By: Stan Popovich
Do you know of anyone who is looking for help for their addictions and mental health?
Like many other medical conditions, mental illnesses are easiest to treat when they’re in the early stages.
As a result, there are many resources that can help you right now!
What Are Your Options?
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 into 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 with 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. Go to your government websites: These places will have information about health services in your area. Find your local mental health centers by contacting your local and state government office and explaining your situation.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Talk to 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
A person can go on the internet to get information on what is in their area. If you are interested in finding supportive services, you can look for these options in your community:
1. Hotlines and warmlines: They provide immediate support by telephone for people in emotional states 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. 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 to see patients. These professionals will meet at drop-in centers or other clinics.
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 also contact your county or state mental health agencies for more information.
1. Health Insurance: Insurance through the federal government is available through Medicare, Medicaid, or an insurance plan offered through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. Government insurance and ACA healthcare plans are prohibited from denying coverage or charging more to cover a pre-existing condition, including mental health issues or substance abuse.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace is a health insurance marketplace that allows people to buy health plans. The Marketplace offers a range of health plans that meet common coverage standards.
2. Medicare and Medicaid for mental health: Medicaid and Medicare are federally funded insurance programs and qualifying is based on income, age, and disability status. Medicare is a federal program for people 65 and older, while Medicaid is a joint federal and state program for low-income people. Both programs provide health insurance that covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and other services.
To apply for either of these programs or for help starting the Social Security Disability application, contact your local social service agencies.
3. Disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or “Disability” provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work. Applying for disability benefits can be a good option even if you’re able to work, but it’s probably a necessity if mental illness is preventing or severely limiting you from finding or keeping a job.
If you have questions about whether your mental illness is covered and whether you could be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits, you can visit the Social Security Administration website.
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 interview that determines the care you will receive.
5. Your insurance policy: The first thing to find out is what mental health benefits your insurance policy offers. Review your insurance policy so that you are clear about whether your policy includes coverage for mental health services, types of services that are covered, the amount paid for these services, and any steps you must take to have treatment covered.
6. Manage your prescription costs: It is important to let your doctor know if you cannot afford your prescriptions. Discuss with your doctor if switching to generic drugs or less expensive brand-name prescription drugs is a safe option for you.
Like What You Read?
You will greatly increase your chances of finding the answers to your mental health issues if you use my book, website articles, and my blog at the same time. You can also review the rest of my website to get a better idea of how my experiences and advice can help you. Consider getting my affordable book right now at PayPal, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble by clicking on Get Stan’s Book
