According to a recent survey conducted by Verywell Mind, more than a third of Americans who stopped seeking treatment this year cited financial and insurance coverage as reasons, including secondary costs such as childcare and transportation. I was.
“For many people, it’s an increase in cost. Gas to go to therapy is now expensive,” says Amy Morin, licensed psychotherapist and editor-in-chief of Verywell Mind., “People have to pay more for babysitters so they can go see a therapist.
Inflation appears to be slowing according to the latest consumer price index figures, but overall US inflation remains high.
Some people are finding ways to cut out-of-pocket medical costs. Reduce session frequency from 3 to 4 per month.
Others look to their loved ones for support. Thirty-eight percent of her 1,000 study participants reported that they needed financial help from someone else to pay for their treatment.
Additionally, I worry that even those whose insurance partially covers their treatment sessions will struggle to pay for it in the long run. , reported out-of-pocket medical costs of an average of $178 per month.
According to research, the top reasons people in treatment are refraining from treatment are:
- Insurance/health insurance expired/too expensive (37%)
- Treatment was too expensive (22%)
- Change of insurance content (15%)
Additionally, many Americans incur multiple treatment-related costs each month, making it difficult to pay for sessions. These are some of the secondary costs of treatment, the percentage of study participants paying. they:
- Gasoline driving for treatment: $164 (48%)
- Child/Eldercare for attending sessions: $100 (31%)
- Prescription drugs: $40 (67%)
- Supplements (vitamins, CBD, herbal remedies, etc.): $31 (73%)
At the same time, the mental health of Americans is deteriorating. According to the World Health Organization, the Covid-19 pandemic increased the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders worldwide by 25% in his first year alone. According to a new survey by CVS Health and Morning Consult, 59% of adults in the US report being concerned about their own mental health and that of their friends and family.
“Those not currently receiving treatment may experience worsening symptoms,” Morin says.
Lack of mental health care can affect work productivity, relationships and family dynamics, and can exacerbate chronic health conditions, Morin told CNBC Make It.
If you’re starting to find yourself unable to afford mental health care, consider these options Morin recommends:
- Discuss payment options with your therapist
- Try group therapy, which is often less expensive
- Do online therapy – some services require a monthly fee instead of paying per session
- read a self-help book
- Listen to podcasts by therapists
- join a support group
- If you need to speak to someone urgently, call the National Crisis Lifeline at 988.
“For society as a whole, not treating people with mental health problems comes at a price,” Morin says.
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