The need for mental health care is rising in an era when many people are losing their employer-sponsored health care coverage through layoffs. In this article, you'll learn about ways to afford to begin or continue psychotherapy, as well as help pay for psychiatric medications.
Instructions
1. Check a local major state or private university to see if the psychology department runs a community clinic. Many do so as a means of helping psychology graduate students get the hours of training they need to become licensed. Students are supervised by an experienced faculty member, and such clinics usually work on a low- to no-cost basis--perhaps free for currently enrolled students and at very low costs for community members, based on income.
2. Check with your county's human services department. Often, it will provide reduced-cost mental health services for the uninsured. Be aware that you may be severely limited in how often you can access services (e.g., once a month for outpatient psychotherapy and once for medication reviews with a psychiatrist).
3. If you are a member of a church, see if your denomination has certified pastoral counselors. In addition to being clergypersons in their faith tradition, such people also have advanced degrees and experience in mental health counseling. They often provide services on a sliding-fee scale.
4. Investigate how Medicare or Medicaid can help. If the federal government has determined that you are totally disabled by your mental health conditions and are no longer able to work, you can get health care and a monthly income through Medicare or Medicaid.
5. Join a mental health support group, whether online or in person. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance both offer in-person peer support groups. Talking with others who share your problems can be helpful, and all it costs is time and gas or bus fare.
Tags: mental health, health care, Medicare Medicaid