Taking care of yourself can be difficult when you do not have insurance. While some things can be safe to put off because of cost, psychiatric care is one thing that never should be. 

Psychiatrist appointments can add up, but if you need them, this is something you have to workaround. Psychiatrists are qualified to help people with mental health issues. If you believe you require this care, it is best not to avoid it because of expenses.

What does a psychiatrist do?

Psychiatrists work with people who have mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. According to WebMD, psychiatrists focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Psychiatrists are considered medical doctors. For most people, it takes 12 years to become a practicing psychiatrist. They must earn a bachelor’s degree, complete four years of medical school, and four years in a psychiatry residency. Once they have their psychiatric board certification, they can help people with their mental health and perform procedures. 

Psychiatrists are different from psychologists. Psychologists provide counseling and do not provide medication to their patients. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication when they believe it is necessary. A psychologist can help you talk about issues in your life. However, to fully understand your mental health, you will want to arrange a consultation with a psychiatrist. 

Why would someone visit a psychiatrist?

If someone believes they have a mental illness, they must be properly diagnosed. They may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, trouble concentrating, among other things. To receive a diagnosis, they need to visit a psychiatrist. If you have been having issues with your mental health, seeing a psychiatrist is a vital step in diagnosing and treating them.

According to WebMD, mental illnesses include:

  • Schizophrenia
  • Other psychotic disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Eating disorders
  • Sleep disorders
  • Sexual dysfunctions
  • Gender dysphoria
  • Addiction
  • Personality disorders

According to WebMD, one or more of these treatments could be used by a psychiatrist:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Medication
  • Light therapy
  • Brain stimulation therapies
    • Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
    • Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
    • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

A psychiatrist may prescribe medications including: 

  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Stimulants
  • Hypnotics
  • Sedatives
  • Anxiolytics
  • Mood stabilizers

There are other mental illnesses, treatments, and medications not listed above. Mental health is a delicate issue. That is why it is vital that people who have been struggling visit a psychiatrist. 

How much does it cost to visit a psychiatrist without insurance?

The Affordable Care Act requires mental and behavioral health services to be covered by health plans. Unfortunately, even though this care is considered essential, this coverage can still be limited. Those who do not have insurance have to take on the cost of a psychiatrist on their own.

Visiting a psychiatrist tends to cost more than seeing a psychologist. According to Electronic Health Reporter, the first visit with a psychiatrist will cost anywhere from $300 to $500. When a patient is evaluated for the first time, it will likely require extensive psychological testing. It may even require blood work.

Cost of treatment can depend on:

  • Where you live
  • The location of the practice
  • The psychiatrist you choose (they may have a specialization, extra training, or have been practicing for many years)
  • Bloodwork and other tests
  • Treatment
  • Medication
  • The number of sessions scheduled
  • If the consultation is virtual or in-person

After the initial visit, each session will cost between $100 to $200 per hour. Without insurance, you will have to pay for all of this out of pocket. 

Be ready to pay the higher cost of $500. The initial cost tends to be the most expensive aspect of visiting a psychiatrist. It is best to set aside a few hundred dollars for the following few sessions as well. Do not let money hold you back if you believe you would benefit from visiting a psychiatrist. There are ways around it.

How to find an affordable psychiatrist when you do not have insurance? 

The price of care should never hold someone back from seeking help. Psychiatric care can add up. Psychiatrists tend to charge more than other mental health care professionals. Thankfully there are ways to lower the cost. 

  • Find a provider that uses sliding-scale rates: Some private practices offer sliding-scale rates. According to Investopedia, this means that fees are adjusted based on a person’s income. If your income is low, you will be asked to pay less than you would be if your income was high. Psychiatrists that use sliding scales understand the importance of providing mental health care to anyone that needs it, so they only require you to pay what you can afford.
  • Check out reduced-cost clinics: There are many reduced-cost clinics out there. It is possible to find a clinic that is free as well. The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics has over 1,400 locations throughout the United States. These free and charitable clinics can be searched by location so you can see if there is one near you.
  • Try online therapy: While therapy is a little different than receiving full psychiatric care, it can help. There are many low-cost therapy options available online. BetterHelp is a popular option that offers therapy services to individuals, couples, and teens. Here you are matched with a therapist based on your unique needs and preferences. At BetterHelp, you pay for a membership that costs somewhere between $60 to $90 a week. They bill patients once a month, and it is free to cancel at any time. Another popular option is Talkspace. 
  • Take advantage of helpful resources available online: There are many resources out there to help you find a psychiatrist based on your unique goals and what you can afford.
    • HelpWhenYouNeedIt can connect you with more than 350,000 listings nationwide, including local mental health and substance use treatment. They can also connect you with free clinics.
    • SAMHSA Treatment Locator also provides referrals of the various treatment facilities. You can search these based on the cost of treatment.
    • Find more helpful resources here. 
  • Use your HSA or FSA: You should be able to use funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) if you have one. An HSA belongs to the patient and is similar to a regular savings account, but the money is there for health care expenses. An FSA is handy too but they are owned by your employer. If you happen to have one or the other, it may come in handy when seeking psychiatric care.

You should also check with your employer to see if they offer any assistance. Some employers understand the importance of providing access to mental health services through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

If you have graduated high school and are continuing your education, your college or university may provide free sessions with a psychiatrist or psychologist.  

The importance of seeking care can not go underestimated. If you are concerned about your mental health, you should not avoid care based on money. Of course, it can be challenging to take on the expenses of this care, but you must try. If you think you may have depression or anxiety, it really should not wait. 

There are many ways to help with the cost, and you may even be able to receive care for free without insurance. Keep an open mind and make sure you take care of yourself.