The Unseen Challenges of Uninsured Psychiatric Care
Seeking help without insurance isn’t just a matter of the “sticker price.” Patients often face a “triple threat” of barriers:
- Prohibitive Entry Costs: Many clinics charge high upfront fees for initial evaluations, preventing patients from even getting a diagnosis.
- Unpredictable Billing: Without a clear self-pay structure, patients often receive “surprise bills” for lab work, follow-up calls, or administrative fees.
- Treatment Gaps: Specialized treatments for resistant depression, like Spravato (esketamine), are often viewed as “out of reach” for those without premium insurance plans due to the required monitoring periods.
Transparent Pricing at Light-tunnel Behavioral Health
Dr. Aragbada believes that financial stress should not be a symptom of seeking mental health care. Light-tunnel Behavioral Health provides a clear, fixed-rate structure for self-pay patients, allowing for better personal budgeting and peace of mind.
Service Type | Self-Pay Rate (Approximate) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
Initial Evaluation |
$350 |
Comprehensive 60-minute psychiatric assessment |
Follow-up Visit/supportive therapy |
$150 |
30-minute medication management/therapy session |
Consultation |
FREE |
15-minute introductory "fit" meeting |
Note: Rates are subject to change; it is always best to confirm during your free 15-minute consultation.
Affordable Treatment Packages: Spravato & More
For patients requiring intensive treatments like Spravato (esketamine) or TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), Light-tunnel offers specialized packages. These bundles are designed to cover the mandatory observation periods and clinical supervision at a reduced per-session cost compared to individual billing.
- Integrated Care: Self-pay packages often combine medication management with supportive psychotherapy, ensuring you aren’t paying separate fees for every “type” of help you receive.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: By choosing self-pay, patients often bypass the lengthy “prior authorization” hurdles that can delay treatment by weeks or even months.
Dr. Aragbada’s Philosophy: “Mental health care is a right, not a luxury. Our self-pay options are designed to ensure that the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ is visible to everyone, regardless of their insurance status.”