Cost of Mental Disorders Treatment in the Philippines

Mental conditions or disorders in the Philippines have become so rampant lately that it has become a big concern in the country. It is something that needs a serious concern because it is also the reason behind the many suicide cases in recent years. According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, around seven people end up committing suicide every day. Around 17-20% of adults in the country are affected by mental disorders and on the top is schizophrenia. This is according to the date of the National Statistics Office. With that being said, it’s important to understand that this is a major cause for concern.

Serious matter

Mental disorders are usually taken for granted in the Philippines. It’s often shrugged off as being just confused or nervous. Little do they know that this is something that needs full attention. It’s something that needs medical attention and an understanding heart and full support from the family of the patient.

Most of the time, affected individuals hide their condition because of their fear of being laughed at. It would mean a lot for an individual affected especially on those that have been feeling very low. Getting all the support possible will at least alleviate their feeling of confusion and depression which at times cause suicide.

Mental Health Bill

The cost of treatment for mental health issues is not something that any ordinary Filipino can afford. It may be costly most of the time. Good thing that the Philippine Mental Health Bill was approved by the Senate in May 2017. The bill will incorporate the services for mental health and will provide a program through the public health system to help poor individuals suffering from mental health conditions. This will also give way for a clearer understanding of the disease and to possibly remove the stigma that goes with being identified as someone who has a health problem.

Treatment Services

There are only about 700 psychiatric doctors and 1K psychiatric nurses in the country as of today. Majority of these health professionals have their clinics based in Metro Manila and this is because most of the mental institutions are situated here.

The public mental institutions in the country are the following;

• Philippine General Hospital Psychiatric Department (Manila)
• National Center for Mental Health (Mandaluyong)
• Mariveles Mental Ward (Bataan)
• Cavite Center for Mental Health (Cavite)

These are the private hospitals that have mental care services;

• Makati Medical Center
• Metro Psychotherapy Facility
• University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center
• University of Santo Tomas

There are mental facilities too in the provinces of Laguna, Rizal, and Bulacan.

Professional Treatment Cost

Getting treatment for mental illness is not easy. The costs alone are quite high and unaffordable for the ordinary Filipinos. In the NCR, initial consultation alone would cost around Php2-3K per consultation and what more if they need to see their psychiatrist more than once a month. How can they afford it?

The National Center for Mental Health, on the other hand, has these more affordable rates;

PhilHealth Coverage

PhilHealth has mental packages for its members and this will also help the poor individuals so that they can afford to go to a doctor. This covers the consultation fees.

Unfortunately, health insurance companies don’t cover mental illnesses yet. While waiting for the bill to be passed into law, people suffering from mental illness would have to pay the cost for the meantime. They have to shell out their own money in order for them to avail of treatment. In this manner, they will be able to find ease for their condition.