Our mental health is among the most important aspects of our overall well-being. We have to stay on top of how we feel emotionally to ensure that we can lead healthy, successful lives. The overall cost that comes with treating mental conditions can be daunting, especially for those in larger cities. If you are seeking out treatment options that won’t break the bank, here is a brief guide to help you find budget-friendly, high-quality therapy in NYC.
Learn what your existing insurance can cover
Individuals who don’t often experience mental health issues might go through a depressive episode or deal with a mental disorder because of recent circumstances. They may not know exactly what their insurance covers because they haven’t had to seek out mental health assistance before. The first step is to contact your insurance provider to ask what your plan covers and which local counselors are covered. The counseling copay can often be cheaper than having to pay out-of-pocket for every session of the service, and your insurance may cover quite a few visits. If you don’t have insurance, see whether you can find a cheap plan that will cover your therapy sessions.
Ask your therapist about sliding scales
If you don’t have insurance and are strapped for cash, you may be able to pay on a sliding scale. A sliding scale is a payment method in which you pay your therapist a certain hourly amount that is generally cheaper than their average cost. In turn, the therapist will offset this price by charging their higher-paying clients to pay a bit more. Although not all therapists will do this, you should ask them if this option is possible.
Find out if your therapist offers group sessions
While individual therapy is often the most commonly sought after form of therapy, you should take the time to consider group therapy as a possible alternative. If you don’t mind speaking in and healing with a group or have tried group therapy in the past and found it to be helpful, many therapists tend to offer group therapy sessions for a lower price than their one-on-one sessions, which saves you money and still gives you access to valuable therapeutic resources.
Seek out assistance if your medication is what’s putting you over budget
If your mental illness requires you to take medication as part of the treatment process, the cost of your medication shouldn’t take you away from your much-needed talk therapy sessions. There are plenty of assistance programs available to help you afford your prescriptions, should they make up the bulk of your mental health expenses. Additionally, if you are being prescribed name-brand drugs, ask if there are generic options available that can help you cut costs, as well.
Keep your health a top priority
While therapy is a major component in helping you better deal with mental health, don’t allow your finances to contribute to your stress levels. Be mindful of your overall well-being and make positive lifestyle choices to help you alleviate the negative symptoms or emotions you may face. For example, if you are dealing with situational depression because you lost your job and can only visit a therapist once every two weeks, make active changes to your current lifestyle by eating a better diet, getting more exercise, or taking certain natural supplements. This, coupled with the therapy sessions that you invest in, are all factors that could help you overcome your symptoms.
Your mental health is important, and whatever your current financial situation may be, always remember that you have options. Use the tips listed above to help you afford mental healthcare in New York City. Keep in mind that an investment in your mental health will go a long way in improving your outlook your overall well-being.
