As I’ve said before, I spent nearly a decade in therapy. I shudder to think just how much it cost me. For most of us, I’d guess, money complicates our commitment to getting help. It forces us to compromise, to make sacrifices for our own benefit. Lots of people may be open to seeing a shrink – until they consider the monthly charges.
Therapy is expensive. Even on a sliding scale, one can expect to pay anywhere from $40-$75 per session (though better deals can be had). And the question of cost isn’t merely tricky because of tight funds. Who wants to pay for emotional support? I’m sure people grapple with this question all the time – I know I did. It took me years to address my misgivings about money with my therapist in an open and honest way.
In the end, I found that my reluctance to “shell out” cash for therapy had a lot to do with fears: of being self-involved, of being silly, of being wasteful. In other words, I questioned the relevancy of my own peace of mind.
For getting me to consider questions like that, therapy was worth every penny.
[PS: Here are some tips for care on a budget. See also my comments here (at bottom); the emergency room is always an option.]
Douglas Faneuil is the founder of Living Proof Productions, a not-for-profit devoted to suicide prevention based in New York City. He also designs database solutions for companies throughout the Northeast.
Hello Doug,
I think that the monetary dimension to therapy can help accelerate the process. Every time you sign that check you are reminded about why you are there——because you have decided to invest in your metal health, in both the short and long term. I remember treating therapy like a classroom, and doing my homework in between sessions. If you don’t work at it, therapy is useless. I think that the financial weight of the experience keeps you on your toes.
Thanks for bringing up such an interesting subject, and with such a cool visual to boot!
Z