Free Mental Health Services
Ironically, we are often most in need of mental health services when we are in the least position to afford them. I recall while in college I wanted to see a therapist to hash some things out with, but affording therapy was a luxury that I could ill afford. Sadly enough, therapy (and all mental health services) are not luxury items, rather they are necessities required for optimal living. This is especially true when the person in need is struggling with depression, anxiety, marital discord, or family crisis.
The following list of services provides many free resources to help you get the assistance you (or your loved one, neighbor, friend, co-worker, etc.) need but are unable to afford:
Hotlines:
If you’re feeling like harming yourself it is imperative that you call one of these numbers and get help right away.
1-800-273-8255
1-800-784-2433
1-800-799-4889
There is also a suicide prevention email hot line which can be reached by clicking here.
The National Mental Health Information Center has published a wide array of hot lines for issues ranging from child abuse to caring for the disabled that you can view by clicking here.
Finding a Therapist:
When you have limited funds, finding someone to talk to isn’t always so easy, but there are Community Mental Health Centers available in most areas. Here are some resources to help you find qualified therapists and community mental health centers near you:
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance has a free/low-cost clinic finder, just type in your zip code and the distance you’re able to travel and press submit.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources has a listing of free/low-cost clinics throughout the United States, which can be accessed by clicking here.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, which can be reached toll-free at 1-800-950-NAMI, or reached through their website (by clicking here), also has a listing of free/low-cost clinics available in your area.
Click here for a listing of toll-free numbers to mental health clinics across the U.S.
Click here for another list of free/low-cost mental health clinics near you.
Find a Community Mental Health Center here.
Click here for the federal government’s free/low-cost mental health clinic finder.
Free/Low-Cost Medications:
There is a Walmart in almost every community throughout the United States. Take advantage of Walmart’s $4 Prescription Plan by clicking here.
The organization Needy Meds provides information on acquiring free/low-cost meds. Contact them by clicking here.
Mental Health America also provides resources for acquiring medication for mental health when financial means are limited. Find out more by clicking here.
Call the Partnership for Prescription Assistance with this toll free number: 1-888-477-2669 or you may access their web site here.
The following is a list of a variety of other resources you may find useful in finding free/low-cost therapy, counseling, and/or medication.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
The National Alliance on Mental Illness
Miscellaneous:
The following list of articles may be useful in informing your decision making process as to which services and treatments are right for you and your budget.
A Consumer’s Guide to Mental Health Services
CNN Health presents “No Health Insurance? Get Help Here.”
US News and World Report tells you ways to get free/low-cost mental health services here.
The Daily Kos tells you how to get free/low-cost mental health care here.
Psych Central tells you how to get free/low-cost psychotherapy here.
About.com tells you how to get free treatment for depression here.
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