When a Family Does not Have the Financial Resources to Pay for Treatment

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC for Eating Disorder Hope

Financial Standings

Securing financial stability is often the top priority of many families across the nation. The monetary funds a family has access to will determine many things, including standard of living. For individuals seeking eating disorder treatment, money can be a deciding factor on whether or not treatment is a realistic option.

While eating disorder treatment should be accessible to all sufferers, the actuality is that it can be a luxury that many individuals cannot afford.

With limited finances, how can a family afford to pay for eating disorder treatment for their loved one? Professional treatment is necessary for overcoming these deadly mental disorders, and treatment level is recommended based on an assessment completed by an eating disorder specialist. In order to determine what the approximate cost of treatment may be, it is important to understand what level of care is recommended.

Types of Treatment

Care levels for treatment range from inpatient hospitalization to residential treatment to outpatient care. The more severe an eating disorder, the more acute level of care will be needed for adequate recovery.

Inpatient Care

Begin by working with an eating disorder specialist to determine what type of treatment is needed for your family member. Typically, inpatient hospitalization and residential treatment centers run at a higher level of cost to the patient.

This is largely due to the fact that a continuum of medical, nutritional, and psychological support is offered around the clock, 24/7. This may be necessary when eating disorder symptoms are severe or a person is in danger of harming himself or herself.

Outpatient Care

Lower levels of care, such as intensive outpatient care or outpatient care, offer continued psychotherapy, support groups, and accountability for ongoing eating disorder recovery. These levels of care are typically appropriate for individuals who do not have acute eating disorder symptoms and who are medically and nutritionally stable.

These levels of eating disorder treatment may be more affordable, but it is crucial to follow the recommendation for treatment as advised by your doctor or eating disorder specialist.

Making a Decision

While treatment may seem out of reach financially, there are important options to consider to help cover the costs involved. It is beneficial to explore all options as a family to decide what will best support everyone involved, especially the eating disorder sufferer. Once you know what level of treatment is recommended for your family member, you can begin researching various options that fit the treatment criteria.

Insurance

If medical insurance is part of the equation, find out what mental health benefits are included with your policy. Take the time to discuss financial options with admission counselors at various treatment centers.

This is a good opportunity to ask about payment plans, sliding scales, or other ways in which you can help cover the cost of admission and treatment.

Other Resources

There are other methods to consider for bridging any financial gaps for eating disorder treatment. This includes but is not limited to the following: Scholarships, crowd funding or fundraising, applying for financial aid or a personal loan, or using available assets, such as equity in a home.

For many individuals, finances can be a sensitive subject to address, but keep you focus and attention on your loved one who needs treatment. The sacrifices you are making, both short and long term, are well worth it for your loved one.

Getting Help

As eating disorders are deadly mental illnesses, avoiding treatment is putting your life on the line and risking death. While it may seem as though you are saving money by skipping out on treatment, you chance far greater complications in the near future.

By joining together with your family, completing the appropriate research, and understanding all available options, you can be a part of a solution for eating disorder treatment.

Finances may be strained for a period of time, but it is crucial to weigh the risks and benefits. Having the opportunity for treatment is one of the greatest tools for eating disorder treatment and recovery.

Community Discussion – Share your Thoughts here!

Have you faced challenges paying for eating disorder treatment? What encouragement would you offer to someone who is facing similar challenges?

Last Updated & Reviewed by: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC, on December, 11 2014. Published on AddictionHope.com