Suspect You May Have Bipolar Disorder? 2 Ways To Get Affordable Help

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is characterized by alternating episodes of depression, or lows, along with episodes of mania or hypomania, also called highs. While once thought of as a rare psychological problem, a full 2.8 percent of all adults suffer from this condition. 

If you suspect that you suffer from bipolar disorder, then you may be eager to obtain an official diagnosis and begin bipolar treatment. However, you may find that the cost of a session with a local private psychiatrist or psychologist is too much to squeeze into your tight budget and wonder if you have more mental health treatment options. 

Read on to learn about two ways you can obtain affordable help for bipolar disorder. 

1. Take Advantage of Federal and State Mental Health Resources

Many counties and/or cities offer low-cost or even free mental health services to the surrounding community. These low-cost mental health clinics are typically funded by American tax dollars, which helps keep patient costs low. 

If you cannot find one of these clinics by performing an internet search, try reaching out to a local hospital or social services organization that may keep a list of the phone numbers and/or addresses of the nearest low-cost clinics.

If you find that your local area is lacking a low-cost mental health clinic and/or the main reason you cannot afford to schedule an appointment with a private therapist is lack of health insurance, then you may want to instead apply for Medicaid health insurance that is offered by the federal government.

Medicaid offers free health insurance to adults whose annual wages fall below a certain threshold. if you qualify for this government-sponsored insurance program, then Medicaid insurance may cover the full cost of bipolar treatment from a private psychiatrist. 

2. Join Bipolar Recovery Support Groups

While you may be prescribed one or more medications that help control your bipolar disorder symptoms after your official diagnosis, having a support system is another very important aspect of controlling bipolar disorder symptoms.

Your psychologist can provide support in the form of regular therapy sessions, and your family can alert you to bipolar symptoms you may not be aware you are experiencing. However, you should also join bipolar support groups filled with like-minded bipolar sufferers who can provide moral support and give you tips on how to lead a productive and happy life while living with mental illness. 

Ask your therapist or mental health clinic for a local bipolar resource directory with a list of in-person bipolar support groups in your area. However, you can also find many online support groups that you can participate in without leaving your home. 

If you suspect that you suffer from bipolar disorder, then do not let your tight budget get in the way of obtaining a proper diagnosis and treatment of your mental illness. Take advantage of free or low-cost mental health services offered by the government and participate in free bipolar support groups to obtain the psychological care you need.