Antidepressants?

[Noir]

To anyone who is currently taking some form of antidepressant medication:

1. Is there a medical insurance provider that will help to cover the costs of psychiatric visits and/or prescription medication?

2. What is the average cost of a visit, and how often do you see your psychiatrist?

3. What is the average cost of your medication, and how long does it typically last you?

...

I feel that I need to get on some form of medication to help me with my depression, but I don't know how to go about it in the first place. Tried cognitive behavioral therapy for over a year and a half, and it did nothing for me, to say nothing of the countless books, CD's, hypnosis, affirmations, etc. that I've tried.

[sycld]

1. As far as I'm aware, most every health insurance plan covers anti-depressants. Are you currently on insurance?

2. Err, the frequency with which you see your psychiatrist varies from patient to patient, as far as I'm aware. I haven't been seeing him frequently enough, but let's say every month or every 2 months is typical. Except near the beginning, the visits mayl be short, only 15 minutes, and I believe the copay is about $20 or so. However, at times the psychiatrist will recommend longer visits or will refer you to counseling of some sort.

3. $20 is my copay for about a month's worth of medication.

I hope you do well. I still don't believe that medicine is a panacea for depression, but if it doesn't cure it outright, at least it can help clear the fog up a bit in order to help you get yourself back on track.

[Cryptic]

I'm not currently on meds or seeing anyone for depression issues, but I was in the recent past (within the last 2 years), so I'll try to help you out a little.

1. My family's insurance covered one visit per week and my copay was $15. If you don't have insurance, most communities have mental health services available through state or county agencies on a sliding pay scale.

2. I went once a week, per my insurance, and for me it was enough. Like sycld said, everyone is different though, and your needs will probably change throughout your treatment.

3. My copay for generics was $10 for a month's worth.

I also agree with sycld, I don't think antidepressants are the cure all either, but I know they helped me get a jump start when I was dealing with some really heavy shit going on in my life. They at least moderated things well enough to let me start to cope on my own again, something I was totally unable to do up until that point.

[Noir]

Thanks for the responses. No, I don't have any form of insurance whatsoever, are there any good providers out there? I take decent care of myself physically, so I'm more interested in the mental health coverage of the insurance, and not so much the "regular" medical coverage.

I get sick maybe once or twice a year, and it's never more serious than a sore throat. And finances are a bit tight, so I just want the minimal policy that will help pay for the visits and any possible medication I might be prescribed. When I was going to therapy I was paying $130 a session and I just can't afford that anymore.

[Kal El]

You can get prescribed anti-depressants through your normal regular care doctor. But I get the hint you don't even have one of those.

Like said before, mosts states have a mental health care program that is for people with low income or middle income and can't afford regular treatment, which state do you live in?

I know in the State of Arizona, there are programs that basically fully cover the mental health care and prescriptions. I believe you have to be on state medicaid, or make under a certain amount to qualify.

There are numerous anti-depressants that are on most $4 generic drug programs at various retailers, so unless you are being prescribed Seroquel, you shouldn't have to pay too much for an anti-depressant. Avoid brand names like Cymbalta, Effexor XR, Pristiq, and a few others if you can. If you're prescribed Paxil, Prozac, or an older medication like those, those are available in generic, and are on the various $4 generic drug programs all over the country.

[simonj]

Wow, is Arizona really that bad...?

[Kal El]

Yes, it is quite a depressing place to live!