Financial Help for PTSD Treatment

Understanding PTSD and its treatments

Posttraumatic stress disorder is a mental health disorder and can develop after a life-threatening event you either experience or see. During a traumatic event, it’s normal to have a stress reaction. However, if symptoms last for more than a month, it could be PTSD. Symptoms also may not appear until months or years after the traumatic event. You may be diagnosed with PTSD if you have these four types of PTSD symptoms:

• Reliving the event: People may relive an event in a few different ways, including nightmares, flashbacks in which you feel like you’re reliving the event, or seeing, hearing, or smelling something that triggers trauma.
• Avoiding event reminders: People may avoid situations or others that remind them of the traumatic event.
• An increase of negative thoughts and feelings: People may have a more negative outlook after the traumatic event.
• Feeling on edge: People may feel alert or on the lookout for dangerous situations. This hyperarousal can affect sleep and cause aggressive behaviors.

PTSD can be stressful for not only the person experiencing it but also those around the individual, such as friends, loved ones, and caregivers. But, treatment can improve the quality of life and well-being of anyone suffering from the effects of PTSD.

Treatments for PTSD

There are two medically proven treatments for PTSD: trauma-focused psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy or counseling) and medication. Furthermore, many find support groups or communities can help them cope with the effects of PTSD. In all medical decisions, it’s crucial to talk with your doctor to find the best treatment for your specific needs.

Doctors often recommend these three PTSD psychotherapies:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): This type of therapy seeks to help a patient recognize and change the upsetting, trauma-related thoughts and feelings.
• Prolonged Exposure (PE): This type of therapy helps patients safely approach trauma-related memories and feelings to cope with them more effectively.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This type of therapy helps a patient process trauma by using a series of eye movements to reduce the vividness and emotion of the trauma.

There are three doctor-recommended medications that can help treat PTSD symptoms – paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine.

Support groups are another way to cope with PTSD. There are many support groups available for both veterans and civilians alike.

The costs of PTSD treatment can vary from patient to patient, but a study published in 2022 found that the average annual costs for someone with PTSD were $18,640 for civilians and $25,684 for military personnel and veterans. With such high yearly costs, many who experience PTSD may not be able to access the resources they need. However, there are many opportunities to help reduce these costs for patients.

1. Crowdfunding for PTSD treatment

It can be difficult to ask for help for PTSD, but that’s where crowdfunding with GoFundMe comes in. Crowdfunding not only harnesses the power of your network but also helps you reach outside of your network while removing the fear of asking for help. GoFundMe provides an easy way for you to set up a fundraiser for yourself, a family member, or other loved ones. The simple setup process only takes a few minutes, and there are no long waiting periods to receive your funds. Crowdfunding can be a great tool to fill in the financial gaps of your care.

2. Financial assistance programs for PTSD

Many organizations offer PTSD financial assistance. Eligibility criteria can vary from organization to organization, so reviewing each organization’s requirements is essential. Here are a few organizations that offer financial aid for PTSD treatments:

• The Assistance Fund (TAF): This organization provides financial assistance for medical expenses, including copayments, coinsurance, and health insurance premiums. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. resident with insurance coverage and meet income requirements.
• Beauty After Bruises: This organization focuses on adult survivors of childhood trauma and offers financial aid for ongoing treatment costs and therapeutic care packages.
• Reclaim Foundation: This organization helps trauma survivors find a therapist and reimburses up to six therapy sessions to qualified participants. It also offers free 24/7 peer-to-peer support.
• Erase PTSD Now: This organization eliminates financial barriers to PTSD treatment for qualified applicants and focuses on paying for Stellate Ganglion Block treatments. You can learn more about the application process on the organization’s website.

Each of these organizations is contributing to removing financial barriers to patients who need PTSD treatments. Another option for patients is to consider a sliding-scale fee therapist.

3. Sliding-scale fee therapists

While therapy can be expensive, some providers offer a reduced rate for those who cannot pay the total amount. These sliding-scale fees are low-cost and negotiated between the therapist and the patient. While some therapists may list this offering on their website, sometimes the best way to find out is to ask directly. In addition, Psychology Today offers a directory of providers, and you can filter your search to see who offers a sliding scale option in your state.

4. Community and nonprofit clinics

Other organizations that offer support for mental health patients are community and nonprofit clinics. Community mental health clinics (CMHC) are community-based programs that provide mental health condition support services. Depending on the state or locality, these programs are often free or offer reduced-rate services for those without insurance. Eligibility requirements can vary for these clinics. FindTreatment.gov can help you locate mental health (and substance abuse) services. Nonprofit clinics can also provide PTSD treatments. The National Center for PTSD offers resources to help find clinics and resources near you.

5. College and university clinics

Resources can also be found at many local colleges and universities, especially for those experiencing financial hardships. Throughout the country, more and more programs are available that provide free medical care to those who need it. The care from these clinics is mainly performed by graduate or doctoral students who receive valuable in-person experience while delivering high-quality care. Often, these students are overseen by trained medical professionals. Check out the Society of Student Run Free Clinics for more information on student-led clinics.

6. Online therapy platforms and mobile apps

Modern technology is connecting people like never before, and it’s also led to an incredible amount of online and mobile app resources for those struggling with PTSD. From talk therapy platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace to mobile apps like PTSD Coach, PTSD Family Coach, and STAIR Coach, there are many digital options to get treatment for and manage symptoms of PTSD. Each app or online therapy platform will have its own pricing structures, but often it can be cheaper than actual in-person therapy.

7. Employee assistance programs

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are another option for those struggling with PTSD. EAPs are programs that help employees with personal problems that affect one’s work performance. These personal problems include health, financial, and social issues, and resources can consist of educational resources, consultations, referrals to providers, and short-term counseling services. Depending on your company’s structure, EAP services may be available directly from your organization, or you may have to contact your health insurance provider. Talk directly with your company’s human resources department to learn more about the EAPs available to you.

8. Veterans Affairs and military resources

PTSD can be more prevalent in active-duty military personnel and veterans; some specific resources are available to those who have served in the military. All Veteran Affairs Medical Centers offer many health services, including PTSD treatment, and a locator is available to find PTSD treatment facilities near you. In addition, Vet Centers are another option. Vet Centers are non-medical counseling centers within communities that offer individual and group counseling, often at no cost to veterans or service members.

In addition to these resources, nonprofit organizations, such as the Wounded Warrior Project, help provide advocacy for and support to veterans. The Wounded Warrior Project partners with four world-renowned academic medical centers for the Warrior Care Network to help provide a path to wellness for veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), military sexual trauma, and more.

As you can see, there are many resources available to get you the PTSD financial assistance you need. From working with assistance programs to utilizing online resources, there are multiple avenues to treatment. If you decide that crowdfunding can help you get one step closer to getting help, setting up a GoFundMe is simple.

To ensure your fundraiser is successful, you’ll want to write a compelling story about how PTSD has affected your life and the lives of others. The more transparent and engaging you make your GoFundMe, the higher your likelihood of meeting your goal. By crowdfunding with GoFundMe, you’re taking a great first step to financially supporting your PTSD recovery.