When researching the possible options for depression treatment, it’s important to look at more than just cost. Sure, every option can come with a different price tag, but what you really need to consider is the long-term cost of each possibility as well as how much time and effort must be invested.
Mood disorders such as depression can be managed both without drugs (such as through transcranial magnetic stimulation) or with medication.
This means you’ll have to weigh your financial situation against your mental health needs before making a decision on what kind of treatments best suits you.
This article will help you take a look at all the options available so you can make the most well rounded decision possible.
Does Getting Diagnosed With Depression Cost Money
While a diagnosis of depression is not free in the United States, there are numerous resources available to those who may not be able to afford it. Many mental health clinics and even some hospitals offer sliding scale fees based on one’s income, making them more accessible for people without insurance or with limited access to
healthcare.
Additionally, there are many online sites offering help and assistance with obtaining a diagnosis for depression. These cyber-consultations can be just as accurate as traditional doctor visits and you don’t necessarily have to leave the comfort of home!
Ultimately, cost should never be a barrier to getting the right diagnosis and understanding what kind of help you need.
Thinking Short Term vs. Long Term:
When it comes to depression, there are pros and cons to thinking in the short-term and
long-term when selecting a treatment. If a sufferer is focused mostly on the short-term, they may be able to alleviate some symptoms quickly and then move on with their day-to-day life. However, they should remember that depression is best treated with long-term therapy or medication management. Long-term plans have greater potential for success while ensuring that depression does not return.
There are options and resources available where depression sufferers can find information on depression treatments and decide which will be most beneficial in both the short and long term.
Comparing The Top 3 Treatments For Depression:
If you’re considering depression treatment, you may be wondering about the cost associated with different options.
There are a variety of treatments available for depression, including talk therapy, medication, and TMS therapy.
Let’s talk a look at each one in terms of time and money when making a decision and compare both short-term and long-term effects on your wallet and overall mental health.
Talk Therapy:
Cost: $120 an hour (on average)
Time: 1 hour sessions, multiple sessions over long periods of time.
Talk therapy is often recommended as a first line of defense against depression. It can be done either one-on-one or in group sessions with a licensed therapist or counselor.
The cost of talk therapy varies depending on the type of insurance coverage you have; some plans cover all or part of the cost while others do not provide any coverage. For those without insurance coverage, session fees range from $50 – $300 per hour depending on the provider’s experience level.
Talk therapy is usually an effective short term option but may require multiple sessions to achieve long term success; thus increasing overall costs over time.
According to a 2017 study on average therapy rates per hour, the results along the east coast were as follows:
State: Average Price Per Hour
Maryland $120
Delaware $111
New Jersey $150
New York $125
Connecticut $120
Washington D.C $150
Pennsylvania $120
Rhode Island $120
Vermont $120
Medication:
Medication is another option for treating depression, but it comes with its own set of financial considerations.
Cost: $20-200 a month depending on insurance
Time: A year or longer
Anti-depressant medications typically range from $20 – $200 per month depending on the type prescribed and whether generic versions are available; however, many insurance plans cover a portion or all of these costs which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
While anti-depressants can be effective for treating depression in the short term, they also carry potential side effects that must be monitored closely by a physician – potentially leading to additional doctor visits and/or lab tests which could result in increased costs over time.
Since your time is valuable, it’s important to know that depression medications often take around 2-3 weeks to begin working.
After your symptoms begin to get better it’s recommended to continue taking them for 4-5 months. Once your depressive symptoms have fully subsided your doctor will likely have you keep taking them for 3-6 months. Overall you may end up on them for nearly a year before you fully reap the benefits.
It’s important to remember that depression medications are meant to be used in tandem with therapy or other forms of treatment – one should never solely rely on medication to get better.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy:
Cost: $10-$70 (with insurance)
Time: Number of sessions will vary per individual
TMS therapy is becoming increasingly popular among depression sufferers due to its cost effectiveness and undeniable results.
But, how much does TMS therapy cost? It costs significantly less than traditional depression treatments, such as antidepressants or therapy sessions, both in terms of price tag and time commitment.
TMS therapy requires much fewer in-person sessions and typically leads to increased success in alleviating depression symptoms quickly, which is the biggest incentive for depression sufferers.
The good news is that many big name insurance companies now offer partial or full coverage for TMS depression treatments. Though the cost of care may vary from provider to provider, it’s safe to say that TMS treatment is a wiser monetary decision when compared to other depression therapies, especially since its effects are long-lasting.
TMS FAQ:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a type of noninvasive therapy used to treat
depression and other mood disorders. TMS works by using electromagnetic fields to stimulate the neurons in the brain, creating this chain reaction which helps manage mental health issues. This breakthrough therapy has been found to be effective in treating PTSD and can offer promising results with its relatively low TMS treatment cost. It’s usually done within an outpatient setting and the frequency of TMS treatments vary depending on the condition. TMS has brought newfound hope for those suffering from mental illness who had yet to find a successful treatment plan.
Put simply, TMS works by using electromagnetic induction to stimulate neurons in the brain. A device is held up against the patient’s skull and a brief electrical current is fired into their brain. This pulse of energy effectively “resets” the neural pathways responsible for mood regulation, enabling people to think more clearly and cope better with psychological challenges such as depression and anxiety.
Research has found that TMS provides great relief to those suffering from severe depression and can even reduce symptoms altogether. Not only this, but it can help eliminate the need for medication and its associated side effects. Furthermore, unlike other treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy, TMS doesn’t result in confusion or memory loss and doesn’t require hospitalization nor does it interfere with daily activities.
TMS therapy is making waves in the health sector due to its efficacy as a modern treatment for depression without risk of serious side effects.
That’s right, you don’t need to worry about any dangerous side effects when undergoing this therapy. While some people may experience headaches or scalp discomfort after having TMS sessions, these are usually mild and clear up quickly.
After several sessions, many patients even report feeling happier and better able to focus! With such minimal side effects coupled with the fact that the procedure is non-invasive, it’s no wonder many depression sufferers are turning to TMS therapy as a treatment option.
Consider TMS Therapy For Your Depression:
Depression treatment can come with significant financial considerations no matter which route you take. It’s important to research your options carefully before deciding what’s best for you both financially and medically in order to get the best possible outcome for yourself over both the short and long terms.
TMS therapy is becoming increasingly popular as a cost effective solution to certain mental health issues, with TMS centers in Maryland making it accessible and affordable. Many individuals have reported finding immediate relief from TMS therapy while saving in the long run–as compared to continuing on medication or spending money on talk therapy over time.
TMS therapy is able to rewire your brain differently than medication, making it more efficient and effective without the side effects of medicine. Talk to your insurance about what’s covered under your health plan and ask questions about any additional fees that may apply so that you have all the information needed when making your decision about which treatment path is right for you!
Resources:
https://www.tmsbrainhealth.com/tms-therapy/how-much-does-tms-therapy-cost/
https://khealth.com/learn/antidepressants/how-much-do-antidepressants-cost/
https://www.simplepractice.com/blog/average-therapy-session-rate-by-state/
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
https://www.gofundme.com/c/blog/mental-health-financial-assistanc