OCD Facts: Affordability
When Money is a Problem
If parents tell you they can’t afford treatment for their child with OCD, it can present a difficult situation. Without proper treatment, the OCD won’t go away, and the student will likely experience increasingly greater academic, social, and emotional difficulties. Following are a few ideas that may be shared with parents who have financial challenges.
Parents should be encouraged to:
- Talk with their insurance company about coverage. Many policies have provisions for mental health treatment. The parents may need to be persistent to be certain the insurance company understands that Cognitive Behavior Therapy is the treatment of choice for OCD, or that medication may be needed to treat this disorder.
- Check with therapists to see if they use a sliding fee scale in which fees are based on ability to pay. Cognitive Behavior Therapy usually isn't available free of charge, as most therapists who offer this treatment are in private practice, not funded by a major healthcare system or government.
- Try to obtain medications at a reduced price, if medications are prescribed. A number of resources offer information about prescription assistance, including:
- The Partnership for Prescription Assistance or 1-888-4PPA-NOW
- Needy Meds
Parents should also learn as much as they can about OCD so that they make the best decisions for their child’s future. OCD Chicago’s web site offers parents information about OCD, treatment and living with OCD in the family. Visit the Parents section of the web site.