Anxiety: Get the Help You Need

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Registered: 03-11-2004
Anxiety: Get the Help You Need
Sat, 03-17-2007 - 12:20am

Even if you don't have health insurance there are cost-effective treatment options for anxiety.


The high cost of health care makes treatment out of reach for many people who suffer from anxiety disorders. Those who do not have health insurance — more than 38 million Americans — often avoid treatment entirely, because costs can be staggering. If you do not have insurance or don't have adequate coverage, you still have some options. Try these sources for reduced-cost or free help:
Community-Based Resources: Many communities have community mental health centers (CMHCs). These centers offer a range of mental health treatment and counseling services, usually at a reduced rate for low-income people. CMHCs generally require you to have a private insurance plan or to be a recipient of public assistance.


Pastoral Counseling: Your church or synagogue can 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 basis.


Self-Help Groups: Another option is to join a self-help or support group. Such groups give people a chance to learn about, talk about, and work on their common problems, such as alcoholism, substance abuse, depression, family issues, and relationships. Self-help groups are generally free and can be found in virtually every community in America. Many people find them to be effective.


Public Assistance: People with severe mental illness may be eligible for several forms of public assistance, both to meet the basic costs of living and to pay for health care. Examples of such programs are Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.


Last updated: December 2006


Source: The National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH does not recommend or endorse any company advertised on this site.

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