Prioritizing Mental Health When You’re On A Budget

Sustainable Development Goals and Mental Health

Introduction

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition of some kind.

Survey Findings on Mental Health

• 70% of survey respondents reported experiencing stress, worry, anxiety, or depression.
• 64% of those currently experiencing mental health challenges had previously sought therapy.
• 54% ranked therapy or similar mental health services as their top discretionary expense priority.
• 50% stated they would choose a year of free therapy sessions over other opportunities like free concert tickets or an all-expenses-paid luxury cruise.
• 65% of respondents would be unable to afford therapy if it wasn’t covered by their health insurance plan.
• 27% of those surveyed had not been able to find a therapist who accepts their insurance and has availability.

Challenges in Affording Therapy

Therapy can be expensive, making it difficult for many individuals to afford. Factors such as location, therapist’s training, session length, and specialization can influence the cost, ranging from $65 to $250 or higher. Insurance co-pays can vary but average from $20 to $50.

Financial Considerations and Solutions

Joy Liu, a Certified Financial Trainer at the Financial Gym, highlights the challenges of affording therapy for individuals living paycheck-to-paycheck. She suggests understanding the difference between fixed and variable expenses and compartmentalizing them to create a budget that includes therapy. Automating financial processes and separating fixed and variable expenses can help individuals stick to their budget. Additionally, seeking out-of-network therapists who provide superbill for insurance reimbursement can reduce therapy costs.

Reducing Therapy Costs

Theodora Blanchfield, AMFT, recommends exploring online therapy platforms and lower-cost therapy resources such as Open Path Therapy Collective, counseling centers at colleges or universities, and associate or pre-licensed therapists. Marginalized groups can also access scholarships from organizations like The Loveland Foundation and Lotus Therapy Fund. Group therapy can be a lower-cost option for individuals looking to address general issues rather than specific traumas.

Optimizing Therapy Experience

Theodora Blanchfield suggests journaling immediately after therapy sessions to reflect on the experience and set goals for implementation in daily life. Returning to these notes later in the week allows for further reflection and growth.

Prioritizing Mental Health

Despite financial barriers, incorporating therapy into one’s routine is possible through thoughtful budgeting, exploring lower-cost options, and making small changes to spending habits. Seeking sliding-scale therapists, using online mental health platforms, and leveraging community resources are effective ways to access the necessary care. Prioritizing mental health is crucial for long-term well-being and resilience.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of U.S. adults experiencing stress, worry, anxiety, or depression (Indicator for SDG 3.4)
• Percentage of U.S. adults who have sought therapy for mental health challenges (Indicator for SDG 3.4)
• Percentage of U.S. adults ranking therapy or similar mental health services as their top discretionary expense priority (Indicator for SDG 3.4)
• Percentage of U.S. adults unable to afford therapy if it isn’t covered by their health insurance plan (Indicator for SDG 3.4)
• Percentage of U.S. adults who were able to find a therapist who accepts their insurance and has availability (Indicator for SDG 3.4)
• Percentage of U.S. adults who would choose a year of free therapy sessions over other opportunities (Indicator for SDG 3.4)
• Percentage of U.S. adults who reported experiencing stress, worry, anxiety, or depression (Indicator for SDG 3.4)
• Percentage of U.S. adults who can’t access in-network care or have insufficient out-of-network coverage (Indicator for SDG 10.2)

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: forbes.com