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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mickapoo on November 22, 2008, at 13:21:28
Does anyone know of any mental health resources for the uninsured? I have found places where you can get general care like for sore throats, gynecological services, shots, etc... but they never offer any mental health services.
Posted by Racer on November 22, 2008, at 14:49:15
In reply to Uninsured- any mental health resources out there?, posted by Mickapoo on November 22, 2008, at 13:21:28
It depends largely on where you're located.
I was uninsured for ten years, and you're absolutely right -- it's hard to find mental health care. It is possible, however -- I found both medications and therapy.
One place to check local resources is NAMI, they should have a semi-local chapter near you. Another option is to call your local county health department. In fact, check to see what your county has as far as Department of Mental Health. Most larger, more urban areas will have one.
Sometimes those local health clinics will have mental health options, as well -- although that depends on such factors as what sort of service you're looking for. If you're looking for medications, they'll almost certainly be able to help -- although they may not have the experience and expertise that a psychopharmacologist would have. Therapy is generally harder to find, but even there it's often hiding from you. It's often just a matter of finding it.
One piece of advice, if you're suffering from depression: see if you can find a good and trusted friend who's willing to do some of the research for you. Sometimes depression colors your view enough that you don't see the resource which really is there.
Another suggestion is local peer support groups. As well as being a great resource for support, they often know of resources it would take you a long time to find on your own.
I hope that helps. Good luck to you.
Posted by Mickapoo on November 22, 2008, at 16:28:32
In reply to Re: Uninsured- any mental health resources out there? » Mickapoo, posted by Racer on November 22, 2008, at 14:49:15
Thanks, I'll check around. I suffer from both depression and generalized social phobia, but the phobia is far worse. The Nardil and Lamictal have my depression under control to a certain extent, but they have done nothing for my social phobia.
I'll try those resources. Thanks for your help! It's easy to fall through the cracks. There are those with insurance, and then there are those without insurance who qualify for low-income programs such as Medicaid, but there is nothing in between, except your local health dept, who told me they don't provide mental health services. Our system is so messed up! But then again, so many people don't have an inkling of what we go through or even take it seriously.
Posted by Racer on November 22, 2008, at 23:21:15
In reply to Re: Uninsured- any mental health resources out the » Racer, posted by Mickapoo on November 22, 2008, at 16:28:32
There are some local non-profit counseling centers near where I am, and many schools with psych departments will have resources for their graduates to do their internships -- hook into one of those, and you may find a source.
Good luck.
Posted by desolationrower on November 23, 2008, at 0:34:17
In reply to Re: Uninsured- any mental health resources out the, posted by Racer on November 22, 2008, at 23:21:15
I would call your mayor's office or councilman and ask if they could help you find mental health services provided in your community. Your representatives usually have that sort of information and are always glad to help out a voter.
-d/r
Posted by Mickapoo on November 24, 2008, at 15:20:22
In reply to Re: Uninsured- any mental health resources out there? » Mickapoo, posted by Racer on November 22, 2008, at 14:49:15
I contacted a well known mental health facility in our area (ACT), but they do not take anyone with any sort of anxiety of phobia issues, and even if they did, she told me 2 of their psychiatrists left, so they aren't taking new patients. The lady there told me to contact the local hospital, as they have a patient assistance program. Not sure if I am going to qualify but I left a message and they are going to call me back. I then called the local MHA (mental health assoc.) and they told me they don't know of anyone at all. They just have support groups, counseling, etc... they don't have physicians on staff. Then I called an agency specifically for those employed but without insurance. They don't handle mental health issues at all. Tried the mayor and councilman, they don't know of anyone besides ACT. I do have a call in to the MAHI, and they are pretty much my last resource. Unfortunately I don't have a university anywhere near here that would have a medical school with psych residents.
If this doesn't pan out, I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm falling between the cracks!
If anyone has any other ideas, please post them. I would appreciate it so much. Thank you!
Posted by Roslynn on November 24, 2008, at 15:45:15
In reply to Re: Uninsured- any mental health resources out the, posted by desolationrower on November 23, 2008, at 0:34:17
Hi,
If your city or county does not have a mental health department, check with neighboring cities and counties. They may be able to serve you sometimes if there is no corresponding service in your area. You can call them and ask.
Also try this database:
http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
Posted by desolationrower on November 24, 2008, at 16:13:11
In reply to Re: Uninsured- any mental health resources out the, posted by Roslynn on November 24, 2008, at 15:45:15
> Hi,
>
> If your city or county does not have a mental health department, check with neighboring cities and counties. They may be able to serve you sometimes if there is no corresponding service in your area. You can call them and ask.
>
> Also try this database:
> http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Oh, good point. A more affluent suburb might be a good place to look. They might have more resources there.
Sounds frustrating to put in all that time looking and not get any help back.
-d/r
Posted by nolagirl on November 24, 2008, at 17:23:39
In reply to Not having any luck... but still looking..., posted by Mickapoo on November 24, 2008, at 15:20:22
Where I live all of these services are run through the state. You might try contacting the state health/human services departments and see if that works.
Posted by clipper40 on November 25, 2008, at 4:02:42
In reply to Uninsured- any mental health resources out there?, posted by Mickapoo on November 22, 2008, at 13:21:28
Here's another database you might try:
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/default.asp
and here's a site for info on help with the cost of medications:
Some pharmaceutical companies have free programs for those who meet their financial requirements. If you go to their websites and do more research on this, you can find out which companies and for what medications.
Posted by Mickapoo on November 25, 2008, at 7:30:41
In reply to Re: Uninsured- any mental health resources out the » Mickapoo, posted by clipper40 on November 25, 2008, at 4:02:42
> Here's another database you might try:
>
> http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/default.asp
>
> and here's a site for info on help with the cost of medications:
>
> http://www.needymeds.org/
>
> Some pharmaceutical companies have free programs for those who meet their financial requirements. If you go to their websites and do more research on this, you can find out which companies and for what medications.Hi clipper,
I do already receive my medications at no cost, thankfully. I'll try the database link above. Thanks!Mickapoo
Posted by Racer on November 26, 2008, at 0:15:00
In reply to Uninsured- any mental health resources out there? » clipper40, posted by Mickapoo on November 25, 2008, at 7:30:41
I'm confused by ACT -- my first thought was the capitol of Oz, because that's its abbreviation, but I thought you said something about US health programs? Free meds sounds more like Oz, too -- so, please, enlighten? (If it is Oz, I'll ask a few folks I know what they know.)
Meanwhile, exactly what sort of mental health services are you looking for? If you're looking for meds, any physician should be able to prescribe -- although may not have the expertise a psychopharmacologist would have. Therapy is always the hard one to find around here -- meds, yes, therapy, no.
Generally, what happens around here is that a psychiatrist will see you a few times, then transfer you to a GP for maintenance. But if you gotta find a drug to be maintained on, it's often faster with a psychiatrist -- but not always. The last time I was uninsured, I went through hell with the psychiatrist -- but the GP who was supposed to maintain me fixed the problem first visit. If you're looking for meds, don't overlook the GPs.
Best luck.
Posted by Mickapoo on November 26, 2008, at 14:53:43
In reply to Hm... I think I am confused about something... » Mickapoo, posted by Racer on November 26, 2008, at 0:15:00
> I'm confused by ACT -- my first thought was the capitol of Oz, because that's its abbreviation, but I thought you said something about US health programs? Free meds sounds more like Oz, too -- so, please, enlighten? (If it is Oz, I'll ask a few folks I know what they know.)
>
> Meanwhile, exactly what sort of mental health services are you looking for? If you're looking for meds, any physician should be able to prescribe -- although may not have the expertise a psychopharmacologist would have. Therapy is always the hard one to find around here -- meds, yes, therapy, no.
>
> Generally, what happens around here is that a psychiatrist will see you a few times, then transfer you to a GP for maintenance. But if you gotta find a drug to be maintained on, it's often faster with a psychiatrist -- but not always. The last time I was uninsured, I went through hell with the psychiatrist -- but the GP who was supposed to maintain me fixed the problem first visit. If you're looking for meds, don't overlook the GPs.
>
> Best luck.Racer-
ACT is the publicly funded agency in my area for mental health and substance abuse. However, the financial requirements are that you are on disability for a psychiatric illness.Regarding the services I'm looking for, I was seeing a psychiatrist for social phobia although he had not yet helped me where SP was involved. When I lost my insurance I went to my GP as his rates were cheaper. After having done my research, I asked him if he would put me on Nardil. He agreed. I've been on Nardil 75 mg for twelve weeks now. I told him it was not working yet. He told me I need to see a psychiatrist as being a family dr MAOI's and social phobia is not really his realm of expertise.
I do not need meds, as I receive those through a patient assistance program. And I have plenty to last a long time. What I need is what my GP recommended- to go back to a psychiatrist to treat my SP. But I don't have any insurance so I need to find a resource that works on a sliding fee scale or offers free services.
Mickapoo
Posted by Roslynn on November 27, 2008, at 12:15:29
In reply to Re: Hm... I think I am confused about something... » Racer, posted by Mickapoo on November 26, 2008, at 14:53:43
Hi,
Can your GP's office advise you on services in your area? After all, they are saying they can no longer treat you for your condition.
> Racer-
> ACT is the publicly funded agency in my area for mental health and substance abuse. However, the financial requirements are that you are on disability for a psychiatric illness.
>
> Regarding the services I'm looking for, I was seeing a psychiatrist for social phobia although he had not yet helped me where SP was involved. When I lost my insurance I went to my GP as his rates were cheaper. After having done my research, I asked him if he would put me on Nardil. He agreed. I've been on Nardil 75 mg for twelve weeks now. I told him it was not working yet. He told me I need to see a psychiatrist as being a family dr MAOI's and social phobia is not really his realm of expertise.
>
> I do not need meds, as I receive those through a patient assistance program. And I have plenty to last a long time. What I need is what my GP recommended- to go back to a psychiatrist to treat my SP. But I don't have any insurance so I need to find a resource that works on a sliding fee scale or offers free services.
>
> Mickapoo
Posted by Mickapoo on November 27, 2008, at 17:40:29
In reply to Re: Hm... I think I am confused about something..., posted by Roslynn on November 27, 2008, at 12:15:29
> Hi,
>
> Can your GP's office advise you on services in your area? After all, they are saying they can no longer treat you for your condition.
>
>
I wish. He told me "maybe there is" and that he'd look into that. His nurse then called and told me she was giving me the referral to a psychiatrist, and funny enough, she recommended I see the pdoc I was seeing before I lost my insurane! So now I'm basically back at the beginning again.
Posted by Roslynn on November 27, 2008, at 18:18:23
In reply to Re: Hm... I think I am confused about something.. » Roslynn, posted by Mickapoo on November 27, 2008, at 17:40:29
Hi...did you look into support groups in your area? Members may have some suggestions for you.
A lot of times there is talk among support group members about doctors, hospitals, services, etc.
> >
> >
> I wish. He told me "maybe there is" and that he'd look into that. His nurse then called and told me she was giving me the referral to a psychiatrist, and funny enough, she recommended I see the pdoc I was seeing before I lost my insurane! So now I'm basically back at the beginning again.
Posted by Mickapoo on November 27, 2008, at 18:20:34
In reply to Re: Hm... I think I am confused about something.., posted by Roslynn on November 27, 2008, at 18:18:23
> Hi...did you look into support groups in your area? Members may have some suggestions for you.
>
> A lot of times there is talk among support group members about doctors, hospitals, services, etc.Do you mean call and ask if any support groups know of anyone or actually attend a support group meeting?
Mickapoo
Posted by Roslynn on November 27, 2008, at 18:29:18
In reply to Re: Support groups may supply info » Roslynn, posted by Mickapoo on November 27, 2008, at 18:20:34
I just realized someone above had already mentioned support groups...oops
Um, if it is too tough (social phobia) or too far for you to attend a group, call a group leader/facilitator and explain your situation. Often they can be helpful. It may be their home phone number you are calling as many of these groups are small...but just take a breath, explain your situation. If they can't help, ask if they know anyone who can.
> Do you mean call and ask if any support groups know of anyone or actually attend a support group meeting?
>
> Mickapoo
Posted by Mickapoo on November 28, 2008, at 23:47:34
In reply to Re: Support groups may supply info, posted by Roslynn on November 27, 2008, at 18:29:18
> I just realized someone above had already mentioned support groups...oops
>
> Um, if it is too tough (social phobia) or too far for you to attend a group, call a group leader/facilitator and explain your situation. Often they can be helpful. It may be their home phone number you are calling as many of these groups are small...but just take a breath, explain your situation. If they can't help, ask if they know anyone who can.
>
There's no way I could overcome my fear enough to attend a meeting. I would probably shoot myself in the foot to get out of it! About the leader, that's a good idea. I'll try to do that. Thank you!Mickapoo
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