b'For Medication One strategy is to discuss spacing out your visits after you are stable on medication.While adjusting to a medication, your treating doctor will likely want to see you atleast once a month. But when you are safely on a medication that is working well,you can ask the doctor to limit visits to every three or even every six months.Whether your doctor will agree may depend on the type of medication. (If themedication is a controlled substance, could be habit forming, or could have serious sideeects, your doctor will likely need to see you monthly for medication management.)Another strategy is to see your mental health provider until you are stable on achosen medication, and then ask to have further prescriptions and follow-up carethrough your primary care physician. You would return to the specialist if you hadfurther symptoms or needed to change medication. Finally, you can negotiate rateseven copayswith your provider, or look foranother mental health prescriber who will waive the copays or reduce them.For CounselingExplore your options. Many counselors will work on a sliding scale, basing what you pay on your income.Often, employers offer counseling sessions through a confidential EmployeeAssistance Plan that is separate from your health insurance. These may be free orlow cost.In some cases, paying for counseling via telehealth may be more aordable thaninsurance copays. Group counseling or professionally-led support groups for certain mental healthconditions may be available through your local hospital system or communityhealth center.When You Are Uninsured Mental healthcare is available to the uninsured in virtually every community.Start with these agencies: Local social services agenciesYou may nd appropriate mental healthcarethrough a variety of agencies, depending on your circumstances. These mightinclude your local Center for Independent Living, Health Department, Area Agencyon Aging, or Department of Children and Families. Federally Qualified Health CenterThese are community health centers thatreceive Federal funding to treat uninsured and low-income patients in the localarea.Student health centerCollege students can access care through their studenthealth center. Younger students may be eligible for mental healthcare through yourlocal school system. 17'