8 Cost-Effective Alternatives to Psychiatric Hospitalization
From a Room in Hotel Rye 1, Finn Terman Frederickson
When seeking help for mental health challenges, many turn to psychiatric hospitalization with the hope of receiving individualized care. However, the reality is that such care can be scarce in inpatient settings. Given the high cost of hospitalization—often exceeding $1,000 per day*—and the increased risk of suicide following discharge, it’s worth exploring alternatives that can be both safer and more affordable. Here are seven creative approaches to consider:
1. Peer Respite
Peer respite houses provide free short term stays to people currently struggling with mental distress. Unlike hospitals, people have their own room, are free to come and go as they please, and can make their own decisions regarding medications. Staff at these centers have experienced their own mental health struggles and can offer empathic support. Wisconsin has 6 peer respites across the state.
2. Therapy Intensives
Therapy Intensives involve extended sessions with a therapist, ranging from half a day to multiple days, to address specific issues. Though more of an upfront cost than traditional therapy, they can be significantly more cost-effective than hospitalization and even longer term therapy. These sessions are tailored to your individual needs, offering a personalized approach rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
3. Increasing Frequency of Therapy
Attending therapy more frequently during particularly challenging periods can be cheaper and less disruptive to routines and responsibilities than hospitalization. This approach allows for more in-depth exploration of healing practices such as meditation, creative arts therapies, and nature-based therapies. Additionally, it helps you avoid the need to repeatedly recount your story to new faces.
4. Taking a Therapeutic Vacation or Staycation
A change of scenery can work wonders for your mental health. While a vacation might seem indulgent, even a staycation can provide a refreshing break from daily stressors. Consider engaging in activities like hiking, yoga, meditation, journaling, or art-making that can significantly enhance well-being. Many individuals find that a therapeutic vacation or staycation leads to meaningful improvements in their mental health.
5. Community Support
Don’t underestimate the power of community. Practical support from friends and family—such as meal deliveries, regular check-ins, or simply spending time together—can offer significant relief. Need temporary round-the-clock support? Consider staying with a loved one or having them stay with you. If reaching out feels daunting, try offering reciprocal support or joining local support groups or drop-in centers to connect with others who are open to mutual assistance.
6. Learn Something New or Reclaim Something Old
Hobbies can give you a welcome distraction and sense of accomplishment. Immersing yourself in a hobby can be surprising therapeutic. It can bring you into the present moment, giving you a needed break from thought loops and spirals. Hobbies also give us things to talk about and can be excellent ways to connect with new people or old friends. Consider joining a book club, craft guild, community bands or theater, or a maker space if you’re looking for community, but want something other than mental health to focus on.
7. Add an Adjunctive Approach
Therapy tends to work best when one is addressing more than just their emotional needs. Complimentary practice such as acupuncture, massage, spiritual support, nutrition, or personal training could give you the boost needed to stay out of the hospital. Even small simple changes can have a big impact.
8. Self-Help Books & Memoirs
Self-help books and memoirs can serve as valuable alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization for individuals seeking to manage mental health challenges. These resources offer a range of strategies and insights, providing readers with tools for self-reflection, coping, and personal growth. They can be particularly effective for introspective individuals who enjoy reading and are motivated to engage deeply with their own thoughts and feelings. Additionally, memoirs that share others' lived experiences can offer hope and understanding that might be difficult to receive from those who haven't shared similar struggles. By combining practical advice with personal narratives, these books can foster a sense of solidarity and self-efficacy, making them practical and accessible resources for improving mental well-being.
Conclusion
While suggestions like working on a hobby or confiding in a loved one might seem trivial during life's lowest points, these small acts of relief can accumulate to spark profound and lasting change. Psychiatric hospitals focus on safety and stabilization by minimizing immediate risks and prescribing medication. In contrast, these alternatives offer diverse and personalized ways to address mental health concerns in a potentially more cost-effective manner. If hospitalization feels necessary for your immediate safety, it is an available option. However, exploring these alternatives could offer the support and care you need in a more flexible and empowering way.
*Numbers are based on involuntary hospitalization due to more transparency of pricing in involuntary settings.