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How to Pay for Mental Health Treatment: Your Options

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You can pay for mental health services in several ways, including insurance coverage, private pay with payment plans, sliding-scale clinics, and employer-sourced resources. Learn about what’s available and the options at BlueCrest Counseling.

Key Takeaways

  • Cost can be a barrier for people seeking mental health services, but options are available.
  • Many people use insurance to cover treatment. If you are considering this option, think about in-network vs. out-of-network coverage, deductibles, co-pays, authorizations, and limits.
  • Other options include payment plans, employer resources, sliding scale and low-cost clinics, and telehealth.
  • You can also look into prescription assistance programs to save money on medications.

Table of Contents

Introduction

For many people, cost is one of the biggest factors in deciding whether to start mental health treatment. In fact, it’s the second most common reason U.S. adults cite for not seeking care, according to SAMHSA’s most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health. But it doesn’t have to be the reason you wait, because there are plenty of options, including insurance, sliding-scale therapy, employer benefits, and free community resources.

Piggy bank and calculator signifying how to pay for mental health treatment

Learn more about how you can afford the services you require.

What Does Health Insurance Cover for Mental Health Treatment?

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requires most group plans and insurers to offer substance use disorder and mental health benefits on terms no more restrictive than medical or surgical benefits in terms of co-pays, deductibles, and limits. However, plans vary.

The biggest factor is whether your provider is in-network or out of network. In-network providers usually cost less than out-of-network providers because they generally honor your full benefits. With an out-of-network provider, benefits may be limited or unavailable.

Some insurance companies also require a referral before you can see a mental health specialist, so it’s worth checking your plan’s requirements before scheduling an appointment.

You should also consider:

  • Deductibles: The amount you’ll pay each year before insurance starts kicking in.
  • Co-pays/Co-insurance: Co-pays are a flat fee you pay for each session. With co-insurance, this is figured as a percentage of the total cost.
  • Limits: These can refer to the number of visits covered each year or annual or lifetime dollar caps.

If you have a plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, mental health and substance use treatment is required coverage — it’s one of ten “essential health benefits” every Marketplace plan must include, and the same parity protections apply. Coverage details still vary by plan and network, so review your specific benefits.

Reputable centers, like BlueCrest Counseling, offer insurance verifications before you start treatment, so you know what’s covered. We recommend starting your journey with this initial consultation.

What Payment Plans and Financing Options Are Available?

Your provider or a third party may offer payment plans for mental health treatment.

Many treatment centers that accept private payments, like BlueCrest Counseling, offer installment plans so you can spread payments out over time and make them more affordable. If your treatment center does not offer this option, you can work with a third-party provider for a similar service. These providers generally offer a limited-time, interest-free period, but interest applies if payments go beyond it, so budget accordingly.

What Mental Health Resources Does Your Employer Offer?

Your employer may also offer benefits that help cover mental health costs. In fact, 82% of U.S. businesses now offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), according to SHRM, yet many employees never use this free benefit. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential benefit that typically includes a set number of short-term counseling sessions. Check with HR to see if yours offers one.

You may also have access to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which lets you set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck for eligible medical expenses, including therapy. FSA funds generally don’t roll over year to year, though some employers offer a grace period or limited carryover.

If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, you may also be eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA), either through payroll deduction or direct contribution. Unlike an FSA, HSA funds roll over indefinitely and aren’t tied to a specific employer.

Are There Sliding Scale or Low-Cost Treatment Options?

If you don’t have insurance, or your insurance is not sufficient to cover costs, you may look into low-cost and sliding scale options, including community mental health treatment centers, sliding scale therapists, university training clinics, and nonprofit and religious organizations.

  • Sliding Scale Options: Federally Qualified Health Centers offer mental health care based on what patients can pay. Sliding scale fees adjust therapy costs based on patient income and family size.
  • University Training Clinics: Universities often offer low-cost services provided by students who need experience.
  • Nonprofit and Religious Organizations: Churches and nonprofit organizations may offer free or donation-based services.

Where Can You Find Free Mental Health Resources?

Therapy is a primary component of mental health treatment

Free mental health resources are available through SAMHSA’s helpline/locator and support groups.

While the SAMHSA helpline does not provide direct behavioral health treatment, it does provide referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations based on your situation and location. It also gives information about mental health and substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery.

Support groups, like AA and NA, are also great resources for aftercare and individuals who don’t require high-intensity treatment. BlueCrest can make recommendations as part of aftercare planning.

Is Telehealth More Affordable Than In-Person Care for Mental Health Challenges?

Teletherapy is available and can be more affordable than in-person care. Mental health providers who offer this service tend to charge less because they can operate from home or a co-op space, with reduced overhead costs passed on to the client. Clients also save money because they don’t need to commute or take days off work to arrange care.

How Can You Afford Prescription Medications for Mental Health Treatment?

Some individuals with mental health conditions may require prescription drugs, which can be more affordable through prescription assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies for financial needs. Programs often require a doctor’s consent and proof of financial status. To find out more, visit RX Assist, which offers a directory of prescription assistance programs.

BlueCrest Makes Mental Health Support More Accessible

At BlueCrest, we believe everyone should get the support they require. We strive to make mental healthcare more accessible through insurance verifications and payment plans. Our team works with most major insurance providers, increasing the odds we can work with your benefits.

Contact us to learn more about our behavioral health services and find out how we can help you achieve a higher quality of life.

FAQs

Does insurance cover mental health treatment?

Most health insurance plans, including employer-sponsored plans and ACA Marketplace plans, must cover mental health treatment under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and, for Marketplace plans, the ACA’s essential health benefits requirement. Coverage details, including copays, deductibles, and visit limits, vary by plan, so verify your specific benefits.

Do I need a referral to see a mental health specialist?

Whether you need to get a referral from a mental health professional depends on your insurance plan. Some insurance companies require a referral from a primary care provider before covering visits with a mental health specialist. Check with your insurer directly to confirm your plan’s requirements.

What’s the difference between in-network and out-of-network mental health providers?

In-network providers have an agreement with your insurance company and typically cost you less, with your full benefits applying. Out-of-network providers haven’t agreed to your insurer’s rates, so your benefits may be limited or, in some cases, unavailable.

Are prescription medications for mental health treatment covered separately from therapy?

Yes, prescription drug coverage is typically separate from therapy session costs. If cost is a concern, options like patient assistance programs, prescription discount cards, and generic alternatives can help lower what you pay out of pocket.

Does BlueCrest Counseling accept insurance?

BlueCrest Counseling accepts most major insurance providers. We recommend starting with an insurance verification so you know exactly what your plan covers before beginning treatment.

Sources

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BlueCrest Counseling

BlueCrest Counseling provides outpatient addiction and mental health services in New Jersey, offering personalized care through therapy, IOP, and recovery support.

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