What is the price range for Psychiatrists?

I guess It’s more, the insurance won’t talk to me.

Probably depends on location, but I believe it’s around $500 for the initial consult, and $200—$300 each additional appointment.

A lot of psychologists and therapists charge on a sliding scale depending on your income. I don’t know if you work or not, but google the type of doctor you want, sliding scale, area. Read reviews to see if the doctor gets the same bad reviews and toss that one out.

@product If that’s the case then nevermind lol I am not making an appointment.

@chyna Ok I will try. I hate how hard this whole thing is like yeah, I know I have to put in work but this is so complicated and stupid.

I have had bad luck with therapists and I wonder if it’s worth trying again. This would be my 5th one.

After covid many started working online now. They may be cheaper.

Years ago, a friend of mine went to see a therapist. It took a lot of strength for her to do so, but she did. The therapist gave her a 100 question questionnaire and asked her to take it home and fill it out and come back with it. So the next appointment, the “therapist”
Gave her ANOTHER 100 question questionnaire and said fill this out and come back. My friend said, but I’ve already filled it out. Therapist says, but this is different questions. Obviously the therapist couldn’t be bothered by asking the questions herself.
My friend went through several before she found the right one. It happens. If the first 5 didn’t work for you, find another. And good luck! Hugs.

Thank you.

Yes, COVID moved things online but I can’t do online therapy. Not my thing.

@SergeantQueen The range varies so much from region to region, I think @product‘s numbers may be high for where you live.

Maybe you should trying calling one of the mental health hotlines like NAMI’s and see if you can get some guidance there.

NAMI is good and my friend is going to talk to someone from the Women’s center

When I went, my insurance paid for the first 10 sessions. After that, it was $150 an hour.

Prices vary, and as mentioned, some will do some free pro bono sessions for people without insurance who can’t afford it.

I was able to get such a session once by calling a suicide help line, even though I was calling about someone else who was suicidal.

You could also try calling your parent’s insurance company and explaining your situation and asking if there is a way to get seen for such an issue without having to reveal your situation to your parents. Some companies may be sensitive enough to provide a way for you to do that.

I used to pay $40 cash here. Local therapist that I went to a few times when I first moved here. You probably will need a psychiatrist too, not just a therapist.

Lots of good suggestions above. As @chyna said, many therapists will do a sliding scale based on income. Nami is good. Suicide hotline is good.

If you are covered for mental health through your health insurance there should be an 800 number for you to call. I don’t think your parents need to do it. Some insurance covers the first few sessions completely or a small copay.

Why won’t your parents let you call insurance?

There may be a clinic in your area that has reduced rates. You can also call your local Social Services office or local Department of Community Mental Health and they may have referrals. As for places that do a sliding scale or take cash for people who don’t have insurance. The price for you is going to be different than the price for someone who has insurance, and where the payments are billed through insurance.

Several insurance plans offer a few sessions at no charge or reduced charge, but if you don’t have access to that information, that’s not helpful.
So I have to ask, your parents know you’ve attempted suicide several times and are depressed and are not being helpful?

Some are in network, some are not, so I would think they’d want to at least find out which specialists are in network to reduce the overall costs. It’s for your benefit and their own, so that doesn’t make sense to me.
And if that’s the case and they are unhelpful in your time of need, I’m so sorry you got them for parents.

When I went at least a decade ago, I was told it was covered but then had to pay $400 cash for a one hour session here in Missouri with a horrible man who didn’t seem to care one bit. So it’s not cheap.

A psychiatrist is an M.D., which I’m sure you know. I think some of the answers you’ve gotten here were referring to a therapist, like JLeslie. It can be quite pricey, as I’m sure you also know. What you may not know is that people usually only see a psychiatrist once or twice, and it’s usually only for a diagnosis and medications, so it’s not an ongoing bill.

It sounds like your parents aren’t easy to talk to. I’d ask them about insurance, and if they want to know why, simply tell them you’re having some problems. If they insist on knowing, repeat your answer and stick to that, don’t add to it. If they keep bugging you, keep repeating your answer. “I’m having some problems that I need help with, and I think I need medication.” They can only argue with you for so long if you keep saying the same thing. Be strong.

If they still won’t help you, or you don’t even want to deal with them, call your county mental health agency. They will likely have a reduced fee scale, or even free for some cases. You can do this. I know it’s hard, and it’s even harder because of whatever illness or problems you have. But we have faith in you. You can get help for yourself, and you deserve every bit of it!

I, too, hate relying on people. Honestly. It’s hard to do, but sometimes we have to.

I’m back to asking why your parents won’t want to use their insurance. I just want to make sure you and your parents are not assuming incorrectly the mental health insurance or services through an employer you might have available to you. I was the dependent on my husband’s insurance, but I didn’t need him to call for help or coverage.

@smudges I think ideally she needs both a therapist and psychiatrist. That’s what I was saying above, I might not have worded it well. Just giving her medication seems insufficient when she is going through such a bad time.

That’s why I suggested inpatient, they would be able to give her all of that, plus run some blood tests, make sure her thyroid is ok, I want her to have more comprehensive care for her immediate needs. At least an evaluation.

@JLeslie I agree. I just thought you had misunderstood. ;)

@smudges No worries, I’m glad you mentioned it so I could clarify.

There are usually a lot of good resources out there, not necessarily a psychiatrist, though. I would try to get a referral through your doctor’s office. They can most likely connect you with someone who will take your insurance.

If that doesn’t work, there are often free or cheap counselors available through your local office of social services.

It is more so my parents being in denial/not thinking I need help.

@SergeantQueen Do you have your insurance card? Have you tried calling the 800 number, and just tell the truth. Say you have a history of depression and attempted suicide and being impulsive and are going through a very bad time and want to know what services are available. Let them tell you what your insurance provides. Your parents might not be aware of all of the services.

You’re parents keep the card?

yes