Quick Links
Finding a Mental Health Provider #
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 30 million Americans need help dealing with feelings and problems that seem beyond their control -- problems with a marriage or relationship, a family situation, or dealing with losing a job, the death of a loved one, depression, stress, burnout, or substance abuse. Those losses and stresses of daily living can at times be significantly debilitating. Sometimes we need outside help from a trained, licensed professional in order to work through these problems. With appropriate treatment, millions of Americans of all ages can live healthier, more productive lives.
If you've never consulted a mental health provider before, you may not know how to find one who suits your specific needs. Finding the right one for you may require some research. Helpful resources:
Mental Health Care Provider Search for Southeastern Wisconsin
Types of Treatment #
Extraordinary advances have been made in the treatment of mental illness. As a result, many mental health disorders can now be treated as successfully as physical disorders. Most studies suggest that for major mental health disorders, a treatment approach involving both
psychotherapy and medication is more effective than either treatment method used alone.
Other types of supplementary treatment may include creative therapies such as music or art therapy. Lifestyle adjustments and supportive measures are often used, including peer support, self-help, and supported housing or employment
. Some people find support groups helpful.
Finding a Mental Health Provider #
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 30 million Americans need help dealing with feelings and problems that seem beyond their control -- problems with a marriage or relationship, a family situation, or dealing with losing a job, the death of a loved one, depression, stress, burnout, or substance abuse. Those losses and stresses of daily living can at times be significantly debilitating. Sometimes we need outside help from a trained, licensed professional in order to work through these problems. With appropriate treatment, millions of Americans of all ages can live healthier, more productive lives.
If you've never consulted a mental health provider before, you may not know how to find one who suits your specific needs. Finding the right one for you may require some research. Helpful resources:
Mental Health Care Provider Search for Southeastern Wisconsin
Types of Treatment #
Extraordinary advances have been made in the treatment of mental illness. As a result, many mental health disorders can now be treated as successfully as physical disorders. Most studies suggest that for major mental health disorders, a treatment approach involving both
psychotherapy and medication is more effective than either treatment method used alone.
Other types of supplementary treatment may include creative therapies such as music or art therapy. Lifestyle adjustments and supportive measures are often used, including peer support, self-help, and supported housing or employment
. Some people find support groups helpful.
Paying for Health Care
#
If you have insurance, you might have mental health care coverage. Check with your insurance company for a list of providers covered by your plan. If you are uninsured, there are state and federal programs which can help pay for health care. The following links have information on some of the programs available.
State Programs
ACCESS Wisconsin: An internet tool that can help determine which low or no-cost health, nutrition, or other programs a person may be eligible for.
BadgerCare: Wisconsin's program to provide health care coverage for uninsured families with children under age 19 living with them and whose income meet guideline limits.
Medicaid: Medicaid is a joint federal/state program to pay for medical services for people with disabilities; people 65 years and older; children and their caretakers; and pregnant women who meet the program's financial requirements. Wisconsin Medicaid is also known as the Medical Assistance (MA) Program, Title XIX, or T19.
Federal Programs
Medicare
is available to those over the age of 65. Medicare Part A covers hospital expenses, including home health care and hospice care. Part B covers medical services, such as physician services, outpatient hospital care, and laboratory services. Part D covers some prescription medications.
Social Security Disability Information: The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. Both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.
Additional Resources
ABC for Health, Inc.- Advocacy and Benefits Counseling (ABC) for Health provides health care consumers with information, advocacy tools, legal services, and expert support they need to navigate through America's complex and confusing health care financing system.
Medigap Helpline
: The Medigap Helpline will help you make wise insurance decisions. This is a statewide toll-free number provided by the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care. It has no connection with any insurance company.
Wisconsin Consumer Guide to Health Care (Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services) - Information on choosing a health care provider, paying for care, filing complaints, coping with chronic illnesses or disabilities, getting the most out of your health care, and additional local and national resources.
Some mental health clinics provide services on a sliding fee scale; you may be able to obtain services for a reduced price based on your income.
Colleges or universities may also have reduced fee or free mental health services provided by students through their education or training programs.
Paying for Prescription Medications #
BadgerRX Gold: Prescription discount program for Wisconsin residents.
NeedyMeds: Web-based information resource for people who need assistance paying for health care.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance: Offers a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
RX Assist: D
atabase of patient assistance programs, as well as practical tools, news, and articles for health care professionals and patients.
SeniorCare: Wisconsin's prescription drug assistance program for Wisconsin residents age 65 or older who meet eligibility requirements.
