Mental Health Services for Children

[Ethridgeem (Emily Ethridge)]

Majorly reduced or free mental health services for children (and adults) in order for it to be affordable for those with and without insurance. I’ve been seeking a mental health therapist for my children during a rough patch of life for them. Someone they can talk to about how things are going and how to handle all of the feelings without them becoming out of control. One of the things that prevents me from being able to take them is cost. It cost, with private insurance, anywhere from 170-350 a session. Sessions can be very routine in the beginning. Twice a week or more. Sessions are 30-60 mins. With such a rise in the mental health crisis these days, I am surprised this has not already been an issue. Or could it be that this is why we see so many struggling? I don’t qualify for free help from the state. Having private insurance and a good job leaves me with paying higher costs for everything these days. Over $200 a session is more expense than full time daycare in my area for a whole week. Mental health therapist and counselors could easily be placed in schools or be available for in school visits. Some are but not for me since I have private insurance, at least that is what one company told me. Insurance companies don’t pay well towards therapy. I’m limited to what I can afford and that’s the insurance provided by my employer (a hospital). Children, especially in this day, deserve all the access they can get to help with their healthcare. Parents, who are just trying to make sure their children grow up happy and healthy in such a harsh world these days, deserve more affordable access to such services.