Mental Health Care: 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. A psychiatric appointment is one option for those who are seeking mental health care, but when should you choose psychiatry visits for your current symptoms or behavioral problems over another provider?
Are you thinking about booking a psychiatry appointment? Below, we’re going to cover what type of care psychiatrists provide, including prescribing psychiatric medications, 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.
Psychiatrist roles
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.
Common Reasons for Seeing a Psychiatrist
People can choose to see a psychiatrist for various reasons. In some cases, it can depend on the severity of current symptoms. A psychiatrist can be an effective option for people who are learning to manage chronic conditions, mental disorders, or behavioral problems, like bipolar disorder or a personality disorder. They can offer long-term support in sessions as well as other forms of treatment, like medication.
The Role of Psychiatrists vs. Other Providers
The primary difference between psychiatrists and other providers is that psychiatrists are trained as medical doctors, which enables them to help their patients manage complex and chronic conditions with therapy and other services, like medication management.
Other therapy providers, like therapists and licensed counselors, can be considered mental health specialists, capable of working in private practice or community clinics and helping clients manage psychological and behavior problems using psychotherapy. A notable difference is that only a psychiatrist and some mental health nurse practitioners can prescribe medication.
What to Expect at Your First Psychiatry Appointment
What happens during our first psychiatric appointment will depend on your situation. They will likely perform a complete mental and behavioral assessment and discuss the extent of your current symptoms to help them decide on a diagnosis. This will help them determine whether you can benefit from psychiatric medications and how often you will need follow-up visits after your initial psychiatry appointment.
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
- Behavioral disorders
Psychiatrists may also address physical symptoms related to these conditions, and they can often change a medication if a person has side effects.
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 fees
The cost of working with a psychiatrist can depend on:
- Where you live
- Your insurance
- 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. Will insurance cover your sessions and follow-up visits? Most insurance plans may, but it can be best to contact your insurance company directly to find out about the details of your coverage.
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 in private practice may work with you to make your visits more affordable by offering online psychiatry services or a shorter session length. 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.
Therapy with insurance, $19 average co-pay*
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers so you can access therapy affordably. Insured members pay an average co-pay of around $19 per session.
Find a covered therapist*Average co-pay based on insured BetterHelp members. Actual costs vary by plan, provider, and therapist availability.
Cost Differences Between In-Person and Online Psychiatry
Online psychiatry may be one way to find more affordable care. Online psychiatry services may not have as many costs for the provider as holding in-person sessions; for example, online psychiatrists may not have as many overhead costs, like office rental or paying staff, and they may be able to pass the savings on to their patients. Other options for affordable care and other services can include community clinics and online platforms. If you need immediate support, contact a crisis lifeline.
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.
Using 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 mental health care isn’t covered by insurance
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.
Find 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.
Affordable Psychiatry Options Without Insurance
What does your insurance cover? It can depend on the policy. While most insurance plans may cover psychiatric care, it can be beneficial to contact your insurance company directly to ensure that they cover this level of mental health care and other services. In addition, some community clinics may offer affordable care, and you can contact a crisis lifeline in an emergency.
Affordable therapy that fits your budget
Get started with a licensed therapist for just $70–$100 per week, billed weekly or monthly.
Get startedPricing is based on factors such as location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
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.
Work 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
If you’re trying to find affordable care with a psychiatrist that suits your needs, you can start by seeking out a local private practice who is accepting new clients or look into a provider who offers online psychiatry services. Online psychiatrists may offer accessible mental health care that’s more affordable, and online psychiatry visits can be a more convenient way for many people to find support.
Many providers with online platform BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers. In many states, these therapists may be in-network with certain insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and availability, with covered sessions costing on average around $19 per session. Check with your insurance company or visit the BetterHelp website to determine in-network status. Individuals who aren’t covered can use BetterHelp's flexible subscription model to receive quality care for about $70-$100 per week.
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. With BetterHelp, you can participate in therapy in a way that feels right for you, such as:
- Audio
- Video
- Live chat
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchResearch 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, and does it affect cost?
You may need a referral if you plan to use insurance to pay for a psychiatrist’s services. However, you typically don’t need a referral if you plan to pay out-of-pocket.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication at the first appointment?
Yes, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication during the first appointment, but they may prefer to get to know the patient better before prescribing anything. The decision to prescribe medication may depend on a person’s specific symptoms, their duration, and other medications they may be taking.
What medications do psychiatrists commonly prescribe for anxiety?
For people experiencing anxiety, psychiatrists may prescribe anti-depressants, beta blockers, or benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, alprazolam, or lorazepam. The right medication may depend on a person’s symptoms, current medications, and previous response to various medications.
What happens during your first psychiatrist appointment?
During your first psychiatrist appointment, the psychiatrist will likely ask you about the reason for your visit as well as your medical and mental health history, as well as that of your family. You can also ask questions about the treatment process during your first appointment.
Do psychiatrists diagnose mental health conditions?
Yes, psychiatrists can diagnose and treat mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
How much does it cost to see a psychiatrist without insurance?
Seeing a psychiatrist may cost approximately $100 to $300 per appointment. Some psychiatrists may charge $500 for the first consultation and then $100 per hour thereafter.
How long does a psychiatric assessment take, and does evaluation length affect the price?
A psychiatric assessment typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes. In general, the length of an evaluation shouldn’t affect price, as most psychiatrists have a set price.
How much does a full ADHD evaluation cost, and is it covered by insurance?
An ADHD evaluation may cost from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Coverage may depend on your specific insurance plan. It may be worth asking specifically what types of ADHD evaluation services are covered by your plan.
How much do psychiatric medications—such as ADHD or anxiety medications—typically cost?
The cost of psychiatric medications can depend on insurance coverage and the specific medication prescribed. For example, atomoxetine may cost more than $300 for 30 tablets, whereas dextroamphetamine and amphetamine may cost approximately $40 for 30 tablets. You might be able to save by asking about prices in several pharmacies and by using FSA/HSA cards to pay for medication.
Is psychiatric care worth the cost, and how can you reduce out-of-pocket expenses?
Psychiatric care can be worth the cost if it improves your daily mental well-being and if it keeps you from needing hospitalization, which can be costly depending on insurance coverage. You might reduce out-of-pocket expenses by staying within network (if you have insurance) and by using FSA/HSA cards if possible.
- Previous Article
- Next Article