As if OCD isn't challenging enough...what is the financial burden to receiving treatment?

[Catx]

No one really wants to ask the question. Parents would throw themselves in front a train for their children and pay any amount of money for their child's health - in this case, mental health and overcoming OCD.

But we can't help but wonder...what IS that financial burden going to be?

I don't have the full picture yet but I will tell you what I know now and update you when I've found out more. We are on the wait list for a few different programs and the numbers are just starting to come in...

The first thing I will tell you is, thank God for insurance -- for ANY help in covering the bill. If we weren't blessed enough to have it already I think the first thing I would do is go a job - ANY JOB with ANY PAY that had great insurance coverage. While I have come across many free online treatment resources/videos etc. for OCD I believe all OCD sufferers deserve to have the best treatment by the best professionals for the very cruel disorder of OCD, and footing the bill alone seems to me to be a huge burden.

Here is what I found so far:

* Mclean OCDi: We were told after insurance pre-authorization (we have Aetna), that we will owe $5,700 after a 6-week program. $700 for the deductible and $5,000 for maximum out of pocket. We have heard that insurance does not reimburse for *room and board* costs so are inquiring if this is covered in the $5,700. Will update

* Houston OCD House: Ouch. They don't take insurance but you can submit for reimbursement. Be prepared though to pay $12,250 on check-in for the first two weeks ($675/day for treatment and $200/day for room and board), then $12,250 every two weeks thereafter. They advise you can hire SJ Health Advcates who will help you file all of the paperwork to your insurance for pre-authorizations and reimbursements, they will charge you 10% of whatever you are reimbursed. The math would look something like this: $12,250 the first day to cover the first 2 weeks, and $12,250 every 2 weeks thereafter. This is based on $675/day for treatment and $200/day for room and board totaling $875/day x 7=$6,125 a week x 2 = $12,250 every 2 weeks. Assuming an 8 week program that would mean 4 payments of $12,250 totaling $49,000. All out of pocket for patient/parents and at the mercy of insurance for reimbursement. The math above breaks out room and board because we were told many insurance plans do not cover room and board - so $49,000-$11,200 for 8 weeks of room and board = $37,800 paid by you/parent out of pocket and up for consideration on insurance reimbursement. (Perhaps this must be why Houston OCD program doesn't have a wait list like Rogers and McLean OCDi?)

Please note that I am not disparaging any facility for their charges -- they all have amazing reputations for effective treatment of OCD and we all know effective treatment is worth a bazillion dollars. This post is only bringing to light information that doesn't appear readily available to parents like me that are trying to get a handle on the finances they need to assist their child in recovery -- or to OCD suffers having to deal with their disorder AND find and pay for their own treatment. In addition, I'm hopeful that by sharing my findings so far that others will tell me what I do not yet know about the financial part of the OCD journey.

[Hidden]

I am sorry to hear that you are going through a difficult time finding treatment for your daughter.

I have OCD since 25 years of my life, and I have spent lots of money on my treatment.

I had done Intensive Outpatient in Sacramento. Blue Cross Insurance covered some of it.

But I had to pay the rest, which was expensive.

Later, I went to Rogers for Residential Treatment in Wisconsin, and Blue Cross Insurance covered some of it, and I had to pay more money.

Lately, even seeing a therapist for a 50 minutes appointment is $250 and above, especially to see an OCD specialist.

I just cannot afford to see a therapist anymore.

I am struggling with medications, and doing therapy on my own.

Sadly, OCD treatment is becoming very expensive nowadays.

I can fully understand your frustration about the financial aspect of the treatment for OCD.

It is just getting over-whelming .

Hoping something will work out for your daughter.

All the Best.

[Tinkering]

Most doctors are terrible at providing advice on OCD. It is better to study it yourself or buy books. Doctors can actually make it worse. Look up Edna Foa.

[Catx in reply to Tinkering]

Tinkering -thanks for the reply. You are right there are so many great resources out there online and available, and I'm so thankful for them. My daughter is having a tough time treating herself and is asking for additional help so in her case I do believe doctors specializing in OCD can help her, and certainly hope and pray they can. I have definitely seen them help others overcome OCD but I do think finding the "right one" is important -- so we are on the journey...

[Tinkering in reply to Catx]

Yes. I hope she finds a good therapist. Check out the ocd foundation site. Be well.