By: Stan Popovich
If you think that you, or someone you’re close to, might have mental health problems, it’s important to address it immediately.
The second step is to get help from a psychiatrist or mental health counselor. Like many other medical conditions, mental illnesses are easiest to treat when they’re in the early stages.
Your Options in Getting Help for Addiction
1. Seek help from a mental health professional: Talk to a mental health counselor in your area who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. Your local mental health community center can point you in the right direction.
Many health care professionals that treat mental health and drug or alcohol use will offer a “sliding-fee scale” payment option. This means the price you pay depends on how much money you make. When you call to set up an appointment, ask if they have a sliding-fee scale or other options for a lower cost.
2. Go to the nearest hospital: Your local hospital can give you immediate assistance for your mental health issues. The people who work at a hospital know of other professionals in your area that can provide you with the proper treatment. In addition, some hospitals offer various mental health services that are available to the public.
3. Contact your doctor or primary care physician: Your medical or family doctor is a great source in finding available treatment centers in your area. Explain to your doctor what is going on regarding your anxieties and ask if he or she knows of anyone that can help you. Chances are your doctor will be able to give you some referrals.
4. Talk to your priest or minister: Your local church may know of programs in your area that you could go to in overcoming your depression and addictions. Many churches offer support groups when it comes to dealing with your mental health issues. A priest or minister can provide advice to your situation.
5. Call your insurance company: Your insurance company can provide a list of mental health services and other treatment centers that are in your health plan and are in your area. A person can call their insurance company to get information about where to go for assistance.
6. Network with your friends: Some of your friends may struggle with fear and anxiety. Ask the people you know if they have any suggestions on where you can go for treatment. In addition, make sure that your friends can keep things confidential.
Finding Mental Health Support Services
Go to a support group in your area and meet people who are struggling with addiction and depression. A person can go on the internet to get information on what is in their area. If you are interested in finding supportive services in addition to professional counseling look for these options in your community:
1. Hotlines and warmlines: They provide immediate support by telephone for people in emotional crisis and people with mental health conditions. Where hotlines provide emergency support and crisis intervention, warmlines provide assistance, comfort and referral services. Hotlines and warmlines can provide referrals to help and care for those who are struggling.
2. Drop-in Centers: These are organizations that are generally run by people with mental health conditions for their peers. Drop-in centers may organize activities such as support groups that can help you or your loved ones.
3. Support groups: These groups meet at various places in your community such as churches, schools, or government buildings. You can find support groups on the Internet, local mental health centers and restaurants, or by asking other people.
4. Community mental health centers: These centers offer low-cost or free care on a sliding scale to the public. Typical services include emergency services, therapy and psychiatric care for adults and for children. You can expect to go through an intake interview that determines the care you will receive.
Mental health centers may offer a variety of services on a long-term basis for clients with persistent mental health conditions. Find your local mental health center by contacting your local government.
5. Local nonprofits: Some may have therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists who donate their time and agree to see patients for free or at a reduced cost. Many groups will organize professionals who will donate some time each week or month to see patients. These professionals will meet at drop-in centers or other clinics.
6. Medicare and Medicaid for mental health: Medicaid and Medicare are federally funded insurance programs and qualifying is based on income, age, and disability status. To apply for either of these programs or for help starting the Social Security Disability application, contact your local social service agencies.
Financial Help for Your Mental Health
If you do not have a lot of money, you can talk to your doctor, an insurance provider, a mental health professional, or a local community health center to discuss options like sliding scale fees, insurance coverage, and potential financial assistance programs available in your area. You can contact your county or state mental health agency for more information. Help is available regardless of your current income.
Like What You Read?
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