However, if you fall into the category of those who are doing their best to be responsible about their illness but, for whatever reason, are unable to access mental health insurance, here are a few money-saving tips to help you get the most care from a limited budget.
Your psychiatrist is your greatest asset in making the most with what you have. If you know in advance that your insurance coverage will be running out soon or if you simply want to save some money on your medications, talk to your doctor about your prescriptions. If your psychiatrist understands that you are in a difficult financial situation, he may be able prescribe a lower-cost medication.
Often drugs that have been on the market for a significant period of time are priced lower than newer alternatives. Also, many doctors will have free samples they can offer for a short time to help you out a little. Additionally, there are a number of prescription-only insurance plans available as well as a number of sites where you can download discount prescription cards for little or no cost.
If you get to the point where you no longer qualify for private insurance but you do not qualify for federal or state assistance with insurance, all is not lost. You can still see your psychiatrist on your own if you stagger out your visits to just a few times a year and pay the full fee yourself. You can also see a therapist as needed instead of on a regular basis.
When it comes to saving money on therapy, many church-based and community-based counseling centers will charge on a sliding scale or offer their services for free. If you think you can’t afford therapy, check out your community's resources before you say no.
Even if you have to spread your appointments out to every other week or once a month, some therapy is better than no therapy. Medications can help your mind and body function at emotional "normal," but you will still need emotional support and guidance, especially when you are under intense stress.
You may be saying to yourself, "But that doesn't cover hospitalization." True, it doesn't. But if you cannot afford insurance or hospitalization, then live like you will never need to go to the hospital. By that I mean utilize some common sense coping tools and utilize them religiously. Schedule your life so that you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep almost every night. Eat healthy. Take time, at least 30 minutes a day, for yourself. Read a book, watch a favorite TV show, or spend time with a friend.
Fill your life with meaningful activities that don't stress your already tight budget. Rent movies from the library or check out books by your favorite author. You might be surprised at how updated their video/DVD selections are, and many libraries allow you to reserve any book in the system, sometimes even before it is purchased.
Get involved with a church, synagogue or volunteer group. If you do nothing but sit at home alone and stress yourself into intense depression or desperation over your financial situation, then you are defeated before you even begin. But if you reach out to the world around you, the world will reach out to you, and you will find the strength to go on in the new world you have made for yourself.
