#USA #Chicago #mental health #Stella Mental Health #Self-Pay Services

Stella Mental Health Lowers Self-Pay Pricing

As May approaches, the United States gears up to observe Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the critical issues surrounding mental health, encouraging open discussions, and promoting the importance of access to mental health care. Established in 1949, this month serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing fight to end stigma and connect individuals with the resources they need.

This year’s theme, “Turn Awareness into Action,” underscores the urgent need for practical steps towards meaningful change in mental health access and outcomes. In a commendable effort to meet this challenge, Stella Mental Health has launched a nationwide initiative aimed at improving affordability for self-pay services. Beginning May 1, 2025, the organization will significantly reduce the costs of self-pay, non-insurance covered treatments, facilitating enhanced access to innovative mental health solutions for those in need.

Stella's commitment to expanding treatment options is timely, given recent data indicating severe mental health issues across the U.S. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 59.3 million adults, or about 23.1% of the adult population, cope with some form of mental illness. Alarmingly, about 15.4 million adults face serious mental health conditions affecting their daily life. Young adults, particularly within the age group of 18 to 25, report the highest prevalence of mental health issues, with 36.2% experiencing problems and 11.6% facing serious mental health challenges.

In response to these staggering statistics, Stella Mental Health has sought to dismantle the barriers to effective mental health care, particularly the issues of cost and accessibility. With over 20 clinics across the nation—including a recent expansion in Utah through the acquisition of Numinus—CEO and Co-Founder Michael Gershenzon emphasizes that addressing financial barriers is fundamental to their mission. “From the very beginning, Stella has been focused on meeting people where they are—both geographically and financially,” he stated.

Furthermore, Stella offers a diverse array of treatments that go beyond traditional psychiatry and therapy, incorporating science-backed interventions designed to address a broad spectrum of mental illnesses. These include:

• - Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for PTSD/PTSI and anxiety
• - Ketamine Infusion Therapy for depression, PTSD, and suicidality
• - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive procedure covered by insurance
• - SPRAVATO® (esketamine), a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression

These innovative treatments present valuable options for patients who may have not found success with traditional methods, instilling hope and facilitating improved health outcomes.

The importance of such pricing reductions is not lost on Gershenzon, who observes the multifaceted challenges faced by patients—financial, emotional, and systemic. “I’ve seen firsthand over the past five years the incredible challenges our patients face. Reducing out-of-pocket costs and expanding treatment access isn't just a business decision—it’s a reflection of our core mission to break down barriers and ensure every person has a chance to heal.”

With its latest initiative aimed at lowering self-pay rates, Stella Mental Health demonstrates its unwavering commitment to affordable and accessible mental health care, aiming to assist thousands of individuals across the United States in taking vital steps towards recovery.

Stella operates several Centers of Excellence throughout the U.S. and is also present internationally in locations like Israel and Australia. With a focus on innovative treatments that combine the latest advancements in neuroscience with expert psychological practices, Stella has positively impacted over 30,000 patients, empowering them to reclaim their lives. For more information about their updated pricing, services, and clinic locations, please visit stellamentalhealth.com.

About Stella

Stella is a pioneering Interventional Psychiatry practice dedicated to reshaping mental health care through advanced, evidence-based protocols that address severe trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress injuries. With a multidisciplinary team equipped with board-certified physicians, advanced psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, and dedicated advocates, Stella is committed to integrating cutting-edge biological, psychological, and psychiatric approaches to create tailored care solutions.