6 Ways to Get Affordable Mental-Health Services

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I am disabled and on a fixed income. Because of my diagnoses my medications are expensive. After only three months I am in the "donut hole".Medications that I cannot get from "help programs" I may just have to do without. I have had depression for many years, but with the help of medication I was able to function as a critical care nurse for 35 years. Now I have clinical depression with many additives. I have a sleep disorder, I sleep all the time, have sleep apnea, and hypopnea. Medication I have used in the past were "harsh", gave me a headache and GI problems. When I tried Provigil, I was very surprised. There were no side effects. I could stay awake, feel useful and do things that made me feel a part of the human race. Provigil is approximately $500.00 for one months supply. I cannot afford Provigil. Now, I either sleep all the time or take methylphenidate and endure the headaches and GI upset.

Carol Lewellen of AL 4:47AM May 27, 2009

See also the Med Magazine's classic guide to getting health insurance when you have a mental illness:
http://www.themedmagazine.com/issue2/insurance.html

Drew of CA 7:42PM May 13, 2009

Nothng in this wrld is free and nearly nothing is affordable to most of us. I have very little,I am a working class American and cannot get the mental help I need,Not even through my state's Charity Hospital's,Which I do Qualify for,but they have been unable to really help me with my problems. Without money,I'm on my own.

K.Short of LA 4:13PM April 27, 2009

There are alternatives to traditional mental health solutions, too, such as experiential methods based on Jungian psychology. Shadow Work(r), of which I am a practitioner, has more impact in shorter time than traditional talk therapy, so saves money when working through a big issue or personal transition (see some descriptions at http://www.shadowwork.com/testimonials.html) and often works well alongside it to provide a quantum leap forward. For those interested, there are groups in many parts of the country who get together at even lower cost than individual sessions with a practitioner.

Alyce Barry of CO 1:05PM April 26, 2009

They cry for help is a redundant echo of the past that started over twenty years ago by the close down of mental hospitals and total freez on the expansion of community/out patient clinics and of course the cancellation of virtually all insurance for mental health services.
I am fully licensed psychologist, experienced and hold the highest credentials in the field, yet I cannot locate a job as a psychologist, psychotherapist, psychodiagnostician or teacher!How the influx of patients is going to be received and attended to?

Murcus of OR 3:53PM April 22, 2009

HOW MUCH DO CURRENT PSYCHOLOGISTS AND PSYCHIATRISTS CHARGE THESE DAYS FOR A VISIT?
VERSUS HOW MUCH DO ORDINARY DOCTORS CHARGE FOR THEIR VISITS?
DID YOU KNOW ACCORDING TO MERCK MANUAL, MORE PSYCHIATRISTS COMMIT SUICIDE THAN OTHERS?
WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH IN U.S.?

HATTIE of CA 6:09PM April 15, 2009