If you participate in a private health insurance plan, Medicaid, Medicare, health maintenance organization (HMO), or other type of health plan, your costs for treatment may be covered. A mental health benefit may be included in your overall health benefit, but pay close attention to the restrictions. Unfortunately, many plans do not provide equal coverage for physical and mental illnesses. Contact your health insurance administrator for details on your coverage for treatment of clinical depression. When choosing a health insurance plan, it is wise to inquire about what mental health services and prescription drugs are covered by each plan, so you're sure it meets your needs.

• If you are over age 65, Medicare now pays for 50 percent of treatment costs and Medigap will typically reimburse the remainder.
• Counseling by a certified pastoral counselor is generally covered by healthcare plans if the pastoral counselor is licensed by the state.
• Your workplace may have an employee assistance professional available to provide counseling or to help you find appropriate care.

For people without insurance or unable to afford treatment, certain communities may provide publicly funded mental health centers and other mental health programs that charge for services according to what you can afford to pay. This is called a sliding-scale or sliding-fee basis of payment. So, even if you have limited financial resources, services may still be available. Some mental health professionals in private practice may also accept patients on a sliding-fee, or even pro-bono, basis. University or teaching centers can also be a source of low-cost or free treatment services.

It is important to note that many non-profit clinics have limited resources, which may result in long waiting lists or other barriers to treatment. Mental Health America works to improve access to care and expand insurance coverage of mental illnesses through advocacy on the national, state, and local levels. If you have trouble accessing treatment, contact a local Mental Health Association (MHA) for further assistance and information on how to join healthcare reform efforts.

Copyright © 2007 Mental Health America

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