Hi, I'm currently on COBRA insurance through Blue Cross.  I've been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and take tons of meds to control it.  I also see a psychiatrist once a month.  I see a therapist weekly, but this is not under my insurance.  Given these factors, is there any way I can get coverage after the COBRA runs out?  My current job does not offer health benefits, and I don't want to change jobs.  I live in California.
207735
Generally speaking you can pick up individual coverage. Typically insurers will disallow coverage for pre-exisiting conditions UNLESS you have had coverage prior to applying for the new coverage.\n\nFind a health insurance broker near you to help. Policies are controlled by state law. I do not know what, if any, idiosyncracies exist in Cali.
345736
Try looking for Adult drug, alcohol, and mental health services in your phone book. It will be listed in County Government services in the beginning of the phone book. I live up in Santa Barbara County and that is where I receive my  psychiatric care. You can also ask your Medi-Cal worker about a list of Medi-Cal accepting Doctors in your area. Hope this helps. Good luck.
615553
I dont have any real answers for you.  I live in Illinois and it is the same way.  You might try talking to the doctors and hospital.  Many of them have programs to help those of us with no insurance.  You might also look into state and federal programs for your particilar illness.  Best wishes to you.
421050
Yes you can.  As long as you can show that you have had other insurance coverage, they will let you re-enroll within 6 months of leaving your job.  That will also put you in open enrollment so that no matter what health problems you have an insurance co must accept you with no underwriting.  I tell all my clients  that the longer you work for health insurance alone may be worth it if you like working.  See if your employer offers the insurance as a secondary to Medicare once you retire.  Then you get the same great coverage, and usually is cheaper than paying for a supplement
111366
If you don't have insurance already, you are in for a rude awakening.  You'll be denied by any insurer for the pre-existing condition.  YOu'll need to check to see if your state has a 'high-risk' pool and see if you can get coverage there.  Since you usually need a denial to get in, you might as well just apply somewhere first and get the denial of coverage.\nSince you are low income you might also quality for some sort of state sponsored medical assistance or Medicaid.
382679
Scotty, \nProbably news you do not want to hear... but, get yourself to a licensed mental therapist now. If you live in the US, look in your phone book's Yellow Pages. You can also find a psychiatrist and have he or she recommend a therapist for you. Usually, therapists work in the same building/offices as the doctor.\n\nPlease don't let this upset you. I have been where you are and I can tell you my life now is the best it's ever been. My father was an alcoholic and always bailing on me... I did not trust anyone in my life. I could love someone with all my heart; but, how could they feel the same way about me? My self-esteem was so low, I could not even imagine that someone could love me with all their heart.\n\nAnger. Oh, anger. This *may* (I am not a doctor or professional; just a patient) be a sign of depression or other mental illness. PLEASE do not let the words "mental illness" freak you out. It is so very, very sad that in many circles in the US that the words "mental illness" can be seen only as a bad thing and is stigmatized. \n\nI have depression and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). How do I explain this? I am not *proud* I have these disorders; but I am glad that I have been diagnosed and I am treated and on medicine that has changed my life.\n\nMedicine alone **does not** change you and make you better. Med's can do the chemical part in your body; but therapy and talking and working your problems out is what will make you a success. \n\nWhen I first started going to therapy, I was embarrassed and I told no one. (now my family and close friends know and they are completely cool with it and support me 200%)  It was also difficult learning to trust my therapist (which I did over time and because of her I am a changed person). However, after the talking starts, so many parts of your life can be healed I am very healthy and no longer see my therapist; however I do see my doctor every six months for check-ups.\n\nMedication may or may not be for you. However, your therapist can help you learn how to deal with your anger issues and other issues that affect you everyday.\n\nWhen my therapist told me (this was after several visits and consultations) that she thought medications would really help me, I was devastated. I couldn't believe that I had to take a pill to make my brain work... that was my thinking at the time. Then she said to me, "If I told you, you were diabetic, would you be embarrassed to take the necessary medicines to make you well again?" Wow. It all clicked!\n\nAgain, anti-depressant meds are not the end-all and be-all. At first, all must be carefully monitored and you must continue with therapy. It's hard work but it pays off in more ways you can imagine.\n\nMy anger problems are no more. My self-esteem (while it will probably never be 100%) is the best it's ever been and I walk tall with my head held high. I know now how to react to situations that before I could not handle.\n\nI could go on and on.\n\nIt's my humble and unprofessional opinion that you may need a professional's help with the anger, bad moods that plague you everyday and your issues of trust.\n\nAgain, it's not easy and it's definitely work on your part (going through the therapy) but is the most awesome feeling in the world to actually, truly, trust the family and friends I love! It's a very freeing and strengthening experience!\n\nGood luck to you! You DESERVE to be healthy and happy!\n\nAll the best,\n\nCindy B in OK\nPS - It is SO SO SO important that your therapist and you have the same goals and are compatible. No, you're not looking for your new best friend; however, you have to feel *some* trust or a connection for this to work. If you meet someone and you feel their values are wrong, or you can't seem to communicate with each other, or you are just not comfortable, PLEASE go find a new therapist. Again, I know this sounds like a royal pain -
447616
If you are participating in a HMO or PPO, you need to get a referral from your primary care provider so your insurance will pay the bill.  You should see a provider prior to seeing a psychiatrist of rpsychologist, certain thyroid dysfuncions can mimic the symptoms of depression.  After a pyschosocial history and intake the provider can diagnose you, but you will need to take medication and seek counseling to really have the full effects of the treatments.  A 30% decrease is reported symptoms is considered adequate therapy.  Many primary care providers will prescribe antidepressants but not follow up on the counseling.  If you are serious about getting help, make sure you get all that is available to you.
441855
Basic health insurance will cover you for pre-existing conditions, as long as you haven't had treatment in at least 6 months for these conditions. Since you don't tell us what pre-existing conditions you have, this may or may not be an option for you.\n\nUnfortunately, as far as I can tell, Nevada does not have a high risk insurance pool for you to consider as an alternative. However, you could contact the Nevada Division of Insurance for some ideas. They provide help to consumers through their SHIP program. \nVolunteer Counselors will help you figure out your health insurance needs and provide unbiased information to assist you in making decisions about health and long-term care insurances. \n\nYou can find the Nevada Division of Insurance at: http://doi.state.nv.us/
165373
Hi,\n\nFist of all, yes, free mental health treatment exists.  It is usually through the county and community centers and, like all free treatment, there is usually a wait.  If you would like to find out about places like this in your community, you should call the "crisis line or suicide hotline" (the number is usually on the first page of the phonebook)  - you DO NOT have to be sucicidal to call.  It's just that those people are trained counselors, they know all the resources of the city and could give you some quick telephone numbers and/or guide you in the right direction.\n\nOther ideas:  Since you are a student, you may qualify for free or practically free mental health visits (depending on your student health plan and how big your university is).  I would check this out for sure.  Most student have student health insurance and don't even know it.  Most campuses have a health clinic.\n\nRegarding the fact that you are on your mother's health insurance in California, it may cost you a little more to see a therapist up there, but you can still do it and the therapist can bill her insurance.  If you go through the Kaiser system up there, you might not have to pay anything extra at all.  Since Kaiser is Kaiser in every state (unlike other insurance) maybe you'll be completely covered.  Call Kaiser to ask.  There should be a number for mental health services on your insurance card, or just call the local Kaiser hospital or clinic.  If you want to keep this confidential from your mother, make sure to mention that and see what their procedure is for that situation.\n\nLastly, support groups are a WONDERFUL help to so many people, they are totally free and YOU DON'T HAVE TO TALK.  It is totally up to you if you want to share something or not.  Don't be afraid to go.  However, unlike a lot of people, I think you do have some other options you should try first - maybe in this order:  Kaiser, student health, criis line, self-help groups.  \n\nNo matter what, you will be able to find what you need.  Just hang in there and be patient - sometimes people on the phone don't know what they are talking about, so if it doesn't make sense, ask to speak to the supervisor or call back and try to get a different person.\n\nI hope this helps and I am glad that you are making the efforts to get support for yourself in a new city - that's intimidating, but you know people in Portland are basically nice, right? :)\n\nTake care... I wish you well...
600926
For heaven's sake, have it diagnosed and documented by a military doctor AT SOME POINT before your discharge or retirement.  The lifetime disability benefits for an anxiety or mood disorder are well worth the disclosure and the time and trouble.  You will not likely have to pay for your medication or care ever after, and will most probably get a disability retirement.  The advantages are great.
53054
Its really hard to say not knowing where you live .... i would look up on the internet for your area and see if there is anything offered. Just a suggestion too... for 12 years i was told i had depression and anxiety, come to find out after i freaked and drove my car to portland lost it and me and dont remember it, i was told i have bipolar , you may want to have that checked, but a regular doctor cant tell you this.... I hope you find help i know how frustrating it is.
357494
Have you considered taking a leave of absence? It should be covered/ paid by your employer as long as you have a letter from you psychiatrist. Also a nice walk helps me when stressed or a hot bath. Take time to pamper yourself. I believe FMLA is what that paid leave of absence is called and employers are required to obey it by law. Hope I helped.
284825
have you left your house in this time at all?  Just checking cause if you haven't you may want to arrange to see a specialist.  Anxiety is help by changes in diet, exercise (even a walk and some vitamin D will do you some good), sometimes medication either temporary or permanent (if it helps) may take the edge off and allow you to get on with normal functioning.  Do you have medical coverage from this job? You could pursue help with that route and maybe take a medical leave if they were willing to work with you, but since you have neglected to even notify them of the circumstances they may not work with you on this one.  The following site has some good information on it, I encourage you to browse around.  If you are legitimately suffering...you should know that it may not be a weakness on your part but an illness that may be treatable in time.\n\nbest of luck,\n\ntharedhead\n\nIn the mean time I did locate this story on being afraid of dying, so much so that you don't want to live...maybe it would have some insights that may benefit you.
410065
My heart goes out to you and your family. I've been married to the same wonderful man for thirty-one years. Twice prior to my knowing him he tried to kill himself. Since we have been together he has made 4 more attempts on his life. I don't know where you are from but most places have mental health assocations. They can help you to understand medications, patiants rights. For my husband I am his health care rep. when he can't speak-up for himself I have the legal right to do this . I got him to give me power of attorney so I can deal with his disabilty money and all the red tape that goes along with it. Your Mom's illness if she does have Bi-polar suicide is attempts can be a part of her illness. It is a long hard road and you need to seek help yourself so you can stay healthy enough to be an assistance in getting her the help she needs. There are support groups for families going thru what we both are. When my husband gets what I call imbalanced with his medicine it takes me giving him his meds. because he gets confused about days and times to take them. As we both turn 50 this year it seems like second nature to us to deal with his illness. His last attempt to take his life was last November. He was missing for 2days before he was found in a coma in our truck at a reststop we use to stop at a lot. It was very sad, I still am seeing a counslor myself to deal with learning who I am outside of his illness. Be careful not to become so involed you stop living like I have at times
508644
Please call a hotline right now. There are mental health hot lines. There are suicide hot lines. There are abuse hotlines.  Open your telephone book right now and look in the front. There are listings there for help and you need to call one of the numbers now. I don't know where you live but I know in Florida that if you have a mental problem and you cannot afford the medications, then some of the mental clinics and hospitals will give you the medications at little or no cost. My daughter has had mental problems all her life and the times when I could not afford her medications or blood tests, they provided them to me for as little as $3.00 per month. \n\nIf you were in a residential treatment facility, then whay aren't you on medicaide?  You could be on S.S.I disability and that would automatically get you the medicade. \n\nBut the important thing is to call and get help now.  In Florida there is a baker act law, it just means that if the courts or doctors or a family memb er ar friend, thinks that you are a danger to yourself or anyone else, then you are put in a facility until they can evaluate you and get you back on your medications. My daughter has been baker acted 9 times and only once by me and my husband. \n\nIf you can't find a mental health place tonight that will help you, then you should find out which hospital in your area has a psych unit and go to their emergancy room tonight. You are asking for help and here it is. Now GO.
209449
I think you should talk to your Dr. for the benefits.  They may be able to alleviate some of your problems you're now having, but they HAVE to explain it to you.  Dr.'s are your employees, you are going to them for their expertise in this area.  Of course it's reasonable that you have questions. \n\nGood luck with everything.
58762
There is a website that lists some doctors in your are:\nwww.healthgrade.com\nAlso, your regular medical doctor should be able to give you names or referrals.  Another option is to call your local mental health center for information. Good luck.