Getting treatment/ medication without health insurance

[steamvessel]

Do any of you know what reasonable options there are for getting treatment for your depression without health insurance? I don't want to sound snobbish, but I really don't want to get counciling through a Church or by a social worker. I want to go to a psychiatrist that can prescribe medicine, or a clinical psychologist with a Phd. Are there any options out there if you don't have medical insurance?

[doorknob]

Steam, I'm in that same boat. WA has counseling centers that are state funded that charge on a sliding scale. Right now, I am unemployed, so I am being charged zero fees. I am seeing a Masters level psychologist for CBT and a nurse practitioner for meds. I recently started on Paxil, which I'm getting at Walmart for $4 for a months supply (generic of course).

[nandm]

Check with your local YMCA as they usually have counseling available on a sliding scale.

Also there should be some sort of community mental health center that you might be able to get help through.

[MelinaArt]

In all honesty, at some point I just accepted that for me, my mental health was a priority and I would have to be willing to shell out the money for a good therapist and good meds. To date, I have spent 400+ monthly on my mental health over the last 3 years. And, I am in no way rich. I make 10.50 an hour. I just decided to budget in ample money for therapy so I could be stable. My stability became more important to me than cute clothes or vanilla lattes. I know that's not a practical solution for everyone, but I would just suggest that you give a little thought as to whether shifting around some of your spending habits might make a difference in the name of a good therapist.

[Done_With_It]

There are some good resources on this thread.

[CarolD]

I suggest a visit to your County Health Department
to find what is available in your area.

Ours has a special section for mental issues
Both private and group sessions ...often gives
free meds or discount cupons for them.
My friend S. pays $5 for group ..#10 for private.
It's based on your income.

[justanothrdrunk]

Sounds like your options are limited to some form of public assistance. There are all sorts of resources available at the local, state, and federal level.

You'll probably have to deal with some red tape, and have to qualify based on income. In addition, there may be a wait.

Not to totally discourage you, but I know that for my local county public health, the wait is a year for new patients to see someone.

[Freedom1990]

In my area, the mental health center here does counseling on a sliding fee scale based on your income. I see a psychologist for counseling there, and also one of their psychiatrists for regular med evaluations.

Call your local mental health center and see if they offer the same thing. If not, maybe they can point you in the right direction.

[Emimily]

I work at a mental health facility that operates on a sliding scale fee for those that are residents of the county and have no insurance. We get busy, sure, but we work with a lot of people who are in your same boat and we do an excellent job.

Really, it's worth checking out what your county has to offer. Some are better than others (like ours compared to neighboring counties), but it's worth a shot. Good luck!

[liveweyerd]

Good news! I get almost all my meds for free or almost free!
There are many patient assistance services available!
I did an internet search to find them.
I get most of mine directly from the pharmeceutical companies at no cost!
Mailed to me or my DR.

live/Tena

[historyteach]

Check out some of the stickies above too.
You may find some resources there.

Others have some good ideas here too, of course,
And I want to point out that a good social worker is worth their weight in gold! I've been seeing mine for years, on and off, as needed. I saw others when she was on maternity leave, and believe me, there is a huge difference between the good and the bad! Keep looking till you find a fit.

Shalom!