How much does a week in a mental hospital cost with insurance?
Asked by: Prof. Levi Torphy | Last update: August 9, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (26 votes)
How much does a mental hospital cost with insurance?
With health insurance coverage, the cost of inpatient mental health psychiatric services typically involves paying a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible. On average, you might pay between $100 and $500 per day, depending on your insurance plan and the specific services provided.
How much does it cost to stay in a mental hospital in the USA?
On average, hospital stays for mental health and substance use disorders cost $1,400 per day. Most stays are around 6 days long and cost an average of $7,100. Certain conditions mean longer stays, which costs more money to treat.
Does it cost money to get admitted to a mental hospital?
Because prices vary, according to psychologist Dr. Astrea Greig, Psy. D. of Primary Care Behavioral Health Integration, Cambridge Health Alliance, an inpatient psychiatric hospital stay could run between $8000 and $12000 total, according Greig.
Do mental hospitals require insurance?
Can you admit yourself to a mental health hospital without insurance? Yes, you can admit yourself voluntarily to a mental health hospital — with or without insurance coverage.
Inpatient Psychiatric Care: Top Diagnoses, Cost, Long Wait Times
How long is a mental hospital stay?
In California, a psych ward can keep you involuntarily for 72 hours. How long do you stay in a mental hospital? Total confinement times vary, as a judge can extend your stay for another 14 days or longer if deemed necessary.
Why is mental health not covered by insurance?
The parity law does not require insurers to provide mental health benefits—rather, the law states that if mental health benefits are offered, they can't have more restrictive requirements than those that apply to physical health benefits.
Can I go to a mental hospital for free?
Each state has public psychiatric hospitals that provide acute (short-term) and long-term care to people without means to pay, those requiring long-term care, and forensic patients.
Is going to a psych ward expensive?
If you require therapy, even for mental health, your health insurance will cover it. Overnight care in a hospital, nursing home, or residential treatment center can run more than $1,000 per day. Extra fees for regular follow-up care, prescriptions, and commuting to and from essential office appointments.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover mental health?
Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the largest health insurance companies in the U.S., providing coverage for one in three Americans -- including mental health, behavioral health, and therapy services.
Do mental hospitals allow phones?
But while they provide many advantages, they also come with serious potential drawbacks. These drawbacks are magnified in a mental health care setting. While psychiatric hospitals must allow you access to a phone, they do not have to allow you to use your own.
How much does an inpatient cost?
State-by-State Analysis. KFF notes thatHospital costs per inpatient day vary significantly across the United States, with the national average sitting at $3,025. States like California and Oregon report the highest expenses, exceeding $4,000 per day, driven by high living costs and advanced medical facilities.
Why do they use grippy socks?
They help prevent falls, provide comfort, and reduce self-harm risks for patients and mental health professionals.
Can I check myself into a mental hospital?
The answer to that is, yes you can… but should you? It may seem that the psych ward at a local hospital is the best option when you are in crisis mode. For some, yes, that may be the safest setting if you are a danger to yourself or others.
What is a 5150 psychiatric hold?
5150 is the number of the section of the Welfare and Institutions Code, which allows an adult who is experiencing a mental health crisis to be involuntarily detained for a 72- hour psychiatric hospitalization when evaluated to be a danger to others, or to himself or herself, or gravely disabled.
How much is mental health care without insurance?
Without private health insurance, outpatient mental health therapy generally costs between $100 and $300 per session. Your exact cost can vary depending on the therapist's experience, your location, and the type of therapy provided.
Does it cost money to put someone in a mental hospital?
The cost of staying in a psychiatric hospital varies significantly depending on the type and length of care needed. Generally speaking, the cost of a stay in a psychiatric hospital can range from $500 to $2,000 per day.
Is it worth going to a mental hospital?
Understanding the Need for Inpatient Mental Health Care
In some cases, outpatient therapy and medication management may suffice. However, there are instances where more intensive care is necessary. Severe depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and psychosis are a few conditions that might require inpatient care.
Do you need insurance to go to a mental hospital?
Yes, you can be admitted to a psychiatric unit in a hospital or a psychiatric hospital without insurance if you are deemed by a psychiatrist to need a “hospital level of care” stay for what is happening for you.
What happens during a 72 hour hold?
5150 or 72 hour hold
This 72 hour period is sometimes referred to as an “observation period”. During this 72 hour period, the treatment team assesses whether the patient meets criteria for involuntary hospitalization. The law mandates that all patients must be treated in the least restrictive setting possible.
How long is an inpatient mental health stay?
Inpatient mental health stays can vary in duration depending on the individual's needs and progress. Short-term stays typically last from a few days to a couple of weeks, focusing on crisis stabilization and immediate support for acute symptoms.
Do I get my own room in a mental hospital?
Psychiatric hospitals are staffed by psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other trained professionals who provide care for mentally ill patients 24 hours a day. Patients have access to their own rooms or suites and shared spaces to promote socialization and interaction.
What is the hardest mental illness to live with?
Borderline personality disorder is one of the most painful mental illnesses since individuals struggling with this disorder are constantly trying to cope with volatile and overwhelming emotions.
What insurance has the best mental health coverage?
UnitedHealthcare takes our spot for the best overall mental health coverage primarily because of its comprehensive approach. With UnitedHealthcare, you have access to 24/7 treatment and support through a wide range of online, virtual and mobile tools.
Why is therapy so hard to get?
Limited Availability. In many regions, there is a shortage of mental health professionals. This scarcity is more pronounced in rural or underprivileged areas. Even in urban centers, high demand can lead to long waiting lists, making immediate access to therapy difficult.