How to Get Free or Low-Cost Depression Treatment

How to Get Free or Low-Cost Depression Treatment Depression Treatment Print How to Get Free or Low-Cost Depression Treatment By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on April 25, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids HRAUN / Getty Images If youve been diagnosed with clinical depression, you may be relieved to learn whats been causing your symptoms and that there are many medications and other treatments available for them. At the same time, you may be worried you wont be able to afford the drugs or therapy that can help you. Sometimes insurance plans arent very generous about treating mental conditions, and if you dont have insurance at all, then paying out of pocket for a medication like Prozac, or even its generic form (fluoxetine), may be a reach for you. There are ways to get around these challenges, though, by working with your doctor or pharmacist, and by being open to avenues of depression treatment other than antidepressants. Depression Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF Split  Pills Its sometimes less expensive to buy a medication in a higher dose than the one youve been prescribed. If that drug comes in a form that can physically be split in half, it may be worth it to ask your doctor if this is an option for you. For example, if he wants you to take 20 milligrams (mg) of Prozac each day and 40-mg versions of this drug are cheaper, he could write a prescription for the larger dose pill. You can then split each of those in half. Find Meds for Free Pharmaceutical companies often give doctors samples of drugs. Ask your doctor if he has any samples of your medication. Even a few freebies once in a while can lower the overall cost of your treatment. You also may be eligible for free medications through organizations and other programs designed to help people struggling to afford health care, such as  Needy Meds, a nonprofit  providing information on healthcare programs, offering direct assistance, and facilitating programs and  The Medicine Program  (TMP), which offers free services such as a prescription plan and health insurance subsidized by running Google ads on their site. Explore  Alternatives Herbal remedies and nutraceuticals for treating depression are inexpensive and you dont need a prescription to get them. Here are a few of the most common ones for depression and also for other problems that often go along with depression. But before you run out and stock up on any of these, talk to your doctor. Just because something is labeled natural doesnt mean it cant have serious side effects. Evening primrose oil (for premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD)5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), an amino acid that is believed to convert tryptophan into both serotonin, a neurotransmitter, and  the sleep  hormone  melatonin  (for depression)SAM-e (for depression)Vitamins and minerals (for depression)Kava Kava (for anxiety)Valerian (for anxiety and sleep)Melatonin (for sleep) Try Therapy Psychotherapy can be effectiveâ€"and expensive, but some providers have sliding-scale fees. Based on your income, the provider will reduce his or her fees. Or you may be able to negotiate a payment plan with a therapist or a lower rate according to what your insurance plan pays. Find out what your town has to offer by way of counseling as well. Many have community mental health centers  (CMHCs) that offer a range of treatment and counseling services, usually at a reduced rate for low-income people. CMHCs generally require you to have private insurance or to getting some form of public assistance. The National Council for Community Behavioral Health Care is a great source for this type of help. The 7 Best Online Help Resources for Depression Consider a Clergyman If you belong to a church or synagogue, a staff member there may be able to put you in touch with a pastoral counseling program. Certified pastoral counselors, who are ministers in a recognized religious body, have advanced degrees in pastoral counseling, as well as professional counseling experience. Pastoral counseling is often provided on a sliding-scale fee. You can learn more from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors website.   Seek Support   Self-help and support groups allow people to talk about and work together on common problems such as alcoholism, substance abuse, depression, family issues, and relationships. Usually, self-help groups are free. Sources for finding a group near you include the National Mental Health Self-Help Clearinghouse. Go Public You may be eligible for public assistance to pay for your mental health care  through such programs as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Clinical Trials Many research programs for new medications will provide free treatment for participants. One downside is the risk of getting a  placebo  or an unproven treatment, so make sure your doctor is on board if youre interested in being part of a clinical trial.