Get Treatment for PTSD and More
There’s no doubt that the American health care system, not to mention the Veterans Administration, can’t handle the rise in mental health cases. With many being recently identified, the number has risen but the costs have also risen. There are options for you and this article will lay out some of them. Please don’t stop fighting for your loved ones or yourself when it comes to getting mentally fit.
How to afford treatment
If struggling with mental health issues, you need and deserve medical treatment options to help you get better. However, adding medical expenses on top of existing debt can be a non-starter for many people.
It may seem as if the odds are stacked against you, but there are so many organizations and resources out there dedicated to help.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI has small groups across the nation dedicated to helping anyone with a mental illness. Find a local branch and they can help identify local, low-cost treatment options.
Mental Health America (MHA)
Similar to NAMI, Mental Health America can also provide local services through one of their MHA affiliates.
Local universities
Many universities with graduate training programs in psychology, psychiatry or counseling will provide low-cost mental health services to the community.
Group therapy
Group therapy sessions are often cheaper than private sessions. It can be scary to share your struggles with a group, but it can also help when you know that you’re not alone.
Sliding fees
Some providers offer sliding fee structures to help patients pay what they can afford for mental health services. Many therapists are willing to work with you to make sure you’re getting the help you need at a price that isn’t causing you more financial stress.
Medicaid and Medicare
If you are in a low-income bracket, you may be eligible for Medicaid (for those under 65) or Medicare (for those 65 years or older). Medicaid coverage includes mental health services and some plans also include prescription drug coverage. Medicare covers hospital and medical insurance and prescription drug coverage.
Zero Interest Credit Cards
While using a credit card for large purchases that you can’t immediately pay off (such as medical expenses) is usually counter-intuitive to getting out of debt, a zero-interest credit card can allow you to pay off large medical purchases without interest charges for a given period of time, usually referred to as an “introductory APR period.” For someone who has no other way to pay for mental health services, the risk is worth getting treatment and jumpstarting your journey to being healthy. Generally, your credit rating has to be in the good to excellent range to qualify.
Just be sure you can pay off the balance before your 0 percent APR introductory period ends, or the interest rates can make it more difficult to pay off the card balance.
If you or your loved one is experiencing a time of crisis, know that you can call the NAMI helpline at 800-950-6264 or text NAMI to 741741.
