How to plan your budget for bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder can cause serious health issues. People who have this condition experience changes in their mood and this can affect their personal behavior.

There may not be many ways to cure this disorder but there are ways you can manage it. There are various approaches like family-focused therapy, medication, talk therapy, electroconvulsive therapy and change in lifestyle. The expenditure for the complete coverage of the treatment can be expensive. Here are a few ways you can manage healthcare costs for bipolar disorders.

Know your health insurance

First, know and understand your health insurance policies and coverage. If you have health insurance, mental health will probably be incorporated. Check the plan’s benefits and see if it has mental health covered and, in specific, bipolar disorder. If you are still doubtful, contact the Human Resource department of the insurance company and get your doubts clarified. Otherwise, you can call the insurance company and enquire with them.

The law needs most employer-sponsored health insurance and affordable care act plans to cover mental health services just like the way they cover medical care. The insurer cannot charge higher co-pays for psychologist or psychiatrist appointments than it does for appointments with a medical doctor. Even though your therapy visits and medicines are covered, you may have to take responsibility for a co-pay, supportable, or even both. Your insurance scheme may cover only a certain number of therapy sessions.

In some cases, few mental health professionals may not take your insurance. So, asking what payments you need to pay on prior notice will help you. You can search for centers and resources where healthcare professionals will accept your insurance. Doing a little homework before starting treatment is necessary.

Affordable healthcare professional

The expenditure for mental health can differ on the professional you decide. In some insurance schemes, you pay little for an in-network doctor. Some doctors offer affordable scales and charge for services based on what you can afford. Some may offer different kinds of financial support.

Community-based clinic

If you can’t afford to pay for mental health care or you don’t give health insurance, don’t worry! You can try low budget or a free community health care center. These programs are usually funded by grants from the U.S. Government or run by volunteers. They will offer you care, irrespective of whether you can afford the payment. You can search for these centers in your locality.

University-based program

There are many universities and colleges that have clinics with staff and psychology students in training. These programs and plans aid in saving money and also help in training the next generation of psychologists and psychiatrists. Though students are providing care, experienced mental health professionals will supervise.

Therapy

Teletherapy sessions are conducted via video calls, online chats, phone calls and emails. This kind of therapy is feasible if you do not have health insurance. If you do have it, some policies will cover the cost of teletherapy at the same rate as a face-to-face session. Remote therapy

can help you cut down on other costs like childcare and traveling to and from the mental health professional’s office to show up for sessions.

Group therapy

You can try group therapy. A therapist works with a small bunch of people instead of attending to them individually. Some believe that individual therapy is good, while others are comfortable and find it better in group therapy. Both have equal potential and effectiveness. Overall, group therapy is less costly than individual therapy.

Seek financial support

There are a few non-profit organizations that can offer help to pay for bipolar disorder treatment. If you can’t afford to pay for your treatment, you can reach out to these organizations and get help.

Enroll in an employee assistance program

A few companies offer an employee assistance program. It is a voluntary program that provides low-cost or free counseling, evaluations, appointments and other mental health amenities to employees. This program can be offered onsite in your company or in your community. You need to contact the HR team to know more. If you are doubtful and want to get a better picture of handling the budget for the treatment, you can reach out to centers and organizations that will help you through the process.

Remember to ask for help. You have all the help and information you need if you are ready to ask for it.