The cost of psychological services can be surprising to some parents,
and usually not in a good way. On the one hand, the cost of services
for one's child and the benefits of those services should be easily
justifiable (for example, consider how much we might spend on
maintenance for something as comparatively unimportant as a car). On the
other hand, that doesn't necessarily mean it's easy to afford.
Insurance coverage for psychological services varies a great deal, and
even when insurance does offer to cover psychological services, some
psychologists will not accept insurance.
Perhaps the
most immediate comfort that can be offered is that psychologists have an
ethical obligation (as required by the American Psychological
Association) to not exploit patients, to seek to do good and aid the
public, and to ensure that they do not harm others. Although the rates
charged for service may vary, they should generally be fair. I've written up a guide in an effort to help increase parents' understanding about the cost of services and what those services might include. This guide is by no means perfect and it does not cover all services that might be provided, but it may help parents to make a little more sense out of what goes on in a clinic.
One rule that should always be remembered though: When not sure about something, feel free to ask.
Cost of Services
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