Before we discuss things like How much is private mental health care in the UK, what private psychiatrist cost in the UK and what psychiatrist cost per hour in the UK, let’s get down to the basics.
More specifically, what is mental health? According to the World Health Organisation, this can be defined by the following:
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.
Essentially, what we’re saying is that mental health is an important, integral part of life, no matter who or what you are. It really is an important, basic human right which entitles us all to express how we’re feeling, whenever we’re feeling it, without any fear of prejudice or stigma. It’s a perfectly normal thing – though who really can say what normal is?
Everyone experiences mental health on a day-to-day basis, however, most of us are too consumed in our regular activities that we’ve never really thought much about it. We may recognise it through some of the symptoms, like burnout, stress and loneliness. The main thing that can be said is that it’s largely invisible through the lens of an outsider until we choose to express how we’re feeling.
We won’t go into the statistics and impact of mental health just yet as it’s a vast subject in its own right. However, in this post, we’ll try to identify possible healthcare options available if you struggle with your mental or know someone else who might be. In all cases, dealing with mental health is a sensitive subject and so confidentiality and allowing individual space is necessary.
Free Options:
Before we have a look at the private and paid options, let’s see what you can do at no cost.
- GP – as a default if you are going through any symptoms of mental health and are struggling to cope, you need to reach out to your GP. Not only will they be able to better triage your illness, they can also create a medical log so that in future there’s a reference point.
- Mind – a charity which focuses solely on mental health and providing support services for those in need. There are references and guides on their websites so make sure you check them out.
Private/paid options:
We don’t endorse any specific provider so below is an outline of the typical services and costs out there.
- Private mental health assessment – this normally will involve booking in to see a psychiatrist or psychologist, depending on the nature of your mental health. To see a consultant, including any necessary tests or scans, will typically cost you between £200 and £300.
- Ongoing treatment – once the initial assessment has been made you will most probably be asked to undergo therapy. This can be of three types, individual, group or medication, depending on the nature of your mental health. Excluding the medication, each session could typically cost between £100 and £200.
Over a few sessions, private mental health care costs can start piling up. It’s therefore highly recommended to try the free options first and then if no alternative is available, try the private mental health care route. Additionally, ensure you can commit to payments and if not ask if there are any flexible or supported payment plans.
At Spark, we’re working with organisations to take the stress off individuals and the NHS in terms of mental health treatment. If the workplace can be a healthy, vibrant environment then hopefully individuals have one less problem to deal with and at the same time place less strain on the NHS. Private mental health care should really be a last resort and only if affordable.
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