How much does a psychiatrist cost?
Psychiatrist visits can be costly out-of-network, but there are ways to get affordable care.
Key takeaways
- All health plans in include mental health coverage, so the insurance company should usually help cover at least some of the cost of seeing a psychiatrist.
- A copay for an office visit may cost around $30 but could be as a few hundred or more depending on your insurance.
- Don't forget you'll need to pay for medication, lab tests, and other services if they're part of your treatment plan.
- To find out exactly how much you’ll have to pay, look at your plans' mental health benefits or speak with your plan’s member services for details.
Dealing with a mental health condition can be stressful, and worrying about how to pay for treatment can make it even more stressful.
Luckily, psychiatric care can be much more affordable if you have health insurance. Insurance plans are designed to help cover your health care costs, including mental health care from professionals like psychiatrists and therapists. Whether you're seeking psychiatric care for the first time or just trying to understand your insurance coverage better, getting familiar with your benefits can help you save money.
Read on to learn about how much a psychiatrist costs with and without insurance and how to save on mental health care costs.
What will I pay to see a psychiatrist?
If you have insurance, rest assured that your plan will help cover the costs of psychiatric treatment, so getting the mental health care you need doesn’t have to break the bank.
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 stated that insurance companies must provide mental health coverage comparable to the physical health coverage they offer. This ensures that you can get the help you need, both physically and mentally. Medicare and Medicaid also offer mental health benefits and help cover psychiatric services such as initial evaluation, medication management, outpatient care, and inpatient care.
However, the exact amount of money you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket to see a psychiatrist will vary depending on your insurance provider and specific plan. For example, whether or not you have met your deductible for the year can affect how much you have to pay for each psychiatrist appointment. The cost can vary greatly depending on this.
You might have to pay for a certain percentage of the cost while your insurance pays the rest. This is known as coinsurance. Or, you might have a copay for each visit, which is a flat fee that you typically pay at the time of your visit. All of this varies among insurance plans, but mental health service copays typically vary from around $10 to $50, but could be higher depending on your plan.
For reference, the majority of Talkiatry telehealth visits cost patients $30 or less after insurance, but this can vary. Talkiatry is a national psychiatry practice that treats various mental health conditions. We’re in-network with over 60 major insurance carriers, so we can help you have lower treatment costs.
You can check if we accept your insurance with our insurance checker here—and you should also check with your insurance company directly and reference your insurance plan so you know the potential cost of the type of services and care you’re seeking.
Learn more about insurance costs here.
How much does a psychiatrist cost without insurance?
If you are uninsured, you can still see a psychiatrist, but it will likely cost a lot more since you are paying everything out of pocket—the insurance company isn’t shouldering some of the costs.
Typically, the most expensive and longest visit will be the initial evaluation, where the psychiatrist takes your full history and asks about your current symptoms to diagnose you. They will also discuss your treatment options and a plan for going forward. You could pay up to $300- $500 for this visit.
Follow-up visits for medication management can cost you anywhere from $100 to $300. However, it really depends based on the above factors. As a general rule of thumb, psychiatrists with more experience and those who are located in big cities with a high cost of living will charge more.
There is no one set cost for a psychiatrist, but many factors can play into how much a psychiatrist charges.
What affects the cost
- Training
- Years of experience
- Specialties
- Geographic location — costs can vary depending on the market rate for psychiatrists in that area, which can be dependent on the demand in that area
- Whether they’re in private practice or a clinic (typically part of a hospital or academic medical center)
- Specific treatment plan offered
How to save on mental health costs
Mental health costs can certainly add up. There are a few ways to reduce the cost of psychiatric care:
- Understanding your insurance coverage: Remember, your health insurance is required to offer mental health benefits. When you read up on your plan and understand your coverage, you can maximize your benefits. You may be able to spend less than you think on your copay or coinsurance. Call your insurance’s member services phone number if you need help deciphering your mental health benefits.
- Utilize out-of-network benefits: If, for whatever reason, you would prefer to work with a certain psychiatrist who is not in-network with your insurance, you can check if your insurance offers out-of-network benefits. In this case, your insurer may pay for a portion of your psychiatry bill.
- Try online psychiatry: Although the actual cost of the psychiatry visit will likely be the same, telehealth helps you save money in other ways. For example, you won’t have to spend extra money on gas if you typically drive to therapy or public transportation costs if you take a train or bus. Not to mention, you’ll save a bunch of time when you don’t have to commute, as well. (For some people, having to take substantial time away from work might affect their job security and pay.)
- Ask about sliding scales: Some psychiatrists may offer sliding scale fees, which means they adjust their rate based on your income, giving you a more affordable reduced cost. You and your psychiatrist will agree upon a fair fee before you get started with a treatment plan. (This service may not be available with Talkiatry.)
- Ask about payment plans: Some mental health providers, clinics, or practices offer payment plans to help you pay off your treatment costs over time. Ask your psychiatrist if they offer payment plans and how to set one up. (Talkiatry also offers payment plans!)
- Find community clinics: Some cities are home to low-cost community clinics that offer psychiatric services to low-income or uninsured individuals. The price may vary depending on your income. In some cases, you might even get services for free. You can Google your city plus “low-cost mental health clinic” or ask your primary care doctor if they have any recommendations for you.
- Use coupons for prescription medication: Whether or not you’re using insurance, you can often find coupons online to save you money on prescription drugs. Check out sites such as GoodRx or SingleCare to find deals you can use at your local pharmacy.
By saving on mental health costs in these ways and working with a psychiatrist, you’ll be on track to improving your mental health and well-being, changing your life for the better.
FAQs
What mental health conditions do psychiatrists treat?
Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat a very wide variety of mental health conditions, such as:
- Personality disorders
- Substance use disorder
- And more
Does a psychiatrist cost more than a psychologist?
It depends on the situation. A psychiatrist is not always more expensive than a psychologist, especially if you’re using insurance and working with an in-network provider. You may have a general mental health copay that would be the same regardless of the exact type of specialist. However, if you don’t have insurance, a psychiatrist might charge more since they’re a medical professional with more extensive training.
Learn more about psychiatrists vs psychologists.
Is paying for a psychiatrist worth it?
Paying for a psychiatrist is absolutely worth it if you are struggling with your mental health. Psychiatric care is an investment in your mental well-being, both now and in the future. A psychiatrist (or other mental health professionals, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners) can provide treatment options to help you feel better, function more optimally, and improve your overall quality of life.
The information in this article is for education and informational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.
