What Can You Do if You Can’t Afford Therapy?
- Written by NewsServices.com
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 20 percent of adults in the United States experienced mental illness in 2019. It means there is a whopping number of over fifty million people in the United States alone that need help with their mental health - and that number does not include the undiagnosed cases. Because of worrying statistics like these, it is crystal clear that millions of people should attend therapy every year. However, not everyone can afford such a luxury.
While some are not prepared to cover such an expense, others struggle to find funds to finance their most basic needs. It is easy to give up hope and forget about therapy in cases like these. But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Nowadays, everyone has access to many affordable mental health resources. You can check if your insurance covers essential mental health services, search for community mental health centers, start meditating, and make some crucial lifestyle changes. Let’s take a closer look at these and a few other options that are available to you.
Check If Your Insurance Covers Mental Health Services
Insurance companies cover a wide selection of health services, including mental health. In most cases, people are not even aware that their insurance covers mental health care. If you have health insurance, you can visit your physician and get a referral to a mental health professional. Once the referral has been approved, you will be able to visit the therapist of your choice and receive mental health care. However, the coverage may vary from one insurance company to another, which means that you will have to check if your insurance covers mental health services and what is included in that coverage. For example, your insurance may cover only outpatient therapy but not in-patient care.
Start Eating Healthy and Eliminate Stressors
If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health issue, your diet is probably one of the things that you need to change. Ensure that you get enough protein in your diet, as it is vital for brain function and mood regulation. The same goes for healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, you should include plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet. You might also consider taking supplements - sometimes our mental health can deteriorate due to a lack of some nutrients. However, ensure to consult with your doctor and choose only high-quality products. For example, while CBD can be highly beneficial for your mental health, you need to find a good provider - https://osirisorganics.com/ can help you get your head around what it means.
Look for Community Mental Health Centers
The next affordable mental health option that you should check out is community mental health centers. These are free or low-cost clinics that provide their patients with mental health services, and they are usually funded by government agencies, charitable foundations, and private donations.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is one of the leading nonprofit organizations that help people with mental illness. Today, they have 600 local Affiliates and 48 State Organizations that work in the community.
Learn More About Meditation
Meditation has been around for thousands of years, and it is still as effective as it was back then. It is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, and you can practice it anywhere, anytime. If you are interested in meditation, there are many books and apps on meditation available online. There are free online courses available on video-sharing platforms, too. This way, you can easily learn how to meditate from the comfort of your home.
Consider Online Therapy
In the past, online therapy was considered a last-resort option for people who could not find an affordable therapist. However, with the emergence of more affordable technologies and online platforms, it is possible to get mental health care from the comfort of your own home.
For example, BetterHelp is an affordable online platform that allows users to chat with licensed therapists. You just need to go to their website and add your information. Then, you will be matched with a professional based on the needs you specified. This one and platforms alike work on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers, and you can use it whenever you want.
Spend More Time with the People You Love
It is easy to get caught up in work and money problems and forget to care for ourselves and the people who love us. If you are experiencing mental health issues, it is crucial to spend more time with the people you love. Make sure you do not neglect them or ignore their needs. It will help you stay positive and lift your spirits.
In Conclusion
If you are in need of affordable mental health services, many options are available to you. If your insurance covers mental health, you can go to your family doctor and get a referral. You can also look for community mental health centers in your area.
If you prefer meditation and online therapy, you can read up on meditation techniques online and check online therapy platforms. In addition to that, you can spend more time with the people who make you feel happy. Keep in mind that there is always a way out even of the darkest times in your life!
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