I need mental healthcare but can't afford it. What are my options?

Question

I'm 21 years old and I need help with anxiety issues.

I am unable to get a full-time job where I live, so I can't get insurance through my employer, and the money I make from part-time is barely enough to make any savings.

Anyone got any idea how I might be able to afford mental healthcare? I searched and it seems I'm not eligible for medicare. Do I have any other options?

(Kinda off topic, I look into alternative medicine to see what I can do: yoga and eat right. I don't want to take prescription pills. I need behavioral help)

Answer 1

See if you can get Medicaid by applying at your local health and welfare office.  With Medicaid you can get access to several different types of mental health services.  For help with this you can call a company that does psychosocial rehab (PSR) services.  They can give you a free phone screening to see if you are eligible for Medicaid, and know a lot of different ways of qualifying for Medicaid (the rules are pretty complex and there are several loopholes).  They bill Medicaid directly so there is no cost to you.

Answer 2

There should be free or near-free mental health services at your local health department...try giving them a call and see what they have to offer.

Answer 3

Contact the link below.  NAMI is the National Alliance for Mental Illness.  They have local offices that can point you in the direction of free or inexpensive help.  

Answer 4

Call your local public clinic and they have a mental/psychiatric department you can be referred to.