How to Get Mental Health Care Without Insurance in Washington

The state of Washington provides mental health care services for the uninsured in every county. State mental hospitals even provide for inpatient treatment for mental illness, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, suicide prevention, schizophrenia, personality disorders and depression. Learning about services for the uninsured can empower patients to make decisions that lead to treatment. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment plans are available, even without insurance.

Instructions

• 1

  Call for help. Call the Regional Support Network of the Washington State Mental Health Crisis Line if you feel that you're having a mental health emergency. The state's Mental Health Division website offers a county-by-county list of crisis numbers. The local crisis number is also printed in the community pages your public phone directory. Your local Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) office also can help direct you to the local crisis line and possibly resources specific to your county or city. The statewide Suicide Prevention line is [phone]. TTY users can call [phone]. Or call 911.

• 2

  Ask about indigent care. Ask the crisis line worker specifically about the psychiatric indigent inpatient program if you feel that you need inpatient mental health care, such as rehabilitation or round-the-clock psychiatric care. There's a statewide grant for inpatient mental health care programs, but the only way to access the funds is via the psychiatric indigent inpatient grant, which requires initial contact with the county Regional Support Network. Patients must enter treatment voluntarily and follow state Medicaid guidelines, which may include sharing the cost of treatment if their income is above the minimum enrollment levels for state Medicaid assistance.

• 3

  Make your intentions known. Fill out a mental health advance directive form right away if you feel that your judgment may become impaired. The form is a legal document that states your preferences for care and gives another person, someone you trust, permission to oversee your care. It can be comforting to know that your wishes will be carried out and that you can direct your care.

• 4

  Keep good records. Set aside all of the paperwork you're given in a special envelope or file cabinet. One document you'll receive is a mandatory publication explaining how to file a grievance, or a written complaint. An ombudsman is available as an advocate to help you communicate with the state if you feel that your caregiver or social worker aren't acting in your best interest. Each case is evaluated individually.