Happiness, at the core, is a state of mind, a choice, and the debate ensues regarding money and its effect. I fall into the camp of belief that money is only associated to happiness based on the degree of comfort in one’s surroundings that it can create, not that it inherently causes happiness in and of itself (picture curling up in front of a fire with stacks of $20s).

But what about serious depression? I mean, if Chevy Chase, who has lots and lots of money, has trouble finding the correct anti-depressant for 6 years, what does that say about money’s role and strength regarding happiness?

In the end, it is the quality of our relationships that influences happiness, which so perfectly brings us circling back to episode 1, and so it goes.

Be prepared for MFT3 to refer to this series often regarding the multitude of topics that were so beautifully illustrated by PBS. I hope you were as moved by it as I was.

The thing that this episode, “Facing Our Fears” so poignantly expresses is that we all do have all of these feelings, but what to do when they become unmanageable? And what does unmanageable look like, really?

As a therapist I am proud of PBS for being so thorough and explicit, going to the tough place and shedding light into some commonly dark corners. I will be using these episodes as resources for current and future clients as a launching pad for conversations about grief, trauma, depression, fear, how families of the afflicted can be affected and more.

I cannot wait to see tonight’s last episode. I hope you tune in as well. If you missed episode 2, click here to view the entire 2-hour show.

Mental health practitioners are concerned first in helping people who want it. Yes, we are in this business to make a living, but part of the calling is also seeing that nobody goes without care when it’s needed. At MFT3 we have what is called a sliding scale fee structure. What that means is that we will reduce the rate to make sessions more accessible to a potential client. This policy is based on creating a relationship that is mutually satisfying; I don’t want a client coming in less frequently than therapeutically sustainable due to cost, I would rather take a smaller fee and create a better healing environment.

Of course, argument goes to the notion if someone is already in a depressed or anxious state, that discussing costs may not be a first thought or come naturally. I always discuss cost first over the phone but also check-in with the client as we move forward and adjust as necessary as situations change.

I have also developed a large and diverse network of collaborative professionals who are in every type of agency, and can refer to a no-cost practitioner if that best suits a client’s needs. I personally have never found the size of a fee having any impact – pro or con – on someone’s ability to be seen by a therapist. This notion flies in the face of the ethics of the field.

As we have been learning, not all insurance plans are created equally and the mere fact that someone has insurance does not ensure that they have good mental health coverage. Also, as jobs are lost so goes insurance in many instances. By having created a personal financial relationship separate from insurance via sliding scale, I find that clients are more apt to continue with sessions in the midst of job loss as a support through the depression associated with the loss, the work of finding a new job, supporting all family members through potential lifestyle changes, and so on.

My point is to always ask about cost, especially if it may be an extra stressor during an already tough time. As professionals, we are well aware and prepared to work with you in this matter. Yes, therapy will cost you money, but let us not underestimate the costs associated with not treating mental illness in a timely manner, too.

Please note that depression, particularly, is an isolating condition, and that getting out and finding a therapist is a very important step in breaking the solitary hold it can have on someone. If prescription medication is indicated, note too that some may take as long as 3 months to stabilize in your system, not a quick fix.

And always, if the need is critical, call 9-1-1 first.