However, those are just the average numbers. Finding a therapist who uses a sliding scale is one way that people who are concerned about the cost of therapy can access affordable treatment. Many health insurance plans offer mental health care coverage, but not all therapists accept insurance, many require clients to pay the full “out-of-pocket” rate. It is also true that most therapists are hardworking, well-trained professionals who have done their homework and paid their dues, who deserve to be paid and have a profitable practice that also allows them to have a good quality of life and support their families like any other business owner does.
They include talking to potential therapists about ways to manage costs, consulting with therapists who use a sliding scale fee structure, and determining if insurance can cover a therapist's fees (in part or in full). Many universities offer free or sliding scale therapy programs to people seeking training as therapists. When I was looking for a therapist, I used this website and I think there is a search function to sort if the therapist offers a sliding scale. Some insurance plans offer reimbursements for sessions with a therapist who is not on the insurance company's list of network providers, who reimburse at a higher rate than out-of-network providers.
Your therapist's office may create a ledger for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Community mental health clinics, local support groups, online therapy, and other forms of support for mental health issues may be less expensive than traditional talk therapy, but they may still be useful resources for those with affordability concerns. Usually, insurance companies limit the number of sessions they pay in a calendar year, so it's important to check with your insurance provider before starting therapy to determine how much of the cost of treatment will be covered. It seems to be a career that only focuses on the therapist making a lot of money and not on the very important issues of helping people.
The Psychology Today Therapy Directory allows users to classify nearby therapists based on the types of insurance they accept. The fact that they can buy something for them from time to time (and as a therapist, you should know that self-care comes from a variety of mindsets, even if it's not what you or I would do) is important. For clients who see a therapist who doesn't accept insurance, asking if a therapist offers a sliding scale rate and requesting partial reimbursement from an insurance company for out-of-pocket costs are two ways to reduce the cost of therapy.
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