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The costs of psychotherapy vary
according to the discipline of the professional and the insurance policy held
by the patient, as well as the region of the country. Usually psychiatrists
(medically-trained physicians) have the highest fees, followed in sequence by
doctoral-level psychologists, master's-level psychologists, counselors, social
workers, and psychiatric nurses. We say usually because the clinician's
experience and reputation also factor into the equation and can compensate for
differences in education. Psychiatrists have a medical degree and can conduct
physical exams, order lab tests, and prescribe medicines. Not all psychiatrists
provide psychotherapy-many refer patients to other mental health professionals
for this treatment. On the other hand, there are some psychiatrists who refer
patients out for medication management and focus exclusively on providing
psychotherapy.
Health insurance companies differ in
the amount of mental health coverage they provide, so it is wise to look at
your specific plan. Most policies limit the number of sessions they will pay
for per year. Twenty to twenty-six appointments per year is a common number,
but every policy is different. If you rely on a managed care network, you may
need to choose your therapist from a list of approved providers.
Fees may range from $50 to $200 a
session, where each session lasts 45 to 60 minutes. When insurance does not
cover the cost of therapy, some clinicians offer what they call a “sliding fee
scale,” which bases your fee on your income. Other low-cost alternatives may be
available, including university counseling centers, nonprofit clinics, and
therapy training centers. It is always helpful to find out about your insurance
coverage and your therapist's payment policies before starting treatment. This
will save you any uncomfortable surprises, and help your therapy to progress
more smoothly.
Source: The Anxiety Answer Book by: Laurie A. Helgoe, PhD, Laura R. Wilhelm, PhD, Martin J. Kommor, MD
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