How Much Does a Psychiatrist Cost?

Managing a mental health condition is challenging enough without worrying about costs. The good news: if you have health insurance, your plan is required to help cover at least some of the cost of seeing a psychiatrist. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, we work with many insurance plans to make care accessible to patients throughout Gwinnett County and Metro Atlanta.

What You'll Pay With Insurance

Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, insurance companies must provide mental health coverage comparable to physical health coverage. This means psychiatric services should be covered similarly to your other medical visits.

Your out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific insurance plan:

• Copay: A flat fee (often $20-$50) paid at each visit
• Coinsurance: A percentage of the cost you pay (e.g., 20% after deductible)
• Deductible: Amount you pay before insurance kicks in

Contact your insurance company directly for specific details about your mental health benefits.

Psychiatrist Cost Without Insurance

Without insurance, psychiatric care costs more since you're paying everything out-of-pocket:

• Initial evaluation: $300-$500 (typically 60+ minutes, includes full assessment and treatment planning)
• Follow-up appointments: $100-$300 (usually 15-30 minutes for medication management)

Costs vary based on the psychiatrist's experience, location, and treatment complexity. Metro Atlanta practices may charge differently than those in more rural areas of Georgia.

Factors That Affect Cost

Several variables influence what you'll pay:

• Years of experience and specializations
• Geographic location (costs tend to be higher in urban areas like Atlanta)
• Whether the practice is in-network with your insurance
• Type of appointment (initial evaluation vs. follow-up)
• Whether therapy is included alongside medication management

Ways to Save on Mental Health Costs

Understand Your Insurance Benefits

Take time to read your plan's mental health coverage. Many people don't realize how much their insurance covers for psychiatric care. Call the member services number on your insurance card if you have questions.

Use In-Network Providers

Seeing a psychiatrist who's in-network with your insurance typically costs significantly less. At Next Step Psychiatry, we accept multiple insurance plans. Give us a call at 678-437-1659 to verify your coverage.

Ask About Payment Plans

Some practices offer payment plans to help spread costs over time. Don't let cost prevent you from getting care—ask about options.

Consider Telehealth Options

While the actual appointment cost may be similar, telehealth saves money on gas, parking, and time away from work. It's particularly convenient for patients throughout Gwinnett County who might otherwise need to drive significant distances.

Use Prescription Savings Programs

If your psychiatrist prescribes medication, sites like GoodRx can help you find lower prices at local pharmacies in Lilburn, Lawrenceville, or wherever you fill your prescriptions.

Is Paying for a Psychiatrist Worth It?

Absolutely. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD are highly treatable, but they rarely improve on their own without professional help. Psychiatric care is an investment in your well-being, your relationships, and your ability to function at your best—whether at work, at home, or in your community.

At Next Step Psychiatry, Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury PA-C provide expert care that can genuinely transform your quality of life.

Affordable Psychiatric Care in Gwinnett County

We believe cost shouldn't be a barrier to mental health care. Whether you're in Lilburn, Snellville, Tucker, Norcross, or elsewhere in Metro Atlanta, Next Step Psychiatry is committed to providing accessible, quality psychiatric services.