Accessibility to Mental Health Care

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Mental health care should be more accessible and should not be considered a privilege, as catering to people’s mental health needs is a priority. 

Countless people of all ages who suffer from a type of mental illness or would simply like to talk to someone about their struggles sometimes are not given the opportunity due to their financial situation. Most American’s are paying between $20 to $250 per hour depending on the type of therapy session booked. Although with health insurance coverage it lowers the rate, not everyone seeking services has health insurance. Mental health is a part of a person’s well being and therefore a part of your health. That being said, mental health services should not solely be available for those who are able to afford them, which usually makes up the middle and upper classes. 

It is not necessarily fair to put the blame on individual mental health care providers for the cost of therapy; however, there are many ways therapists and psychologists can help their clients who may not be able to afford the standard cost of a session. Some therapists across the country have adapted to offering sliding scale therapy, which is a type of fee structure where people with fewer resources pay a lower fee that is determined based on their income. 

Although sliding scale therapy allows for therapy to be more accessible, many people would benefit from government funded free access to therapy. This would allow for both private practices to continue being in business for those who can afford it and also give an option for those who otherwise would not have access. 

It is extremely integral to our society that everyone understands the importance of mental health and seeking out help when needed. Our emotional and mental well beings should be just as valued as our physical health. Mental health care should be accessible to all as should all types of healthcare.