Indigent Mental Health Treatment

More than 30 million Americans are uninsured or qualify for indigent mental health services, according to the National Council for Community Behavioral Health Care. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that millions of Americans go without mental health care treatment because of the high cost.

Facts

• Each state in the U.S. provides mental health services administered by state or local governments, generally falling under the umbrella of health and human services. Public mental health services for low-income and indigent clientele are paid through state and local funds. To inquire about indigent mental health services, check the health and human services website for your state.

Local Mental Health Authority

• Local mental health authorities provide counseling and medication for low-income and indigent patients. Depending on the state, usually only patients with severe mental illnesses, such as major depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, receive targeted services. Patients who don't meet those criteria are referred for appropriate care.

County Hospitals

• Indigent and low-income patients having a psychiatric crisis can receive immediate treatment through the local county hospital to stabilize their symptoms. They won't be turned away due to inability to pay.

City Clinics

• Clinics run by the city not only provide general medical care but also substance-abuse and mental health services for indigent patients. County hospitals usually have a list of city clinics which provide mental health treatment for indigent clients.

Medicaid

• Indigent patients with severe mental illnesses may qualify for funding through Medicaid to help pay for mental health services. Medicaid is a state and federal government program which pays for medical/mental services for people who meet certain requirements, such as age, income and disability.