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Low-Cost Treatment for Depression

Depression is the most common psychological disorder in the United States, affecting 17 million people each year. Many treatment options are available, including medication, psychotherapy, diet, exercise and supplements. Individual cases of depression vary and the exact mechanism at work is not fully understood. Therefore, treatment often involves a trial and error period, and relies in large part on the patient's subjective experience of the treatment's efficacy.

  1. Psychotherapy

    • Psychological counseling has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression; however, this can be an expensive option. Many psychotherapists charge up to $100 per hour for their services. An inexpensive alternative can be found at many community health centers where psychotherapists donate their time, or offer a sliding scale payment option. Recently, online psychotherapy businesses have started making headlines as another low-cost alternative to traditional office visits. You should research these businesses to make sure they offer board-certified doctors and therapists.

    Generic Medication

    • Anti-depressant medications have become increasingly affordable in recent years and are an effective option for many people. While the initial psychiatric office visit can cost $100 or more without insurance, many doctors will prescribe enough medication to last several months. While name brand medications can get expensive quickly, their generic equivalents are more affordable. According to Consumer Reports, the cost of a 30-day supply of Fluoxetine without insurance (the generic form of Prozac) is $22 to $44, whereas the non-generic Prozac costs $213 to $426. Paxil, another popular anti-depressant, costs $135 for a month's supply, while its generic form, Paroxetine, is only $23.

    Diet

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, a junk-food heavy diet can contribute to mood imbalance and mood disorders. While more research is needed to determine the mechanisms behind elevated mood and healthy eating, studies show that people who report eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish, were less likely to report being depressed.

    Exercise

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise eases symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise improves overall health and endurance and boosts endorphins, a chemical in the brain associated with elevated mood. Exercise also reduces immune system chemicals that may worsen the symptoms of depression.

    Supplements

    • Several herbal and vitamin supplements have been shown to improve the symptoms of depression in some people. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, recommended herbs and supplements for depression include: American ginseng, flaxseed, ginkgo biloba, lavender, melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids, peppermint, phenylalanine, selenium, St. John's wort, tyrosine, valerian, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin B9 and vitamin D.

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