When married couples don't get along well or have difficulties with communication, marriage counseling may help. The cost of marriage counseling services varies depending on where you go for counseling and on the qualifications of the counselor; for instance, a psychologist usually charges more than a licensed social worker. Some people have health insurance that covers marriage counseling, but some don't. Some agencies in Dayton, Ohio, provide free or low-cost marriage counseling for eligible couples.
Types of Services
Agencies that provide free and low-cost marriage counseling in Dayton, Ohio, often provide other mental health services as well. They may provide individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling, the prescribing and monitoring of psychotropic medication, substance abuse treatment and case management services. Not all people in need of marriage counseling require other services, but for those that do, they can conveniently receive all the mental health services they need in one place. These agencies address the needs of the entire family.
Marriage Counseling Services
Marriage counseling services involve helping couples communicate, teaching communication skills, helping with problem solving in relationships and teaching improved interpersonal skills. Individual or family counseling may also be indicated to help with issues that affect the marriage. Sometimes couples only need a few sessions with a marriage counselor, but sometimes ongoing treatment is indicated.
Agencies
Advanced Therapeutic Services offers a wide range of mental health services including marriage counseling, individual counseling, family counseling, play therapy for children, eating disorder treatment and substance abuse treatment. Their stated mission is to provide quality services to people who might not otherwise be able to afford those services.
Day-Mont Behavioral Health Care provides mental health and substance abuse treatment to individuals, couples and families. They provide marriage counseling on a sliding scale, basing the cost on the clients' incomes. Marriage counseling is free for people that meet income guidelines. Other community agencies provide similar services.
Payment Arrangements
Many community service agencies in Dayton provide marriage counseling on a sliding scale. The fee is based on the family size and the family's monthly income. People with very low incomes can receive counseling services at no charge. Many agencies also accept Medicare and Medicaid as payment for marriage counseling services. Medicaid recipients can receive counseling services at no charge to them but Medicare recipients must make a co-pay.
Applying for Medicaid
If you have difficulty affording health care services that you need, including mental health care and marriage counseling, you might qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid provides health insurance for some people with low incomes. Apply for Medicaid at the Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services. Visit the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website for more information (see Resource section).
