Accessing Treatment
Now available to download and print or pick up at the MHA office!
The guide contains a comprehensive list of youth and family resources including mental health hotlines; support and crisis lines; clinical services; support services; abuse; and more. This year we are also pleased to include a new section of resources for the Spanish-speaking community, compiled by the Milwaukee Latino Health Coalition Mental Health Action Team.
Print copies of the guide are available and may be picked up at the MHA office, 734 N. 4th St., Suite 200, Milwaukee, WI, 53203 between 9:00 and 4:00 Monday through Thursday and between 9:00 and 2:00 on Fridays. Call (414) 276-3122 or email in advance and we can have your order ready for you. Guides are free of charge, but donations are appreciated!
New BadgerCare Health Coverage Plan Targets Childless Adults
Wisconsin is second only to Massachusetts in the percentage of residents who have access to affordable health care, state officials say, as it expands the BadgerCare insurance program to include coverage for childless adults. The BadgerCare Plus Core Plan opened for enrollment this week, trying to create a safety net for low-income adults with no dependent children, who are particularly vulnerable to slipping through the health care system.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/17/09 >>
More Americans Taking Drugs for Mental Illness Many more Americans have been using prescription drugs to treat mental illness since 1996, in part because of expanded insurance coverage and greater familiarity with the drugs among primary care doctors, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday. 73 percent more adults and 50 percent more children are using drugs to treat mental illness than in 1996. (Reuters, 5/5/09)
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:
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.
Medication
Mental Health Medications This guide describes the types of medications used to treat mental disorders, side effects of medications, directions for taking medications, and includes any FDA warnings. (2008). From the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Download.
Access to Medication in Wisconsin
Psychotherapy
What Is Psychotherapy? Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," is a way to treat people with a mental disorder by helping them understand their illness. It teaches people strategies and gives them tools to deal with stress and unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy helps patients manage their symptoms better and function at their best in everyday life.
The guide from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), linked above, explains several of the most commonly used psychotherapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Family-focused Therapy. In addition to these therapies, many more approaches exist. Some types have been scientifically tested more than others. Also, some of these therapies are constantly evolving. Patients should talk to their doctor or a psychotherapist about planning treatment that meets their specific needs.
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.
If you are looking for a therapist in Southeastern Wisconsin, try our new
Mental Health Care Provider Directory! The directory contains 260 licensed providers including Clinical Social Workers, Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists and Psychologist. The directory can be searched in a variety of categories include area of expertise, type of payment accepted or location.
MHA also offers an online
Mental Health and Wellness Resource Directory for Milwaukee County which contains listings for hundreds of mental health related agencies with program descriptions and contact information in the Greater Milwaukee area, as well as county-level and statewide resources.
The guide contains a comprehensive list of mental health hotlines, helplines, hospital services, counseling services, community outreach programs, support groups, youth programs, residential programs, and much more.
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.
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.
Your use Mental Health America of Wisconsin's web site constitutes your understanding that the information contained herein is strictly for informational and educational purposes and is not designed to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. Any response by the Mental Health America to unsolicited e-mails or calls does not constitute counseling services in any way.
Mental Health America of Wisconsin respects your privacy and will not share any information you provide to us with any third party.
