don't have health insurance?

If you don't have insurance, it can be difficult to pay for treatment unless you are independently wealthy.

What is medicaid insurance?

Medicaid is health care coverage offered in combination by the federal government and your state government. It helps low-income individuals in certain groups pay for medical care and prescriptions. Medicaid is not a typical insurance program with monthly payments and deductibles; Medicaid pays providers directly for your care. Low-income beneficiaries aren't the only group to receive Medicaid, as there are several other qualified groups that are covered (although some of this will change in upcoming healthcare reform).

What is a referral for a doctor?

Referral - A referral is an authorization from your primary care physician to see a specialist or another doctor. It does not mean your insurance company will cover the cost. Pre-approval - A pre-approval is when your insurance company "OKs" paying for a treatment before you take it.

What do you need to know before shopping for insurance?

There are several terms you will need to know before shopping for insurance: Primary Care Physician - In many managed care plans or health maintenance organizations, you will have to choose a primary care physician, also sometimes called a general practitioner.

Do mental health clinics take walk in clients?

Some clinics may take walk-in clients on a daily basis; others are more like doctor's offices that you will have to join. Community Mental Health Centers offer low-cost or free care on a sliding scale to the public. Typical services include emergency services, therapy and psychiatric care for adults and for children.

Do you need to see a specialist for a point of service plan?

A point of service plan is similar to a health maintenance organization, but you may not need to visit a primary care physician for referrals to specialists as long as you stay within the network. A preferred provider organization (PPO) plan is the broadest type of plan, where you never need to see a specialist.

How to raise money for addiction treatment?

To raise money for your addiction treatment, consider hosting a garage sale for smaller items and selling more expensive items on the internet through an online seller, such as Craigslist, eBay, or OfferUp.

How long do you have to wait to pay off a loan after you get out of treatment?

Some plans will even give you a 6-month grace period to find a job and get settled before you begin making payments. Be sure to ask about financing options, interest rates, and repayment requirements to ensure that you select the best option for you and don’t end up in a worse financial position than you were in prior to treatment.

What is state funded rehab?

Local- and state-funded rehab centers are tax dollar-funded addiction treatment facilities, so essentially the programs accept money from the government to provide alcohol and drug rehab services to people who otherwise would not be able to afford treatment. Funding sources vary by state, but many local and state-funded programs obtain funding through a combination of federal grants, Medicaid reimbursement, and state budgets.

What is Medicaid based on?

In most cases, you must qualify for Medicaid based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). 6 This method determines Medicaid eligibility for children, pregnant women, and adults. If you are over age 65, you are exempt from MAGI rules. Medicaid makes addiction treatment more affordable by offering insurance to low-income people based on specific eligibility requirements. Medicaid addiction treatment coverage includes long-term inpatient care, prescription drugs, and outpatient services. 7

What is financing for rehab?

Financing allows you to get the full amount you need to pay for treatment. It sends this amount directly from the bank to the rehab program and provides you with a repayment plan designed to fit your budget after completing treatment.

What is free rehab?

Free Rehab Programs. Most states provide funding for rehabilitation services that can be accessed by those with no insurance or income. These centers usually require that the clients qualify by meeting certain requirements, such as a demonstrated lack of income or addiction status and/or need for intervention. ...

Why is subsidized insurance important?

Subsidized coverage provides treatment coverage and reduced premiums to those with low income who are seeking treatment for addiction.

How many people do not receive treatment for mental illness?

As the number of people diagnosed with mental health issues such as depression rises to new highs, the need for medical services to treat them is growing too. Approximately 56 percent of American adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment. There's also evidence of a dire lack of treatment among teens, with the CDC reporting that the suicide rate for teens is skyrocketing.

What percentage of Americans don't get mental health care?

56 percent of Americans don't get the help they need. Here are eight ways to find mental health services at little to no cost. Approximately 56 percent of American adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment. Marjan_Apostolovic / Getty Images/iStockphoto.

What to do if you don't have insurance?

If you don’t have insurance coverage, check to see if you qualify for Medicaid (your income is the determining factor).

Why aren't people getting the help they need?

On one hand there's the lingering stigma around mental illness that may hinder people from seeking care (a problem that campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Month aim to solve), but there's also the fact that our health care system has yet to treat mental health as comprehensively as it does physical health. There's no such thing as an insurance-covered annual mental health exam for instance, and therapists who do accept insurance are often working twice as hard just to get reimbursed by providers.

Does Kailee Place take insurance?

Kailee Place, an LPC with the private practice Shifting Tides Therapeutic Solutions adds that she doesn’t take insurance, but does “make room for lower cost sessions within my practice. I strongly believe people should get the care they want to get, so if I seem like the best fit for someone, I am [usually] 100 percent willing to work with them regarding their financial needs.”

Does finding a mental health provider pay off?

Experts concur that it make take some time and effort to find a mental health provider , but your search will likely pay off. In the interim, you might want to turn to your smartphone.

Do therapists take insurance?

Recently I found a few therapists who are taking new clients but not insurance. I was discouraged by their steep hourly rates and didn’t press, but I will now because often they’ll adjust their fee to match your financial resources.

What is the best way to get help with mental health?

1. Government assistance for mental health. In the US, there are some government benefit options for those who need help accessing mental health services. Keep in mind that government assistance for mental health treatment does come with certain eligibility requirements, typically related to income.

How much does depression cost?

The cost of depression among those with major depressive disorder—about 7% of US adults working full time—is estimated to be around $210.5 billion every year. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of US deaths each year. An astonishing 90% of those who died by suicide had shown signs of a mental health condition.

Why is mental health important?

Positive mental health and wellbeing not only feels good, but helps you cope with everyday stresses, work more productively, and contribute more to your community and personal relationships. For most—even for those with health insurance—struggling with a mental health issue can mean high out of pocket medical expenses.

How much does BetterHelp cost?

BetterHelp provides counseling services with unlimited access to your counselor, with plans starting at $40 per week. Counseling is offered through messaging, live chat, phone, and video conference.

How many people in the US have mental health issues?

Mental illness is a widespread issue that affects nearly one in five US adults each year, or nearly 50 million individuals. Sadly, less than half of people in need ever receive mental health care. And even more tragically, less than 0.05% of the government’s total health expenditure goes toward mental health services annually, according to the World Health Organization. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, know that there are many resources that provide mental health financial assistance—so you can get back to the life of wellbeing you deserve.

What is NAMI Helpline?

A nationwide peer-support service, NAMI Helpline, offers resources for people dealing with a range of mental health disorders, including support for their caregivers and families.

Does college have mental health services?

The demands of college are often stressful, which—if left unchecked—can lead to mental health challenges. Fortunately, the majority of college campuses offer low-cost mental health services to students, in addition to the organizations below.