There are many reasons why a psychiatrist might not offer therapy in conjunction with psychiatric medications. In an article by Ira D. Glick, M.D. (2004) one reason why many psychiatrists do not offer therapy in conjunction with pharmaceuticals is financial. “The problem has been that the potential for integration has generally not been fulfilled, in part because guidelines are lacking and in part because of financial disincentives to provide the psychotherapy component” (Glick, 2004). I have seen this for many years working in the mental health field. It is simply more profitable for psychiatrists to write prescriptions than do therapy with patients. It is the nature of the beast, so to speak. In order for it to be fiscally feasible to offer therapy in conjunction with medication prescriptions, psychiatrists would have to charge approximately $400 per hour for talk therapy. This figure is based on the average $120 to $140 rate for a twenty-minute medication evaluation psychiatrists often charge.

Therapy must be offered in conjunction with medication. Medication can only solve part of the problem and is meant as a tool, not a cure for psychiatric illnesses.
Sincerely, Brendan Bickley

Labels: Psychiatry and Medications, Psychiatry and Therapy, Psychopharmacology and Addiction Treatment