How much do you pay psychiatrist for anti depressant prescriptions?

Question

The first time I went to my psychiatrist to get on anti depressants I was charged $200 for a 10 minute appointment

Walked in, walked out 10 mins later with a subscription and without an extra $200.

So 3 months later I had to renew my prescription, and I just had to pay another $200 for another 10 minute appointment.

I have the feeling I am being ripped off, this guy is charging me $200 just to write his permission to give me medication on a piece of paper.

Is this a normal fee, does anyone else here have to pay this much money just to get a prescription updated?

(For the record I cant use my insurance because they don't cover mental health issues unless in severe cases,)

He doesn't do anything extra or out the ordinary.

We sit down on a table, he asks me how I'm feeling toward the medication, and then he does the prescription.

That's all he does. 10 minutes. 200 dollars.

Answer 1

You are paying for the doctor's knowledge as well for his/her medical and legal capability to write a controlled prescription. He/she studied 11 years to become a psychiatrist, that is why he's charging that much, however, there is a market out there, some other doctors might charge you $200.00 dlls the first time and $ 90 or $100.00 dlls for refill.

Answer 2

It depends where you live and if the psychiatrist office is in a nice area. I used to live in LA and (I am in the psychology field) and knew about psichiatrist who would charge less than that (about $100), but medicine is expensive (about $100-$150). You should try and see if you could get a referral. On the other hand, by experience, nothing beats exercise for depression and yoga for anxiety. The problem with medicine is that they are addictive, might have strange side effects and for some people weaning off is harder than the original sypmtoms. Unless you are bipolar or schizophrenic, getting treated for depression or anxiety with medicine is sometimes not the best alternative, but then again, you might have severe depression and you doctor should be the one deciding this. Maybe asking for a second opinion/diagnosis would be a good idea too.

Answer 3

There is a misconception on what psychiatrists do. They normally do not provide counseling. They evaluate what prescriptions you should be on, the provide you the medication. They are not necessarily trained counselors.

For counseling, you need to see a psychologist. These are the persons trained in helping you modify your behavior.

For counseling, you may want to consult your local clergy person for recommendations. Sometimes, your house of worship will provide this for free, or knows psychologists who will provide counseling that is in line with your belief system.

As to are you getting "ripped off" - possibly. You can ask your psychiatrist to write your prescription so that it's good for a year. This will eliminate the once-every-three-months racket.

Also, PLEASE check into international pharmacies to fulfill your prescription order. I have done a lot of research on this, because I'm dealing with the same situation. There are two international pharmacies I trust to provide quality prescriptions, and I have links to them on: http://www.health-insurance-low-cost.net.

Don't give up. There are ways to make this more affordable, and get the help you need.

Answer 4

Wow, I am horrified for you. Their is no way a psychiatrist or any other mental health provider, can sit down in 10 minutes, and listen to you. And make another diagnose on what to do next. And $200.00 He should be ashamed of himself. Call your county mental health department. Some counties have mental health services that are based on your income. I am sure they can help you find someone.

Answer 5

That sounds about right in cost, but why don't you have medical insurance? Then it should cost about $25 per appointment and $4 to $10 to get a prescription filled.

Answer 6

Progesterone. You are withdrawing from society. If you want to take pills, I would suggest Wild Yam supplements. Vitamin B-complex supplements. Some magnesium. I'm pretty sure those things will work the first time. Stay away from the psych doctors. Your brain is not broken.

Answer 7

Wow, unless he evaluates you, or does he check your heart and pulse. I suggest you talk to him. When I thought my doctor was over charging me, I simply said as much as I like you and feel you are a good doctor, I can not afford your services any longer. I asked him to please recommend a doctor. Funny, now I get 6-9 renewals without coming in.

Answer 8

Maybe instead of him trying to medicate you he should try working out your problems. Seems to me rather than deal with the real issues you are facing that are causing your problems he'd rather just cover over them. Maybe you should try talking to someone -

Answer 9

I think you need to switch your insurance..sounds kind of like yours sucks. Unless this person is a really good shrink I dont think you should be paying so much, and he dont sound like hes that good.

Answer 10

anti-depressants aren't worth it. get the generic brand or else you will be paying 200 dollars.