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Financial Assistance for Mental Health Treatment

Approximately 26.2 million Americans suffer from some form of mental health disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Health-care professionals often treat mental-health problems with counseling and medications, though sometimes they recommend other forms of treatment like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people need ongoing treatment and it can be expensive, especially if they don't have health insurance.

  1. Medicaid

    • Medicaid provides health insurance, which includes mental-health treatment, for some people with low incomes, including children, pregnant women, elderly people and people with disabilities. Covered treatments include things like inpatient hospitalization for mental illness, outpatient visits to doctors and counselors, substance abuse treatment and psychotropic medications. You must apply for Medicaid in the county in which you live.

    County Boards of Mental Health

    • Most county boards of mental health have funds available to help pay for mental-health treatment for people that otherwise could not afford the treatment they need. Fees are usually based on your income. Contact the mental-health board in the county in which you live to find out where you can receive affordable mental-health care in your county. Services usually include visits to doctors and counselors. County boards of mental health may also offer assistance paying for inpatient treatment and may help you find ways to afford your prescription medications.

    Hospitals

    • Many hospitals have funds available to provide treatment to uninsured patients with low incomes, including mental-health treatment. Contact your local hospital and ask to speak to a financial counselor or social worker for information. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act requires hospitals to provide lifesaving treatment to patients even if they cannot pay, so if you are suicidal you can go to any hospital emergency room to receive treatment even if you can't afford to pay for care.

    Prescription Assistance Programs

    • Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs that provide free prescription medications for patients with low incomes and no insurance. For instance, Pfizer's prescription assistance program makes Effexor, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, available to some patients free of charge. Bristol-Meyers Squibb has a patient assistance program that offers Abilify to some patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at no cost to them. Contact the company that manufacturers your medication to ask if they offer a prescription assistance program to needy patients. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for information.

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