A dual diagnosis is when you both have a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. If you seek treatment, both issues have to be addressed simultaneously. If only one is treated, recovery might not be very successful. The chance of relapse is also higher.
Similar to other conditions involving mental health, substance abuse, and behavior problems, dual diagnosis is best treated in rehab. But this always involves a cost – most of the time, a steep cost.
How much do you have to shell out for a dual diagnosis rehab program?
Costs vary depending on what treatments you get, the rehab facility itself, and how much of the program your health insurance covers.
If you ask around, the price tags might be daunting. But think of rehab as a worthwhile investment. The expenses accumulated when you don’t seek professional help would be much higher. When you regularly obtain drugs, get in trouble with the law, or always depend on relatives to sustain you, the price is much steeper.
Generally, outpatient rehab is less costly than inpatient programs. In outpatient rehab, you only visit the facility a few times a week. They would send you home after each session. That way, you don’t have to shoulder the cost of staying in a rehab center.
On the other hand, inpatient rehab means you have to stay a while in a facility. It’s more expensive because you need to pay for your stay as well as the treatments you get. Accommodation, meals, and other services are included in the price.
Does my insurance cover dual diagnosis rehab?
Each insurance provider has its own terms. Consult with your insurer to find out how much coverage you have for mental health treatments. The good news is many insurers cover them. You can choose to be treated either in state-run rehab facilities or private ones, too.
Most states have this rule called mental health parity. In other words, insurance providers cannot restrict mental health coverage. They have to treat it as they would other kinds of medical coverage. That’s definitely more good news for you.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
Understandably, not everyone has medical insurance. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry. There are still ways to get treatment.
If money is tight, you can look for low-income rehab centers. These places are there to help people who lack the funds for mental health treatments. You can also find rehab centers that are free of charge.
Some facilities offer financing to help you pay for your rehab program. These are often better than free rehabs, as the latter usually have long wait lists. Also, their funds are quite limited, so the facilities may be incomplete or you may not get all the therapies you need.
What contributes to the high price of dual diagnosis rehabs?
Rehab comprises many steps, and lots of factors contribute to the cost. Here are just a few of them.
- Detox: Usually, detox ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. This is for the outpatient setting; inpatient rehabs incorporate detox to the entire cost of the program. Different substances have different kinds of detox procedures, so the price would vary. Those with severe side effects or withdrawal symptoms are harder to manage, and that would drive the price higher.
- Medications: You might need medications to help rid your body of addictive substances and their effects. This adds to the cost of treatment. But not everyone needs medications for their substance abuse. Medications are more common for addictions to alcohol and opiates.
- Inpatient rehab: Staying in a rehab facility comes with a steep price. For some centers, they cost $6,000 for a 30-day stay. More luxurious centers can cost as much as $20,000 for the same treatment duration. These centers usually have better amenities, like swimming pools, spas, sports centers, large rooms, and gourmet food. If your program needs a longer stay, you could be spending anywhere from $12,000 to $60,000.
- Outpatient rehab: Typically, outpatient rehabs are much cheaper than inpatient ones. For instance, many outpatient programs cost $5,000 for 3 months. The price would vary depending on how long your program lasts and how often you have to visit the rehab center each week.
Additionally, dual diagnosis treatments are more intensive. In other words, mental health professionals have to give you a higher level of care. That would also merit a higher cost to treatment.
How do I pay for my treatment?
If you’re covered by your health insurance, you don’t have to shell out a lot of money. Check with your insurance provider to see how much coverage you have. Also, it’s a good idea to check which rehab centers are covered by your insurer. That way, you can decide best where to get treatment.
Otherwise, you can take advantage of financing options that some rehab centers offer. That way, you don’t need to pay a huge sum of money right away. Instead, you can pay in installments.
How do I find a good dual diagnosis rehab?
First of all, make sure that the rehab center is equipped to deal with dual diagnosis cases. You may have to undergo both medications and psychotherapies side by side. That way, your co-occurring substance use disorder and mental disorder can be treated at the same time.
If you’re not sure, ask the rehab facility first if they offer those services.
Inpatient facilities provide the best chances of recovery for dual diagnosis cases. In this setting, you are assured of 24/7 care. You can get help whenever you need it. The therapies are more intensive, too, and you can focus on your journey to recovery. There are no temptations to use drugs in an inpatient facility, which helps you stay sober. Also, with the care provided, you can better manage your mental health while in rehab.
Overall, choosing the right rehab center is not about luxury, convenience, or proximity to home. Instead, it’s about choosing a place that can serve your needs well.