Jan 6
2021
How Much Does A Psychiatrist Cost?
The goal of therapy is to relieve or heal disorders, mental illness or rehabilitate individuals and help them function better socially. Therapy comes in many different types, based on the intended goal. The treatment cost depends on the accreditation of the mental health professional, your insurance provider, and the methods used.
The average cost of therapy in the U.S. ranges from $60 to $120 per session, and most Americans can pay anywhere from $20 and $250 per hour depending on the number of factors including coverage through an insurance plan, the number of sessions scheduled in advanced, patient location and the qualifications of the psychiatrist.
There are several ways that psychiatric care is delivered: in-person, online, and even over the phone.
Mental health professions charge per hour or session. Some may scale their prices that fluctuate based on your income. Therapists in private practice typically are more expensive than mental health clinics.
Costs are impacted by the number of sessions scheduled, the patient’s geography, and the health insurance provider, among other factors. The current state of the patient’s mental health issues determines which type of therapist a patient will see.
Insurance coverage for therapy
In the U.S., laws such as the mental health parity law require specific benefit plans to cover mental health therapy as they would cover physical conditions. Some insurers provide ample allowances in their plans; in other cases, employers craft excellent benefit plans with robust mental health coverage.
Owners of Affordable Care Act insurance plans have access to basic levels of mental healthcare.
Individual therapy cost
A patient can expect to pay at least $150 per hour session for individuals sessions. These are the most expensive.
Couples therapy
Couples therapy varies depending on the professional seen and where they are located—counselors specializing in couples and family therapy charge anywhere between $70 and $250 per hour.
Group therapy
Some counseling centers offer group therapy when they feel that their collective experiences can help them move forward. Multi-session group therapy rates are available, which cost $700 per eight-week course.
For private therapy, expect to pay as much as $50 for a one-hour session. Expect as much as $300 per session in larger metropolitan areas.
Psychiatrist cost
Psychiatrists typically cost more than a psychologist because of their medical background. While practices differ, patients can expect between $300 and $500 for the initial consultation, followed by at least $100 per hour. In many cases, these rates hover closer to $200 per hour.
A psychiatrist is essentially a medical doctor qualified to treat the psychological and physical symptoms associated with various mental health conditions, including substance abuse treatment.
Psychiatrists often work with their patient’s doctors and psychologists to implement the best possible treatment. Psychiatrists can treat patients with medication — helpful for treating individuals suffering from conditions such as schizophrenia.