Did you know that psychological interventions can help in your medical treatment?

Psychologists can help with difficulties that impact your healthcare treatment like anxiety, depression, substance use, and other mental health concerns. They can even help with lifestyle changes, such as changing your diet or taking medications. But can this service also decrease healthcare costs for patients?

Researchers reviewed the impact of psychological interventions on medical care in 91 studies done between 1967-1997. Results? Engaging in therapy alongside medical treatment saved patients about 20 to 30% of their medical care costs. After receiving mental health treatment, patients decreased their medical care usage and improved their recovery time in 90% of the studies.

Therapy can help in many ways. Sometimes mental health concerns show up as physical symptoms. Depression and anxiety can interfere with medical treatment. For example, a person with a lot of anxiety might be too afraid to take new medications for diabetes and therefore sees the medical doctor more for symptoms. Speaking with a therapist can improve motivation to focus on health when depressed. Psychological interventions not only help with mental health functioning, but with physical health too!

Reference:
Chiles, Jeremy; Lambert, Michael; & Hatch, Arlin (1999). The impact of psychological interventions on medical cost offset: A meta-analytic review.