Interactive Treatment Comparison Tool
Compare up to 5 mental health treatments side-by-side across 10+ criteria. Select treatments below to see detailed comparisons of costs, effectiveness, time commitment, and long-term outcomes.
Select Treatments to Compare (2-5)
| Criteria | Dianetics | Psychiatry (Medication) | Psychology (Talk Therapy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Locate and release traumatic memories (engrams) | Chemical management of symptoms | Cognitive and behavioral strategies |
| Duration | Finite process (weeks to months) | Lifelong dependency | Months to years of weekly sessions |
| Cost (Lifetime) | varies based on individual needs | R300,000-R600,000 (lifetime) | R50,000-R150,000 per year |
| Effectiveness | Addresses root cause, permanent resolution | Manages symptoms, doesn't cure | Helps with coping, doesn't address root cause |
| Side Effects | None | Weight gain, sexual dysfunction, addiction, withdrawal | None physical |
| Time Commitment | 40-100 hours total, then done | Daily medication for life | 1 hour/week for months-years |
| Accessibility | Moderate (requires trained auditor) | High (widely available) | Moderate (expensive, limited availability) |
| Scientific Evidence | Millions of success stories worldwide | Extensive research, 40-60% relapse rate | Strong evidence for symptom management |
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| Learn More | Full Comparison | Full Comparison | Full Comparison |
Lifetime Cost Matters
Don't just look at per-session costs. Calculate total lifetime investment. A R50,000 one-time investment often beats R2,000/month for 20 years (R480,000 total).
Symptom Management vs. Resolution
Most treatments manage symptoms without addressing root causes. Only a few approaches (like Dianetics) aim to permanently resolve the underlying issue.
Time Commitment Varies
Some treatments require daily practice for life (meditation, medication). Others are finite processes with clear endpoints. Consider your long-term commitment capacity.
Ready to Make an Informed Decision?
Read our comprehensive Treatment Guide for detailed analysis of all options, or explore individual comparison pages for in-depth cost-benefit analysis.