It is hardly a novel idea to suggest that psychiatrists, as a group, tend to be less inclined to take insurance than those in many other medical specialties. The reasons for this reluctance are manifold, including flattening insurance support for mental health issues, and the hassle of managing insurance copays through a private practice. But a recent study shows that the numbers have grown stark indeed:

The study, published Wednesday in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, found that 55 percent of psychiatrists accepted private insurance, compared with 89 percent of other doctors.

Likewise, the study said, 55 percent of psychiatrists accept patients covered by Medicare, against 86 percent of other doctors. And 43 percent of psychiatrists accept Medicaid, which provides coverage for low-income people, while 73 percent of other doctors do.

Not everyone can pay out of pocket for analytic therapy, of course. Which is why there is growing interest in low cost therapy here in New York and across the country.

Finding a good low cost therapy is easier than it may sound: Simply reach out to the professionals at PPSC for a referral. Affordable psychotherapy is always in reach if you know where to look. And insurance shouldn’t ever have to play a starring role.