You’ve decided to start therapy. But how much does it cost? Can you afford it? And will insurance cover the costs of your treatment? This guide will answer all these questions and more.
In the past, therapy was less affordable.
In the past, therapy was less affordable. In fact, it was considered a luxury for many people. People who couldn’t afford therapy were often left to deal with their mental health issues on their own or with the help of friends and family members. With the rise of self-help books and online resources like this article, though, it has become easier than ever before for people to get help from therapists without having to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars per visit. People now have access to valuable resources at no cost whatsoever!
Although there is still much progress that needs to be made in terms of making therapy accessible for everyone regardless of socioeconomic status or location (as evidenced by a recent study out of Yale University), this is an important step in the right direction towards making sure no one goes without proper treatment when they need it most.
Many therapists offer sliding scale pricing.
Sliding scale pricing is a payment method that allows you to pay for therapy based on your individual income, so it can be as inexpensive or expensive as you need it to be. This is different than paying for therapy sessions with your insurance company, which usually requires pre-approval and will only reimburse the actual cost of services rendered.
Many therapists offer sliding scale pricing because they want their services available to everyone who needs them. If you ask your therapist if they offer sliding scale pricing, they may be able to work with you on a price point that works within your budget.
Some therapists offer pro bono work.
There are a few reasons why a therapist may offer pro bono work. For example, some therapists have work experience in the field and want to give back to the community by offering their services without charge. Some psychologists offer pro bono sessions as part of their own therapy practice, while others volunteer at clinics or centers that provide free mental health care.
Some therapists also accept insurance payments for therapy sessions (or partial reimbursements), so if you’re covered by an insurance plan and need help finding one that covers your treatment needs, check with your provider before visiting a new practitioner.
Therapy can help you but it’s not free.
You need to pay for therapy. If you’re paying out of pocket, the cost of a single therapy session can easily be over $100 per hour or more depending on your location, the therapist’s experience and training, and other factors. Prices in Namibia tend toward the lower end of that range compared with other countries, but still: therapy is expensive! And if you’re covered by your health insurance plan (which many people in Namibia are), it doesn’t matter how much each session costs; your insurance company will cover all or most of your costs as long as it deems them “medically necessary.”