Mental Health Psychiatric Services: How Much Does A Psychiatrist Cost?
Whether you’re seeking mental health services for a mental health condition or are trying to find the best care for your loved one, you may be wondering how much you can expect to pay for certain care and services. The mental health world involves a variety of professionals, one of whom is a psychiatrist. Below, we’re going to cover what type of care psychiatrists provide and answer the question "How much does a psychiatrist cost?"
What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a healthcare provider who is both a medical doctor and a mental health professional. They have the same foundational medical training as a general practitioner but chose psychiatry as their specialty. Psychiatrists focus on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Roles of psychiatrists
While psychologists can also diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, they cannot prescribe medications in most states in the US.
Why would an individual choose psychiatrists for mental health care?
Those struggling with mental health concerns may be referred to inpatient or outpatient mental health services, where a psychiatrist can assess symptoms and potentially diagnose an underlying medical condition. In addition to challenges associated with mental health, problems related to your physical well-being can arise from a mental or behavioral disorder. Because of their training and expertise, psychiatrists can assess and treat both mental and physical health concerns, though they may work with other physicians to address the latter.
After a psychiatric evaluation, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication, and they may refer you to a therapist or psychologist if they believe therapy will be helpful. They can work with you to create a comprehensive plan for treatment and recovery.
Psychiatric care may be appropriate for any number of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and behavioral disorders. They may also address physical symptoms related to these conditions.
Different mental illnesses often require different treatment plans. After a psychiatrist completes psychological testing and diagnoses a mental illness, they may help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which includes medication, psychotherapy, or a combination approach. Medication may not be effective or preferred by every client. In some cases, a psychiatrist may refer the patient’s care to another licensed mental health professional.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
How much does a psychiatrist cost?
If you’ve decided to pursue psychiatric services, you may be wondering, How much does a psychiatrist cost?
How much does a psychiatrist cost? Factors affecting psychiatric services fees
The cost of working with a psychiatrist can depend on where you live, your insurance, and your treatment requirements. In addition to an appointment fee, you may also be asked to pay for specific types of treatments, tests, or lab work. The average psychiatrist cost without insurance generally falls somewhere between $100 and $300 per appointment. You may pay up to $500 for the initial consultation and roughly $100 an hour thereafter for follow-ups. This fee involves the out-of-pocket costs without insurance.
To work with a psychiatrist, call them beforehand and talk with their staff to figure out what your costs could be, including any tests you might benefit from. In some cases, a psychiatrist may work with you to make your visits more affordable. Speaking to your doctor ahead of time can also help you identify potential cost-saving treatment alternatives and develop a payment plan. If you’re well-prepared, you might find ways to save.
How much does a psychiatrist cost? Benefits of insurance for psychiatric services
When you decide to visit a psychiatrist, consider the time and education they put into obtaining their professional license. Most psychiatrists spend four years completing a bachelor's degree, four years in medical school, and four years in a residency program. For that reason, care is often not cheap. However, you can find ways to make visiting a psychiatrist more affordable.
Use your health insurance for a psychiatrist
If you have health insurance, check to see if your coverage includes a form of mental health coverage. Your insurance may require you to get a doctor’s referral for treatment from a psychiatrist. Referral costs are a common part of the healthcare continuum in the US. In addition, your plan may only cover a certain number of visits per year, and certain psychiatrists may not be covered under your plan.
If your health insurance plan covers psychiatric visits, ensure the psychiatrist you choose is in your insurance network before scheduling an appointment. If you need help finding an in-network psychiatrist, you can contact your insurance provider.
Ask about sliding scale fees if your insurance does not cover mental health care
Not all health insurance plans cover psychiatric treatment. If your insurance coverage does not offer robust mental health care coverage, there are other options you can take to meet with a psychiatrist.
Some community mental health clinics and the occasional psychiatrist may offer sliding scale fees. In these plans, the amount you are charged depends on your income. Those with a higher income may pay a higher fee, and those with a lower income may pay a lower fee. If you’re worried that your income may not be adequate to afford services, ask your doctor about this option.
Look for reduced-cost mental health services in your area
In some places, there are clinics that operate at an overall reduced cost so that people with low incomes or no insurance can afford their services. Though they may offer low-cost appointments, you might have to wait to get on their schedule.
How you can save on your prescription fees
If your treatment plan includes a prescription, you may be able to cut costs. Some people opt for less expensive generic versions of name-brand medications. If you’re interested in opting for a generic version, talk to your doctor and pharmacist.
Sites like GoodRx may show you how much your medication will cost at different area pharmacies so that you can compare costs and select options. They might also offer prescription discounts that aren’t connected to your insurance.
Consider working with other mental health professionals
While you may work with a psychiatrist to diagnose your condition and potentially receive prescription medication, you can also consider working with other professionals after you receive your treatment plan. For example, if you’re living with a behavioral disorder like ADHD, a psychiatric nurse practitioner may provide more affordable—though no less comprehensive—services than a psychiatrist.
Some psychiatrists might refer you to other mental healthcare providers and collaborate with them by continuing to prescribe medication and discuss your treatment plan. If psychotherapy is part of the plan, you may explore working with a licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, or other appropriately trained professional. You can also explore online options to find a more affordable option.
Support options
Working through a mental health challenge and living with mental illness can be challenging. Help is out there, even if it takes some time to find a treatment option that’s right for you. While working with a psychiatrist can be helpful, it’s not the only way to treat or manage mental illness. Online therapy could be a valuable option if the hassle of or cost of attending in-person appointments prohibits you from receiving support.
Research suggests that online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be as effective as in-person therapy for managing symptoms of depression. Additional studies suggest that therapy combined with medication is often a more effective treatment method for anxiety and depressive disorders than medication alone.
Takeaway
Do you need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
No, you don’t necessarily need a referral for a psychiatrist appointment. If you’re having mental health problems such as anxiety, eating disorders, or substance abuse concerns, you can often schedule a psychiatrist visit directly, you don’t need a referral. However, some people do receive referrals from their primary care doctors before their first appointment when mental health challenges are discovered during routine visits or checkups.
Even if you don’t need a referral, it can still help, especially if you want to see a psychiatrist in-network instead of paying out-of-network costs. Coverage rules often vary depending on your insurance company, the psychiatrist’s availability, and whether you're booking psychological testing, lab tests, or medication management.
Many psychiatrists suggest calling your insurance provider before your first appointment to check if services are covered or billed under a flat fee. Knowing this in advance can have a major impact on your care plan and help avoid surprise costs.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication on the first visit?
Yes. A psychiatrist is a licensed medical professional trained in psychiatry who can prescribe medication. During your first appointment or psychiatrist visit, they may recommend treatment if they believe it’s appropriate. This could include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or other medications based on your symptoms.
Some in-network providers may prescribe medication right away, while others might wait until a second psychiatrist appointment, depending on the situation. Factors like your diagnosis, history of substance abuse, and other factors could influence the decision.
Costs may also vary depending on your insurance company and the provider’s location. Your provider can explain what medications typically cost with or without coverage.
What medications do psychiatrists prescribe for anxiety?
Psychiatrists and medical professionals prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications to treat anxiety and its related conditions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed medications for anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are another example of a class of medications prescribed to treat anxiety and depression. These medications can change how serotonin is absorbed or in what concentrations it exists in the brain.
These medications may be discussed during your psychiatrist appointment or psychiatrist visit, often starting at your first or second appointment, depending on your needs. In some cases, mood stabilizers may also be considered, especially if anxiety is linked to other symptoms. Working with in-network providers may help reduce the cost of treatment and follow-up appointments.
What would you see a psychiatrist for?
People visit psychiatrists for various challenges with moderate to severe mental illness and symptoms of stress or sleep disorders. A psychiatrist appointment is often scheduled when these symptoms persist or interfere with daily functioning. Your first psychiatrist visit may involve an evaluation, discussion of symptoms, and possible diagnosis.
Psychiatrists prescribe medication for clients and make referrals for counseling and therapy as an extension of treatment.
What happens at your first psychiatrist appointment?
When you visit your psychiatric provider for the first time, they may provide psychiatric support and advice in the form of a treatment plan. Your treatment plan outlines what methods, medications, and psychotherapy techniques are used during the course of mental health treatment.
What does a psychiatrist do for anxiety?
When you visit a psychiatrist for anxiety, you may receive a diagnosis, a recommendation for psychotherapy services, and medication if your condition is moderate or severe. Your psychiatrist may recommend therapy sessions with a licensed provider to mitigate anxiety symptoms.
What happens during a psychological evaluation?
During a psychological evaluation, your mental health provider may ask you a series of questions about your history. Based on how you answer the questions about your life, history, experiences, and events, your provider can make an assessment or diagnosis.
Can a psychiatrist diagnose?
Yes. A psychiatrist is a licensed medical professional, like a primary care physician, who can diagnose and treat mental illness and other mental health-related issues. A psychiatrist is also licensed to write prescriptions for mental health medications.
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