Finding free health care for mental illnesses is more difficult in challenging economic times. The services are available, however, and each state provides care for those with mental illness. Free medication is available through clinics, as is support for family members.
Significance
If you live at or below the poverty level, health care for mental illness is available on a fee-to-free basis. County-funded programs offer health care for mental illnesses whether you can pay or not.
Geography
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides links to every facility across the nation at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) site, along with a list of hotlines for those in immediate need of assistance. You can find links to county mental health care facilities in the "Resources" section.
Publications
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides publications to help family members of those who have mental illnesses. The NIMH also provides information about local and national programs that are available to help with mental illnesses.
Facilities
Hospitals, county mental health facilities, clinics and other organizations offer support groups for those with mental illnesses and their family members. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides a listing of groups throughout the country (see "Resources").
Medication
Several manufacturers of medications for mental illnesses provide free services to those who cannot pay. The facilities that offer fee-to-free mental health services for the mentally ill can provide the forms to apply. The link is in the "Resources" section.
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