the Price of a Psychiatrist

I saw a psychiatrist once a week for several months. The cost per 50 minute session was $185. It was not covered by my insurance.

I was having trouble getting over the death of a family friend so I decided to get professional help. I talked to the customer service folks at my insurance company and was given a list of psychiatrists that I could see for a $15 co-pay.

The one I choose did not take insurance directly, I was to pay her up front and then submit the claim to my insurance company.

I began treatment and I must say she was nice to talk to but I felt I didn't really get too much out of it. It was more like talking to a friend than really getting any indepth help. While it was nice to have the sounding board, I do have plenty of friends I could have talked to. I was looking more to learn about different ideas for dealing with grief.

Also, it turned out that my insurance did not cover our particular sessions. I never really got a straight answer as to why but after several months of treatment and not getting reimbursed I had to stop seeing her as the cost was simply too high.

If your insurance claims to cover mental health services, be sure you get any approvals from them in writing to avoid a situation like mine.