The Cut - 'How Can I Afford the Therapy I Need?'

I struggle with severe depression. I’m so glad that seeking treatment is becoming less stigmatized, but the financial ramifications of living with mental illness are often missing from the discussion. I’m 25, which means I will get kicked off my mom’s insurance in less than a year. I hope I’ll feel a little better by then, but even so, I’m terrified at the prospect of cutting off my relationships with my therapist and psychiatrist. I don’t want to stop working, but I cannot continue with this pain. My therapist thinks it’s time for inpatient care, but it costs a fortune even with insurance.

I know this is the right thing to do for my health, but I fear emerging from this terrible period only to face a drained bank account and ruined credit. I’ve worked since I was 16 and have always been good with money — I’m very frugal and have luckily built up that mythical emergency-savings account with six months of living expenses. This seems like the emergency I’ve been saving for, but it took me years to save that money, and I’m hesitant to give up that cushion when losing my insurance is hanging over my head. Please help.

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