Affordable Mental Health Support is Closer Than You Think
Feb 14, 2025
/assets/images/provider/photos/2777368.png)
Think mental healthcare is too expensive? It’s more affordable than you think. This guide breaks down real costs for therapy, meds, Spravato, and TMS, plus how insurance, FAMLI paid leave, and financial help can make treatment possible.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, you might be wondering: Can I even afford to get help? Many people assume therapy, medication, or advanced treatments like Spravato and TMS are too expensive. The truth is, affordable mental health support costs less than you think, especially with insurance, financial assistance, and programs like FAMLI paid leave.
In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs of mental health care, explain how insurance works, and show you how to take advantage of affordable mental health support.
How Much Does Mental Health Treatment Cost?
The cost of treatment depends on the type of care you need and whether you have insurance. Here’s a general breakdown:
Therapy & Psychiatry Appointments
- With insurance: $0–$50 per session (copays depend on your plan).
- Without insurance: $150–$300 per session (some providers offer sliding scale fees based on income).
Medication Management
- Generic antidepressants: $5–$30 per month with insurance.
- Name-brand medications: Costs vary, but many drug companies offer savings programs to reduce prices.
Advanced Treatments for Depression
If traditional antidepressants don’t work for you, advanced treatments like Spravato (esketamine) or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) might be an option.
Spravato (Esketamine): A nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression.
-
- Covered by most insurance plans.
- After insurance, many patients pay $10–$50 per session with co-pay assistance.
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): A non-medication treatment using gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain.
-
- Covered by insurance after trying other treatments.
- Many patients pay $0–$20 per session after coverage.
How Can You Afford Mental Health Care?
If you’re worried about cost, you’re not alone. The good news is there are several ways to make mental healthcare affordable:
1. Insurance Covers More Than You Think
Most insurance plans cover therapy, psychiatric care, medications, and advanced treatments like Spravato and TMS. In Colorado, parity laws require insurance companies to provide the same level of care for mental health as they do for physical health. Even if you have a deductible, you might pay much less than you expect. While prior authorizations are required for some treatments, we handle all prior authorizations for you, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork.
2. Paid Leave Through FAMLI
Did you know you can take paid time off for mental health treatment? Colorado’s FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) program allows workers to take paid leave for serious health conditions like depression or burnout (which can be signaling dysthymia or high-functioning depression)
Here’s how it works:
- You are diagnosed with a qualifying condition based on your symptoms and agree to treatment.
- You can receive up to 90% of your weekly paycheck while getting treatment. Leave can be full-time, part-time or intermittent up to 3-6 months.
- You don’t have to quit your job or go unpaid to get help.
FAMLI is a game-changer for people who need time to focus on their mental health without losing income.
3. Financial Assistance & Payment Plans
Many clinics offer flexible payment plans or financial assistance to help reduce costs. Some pharmaceutical companies also provide discount programs for medications like Spravato.
4. The Cost of Not Getting Help
While it’s normal to worry about money, it’s also important to think about the cost of not getting help. When depression and anxiety go untreated, they can impact your:
- Work Performance – Making it harder to focus, be productive, or advance in your career.
- Relationships – Straining connections with family, friends, and partners.
- Physical Health – Leading to fatigue, headaches, or other health issues.
- Overall Well-Being – Affecting your ability to enjoy life and do the things you love.
When you invest in your mental health, you’re investing in a better, healthier future for yourself.
Understanding Insurance: A Simple Glossary
If insurance terms confuse you, you’re not alone! Here are some common terms explained simply:
Copay – A set amount you pay for each doctor visit or treatment. If your copay is $30, that’s all you owe per visit, while insurance covers the rest.
Deductible – The amount you must pay before your insurance starts covering costs. If your deductible is $1,000, you pay that first, then insurance takes over.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum – The most you’ll ever have to pay in a year for healthcare. Once you hit this limit, insurance covers everything for the rest of the year.
Prior Authorization – A process where your insurance company approves certain treatments before they cover them. Our team handles this for you.
Co-Insurance – Instead of a flat fee, this is a percentage you pay. If your co-insurance is 20%, you pay 20% of a treatment’s cost, and insurance covers 80%.
FAMLI Leave – A program in Colorado that provides paid time off for serious health conditions, including mental health treatment.
You Can Afford to Get Better
Mental health care is more affordable than many people realize. With insurance, paid leave, financial assistance, and flexible payment options, you don’t have to choose between your health and your finances.
If you’ve been putting off care because of cost, let’s talk. We can walk you through your insurance benefits, financial assistance options, and how to get the treatment you need. You can even download our ratecard for a quick overview of treatment options and costs.
Your mental health is worth it. And we’re here to help make it possible.