Congratulations for making the commitment to take care of yourself! That is very important!

As for his lack of health insurance... is he employed? Would he qualify for any state medical coverage? Is that the only thing stopping him from seeking treatment?

I would check to see if there is a community mental health clinic near you. If he can see a psychiatrist at a reduced cost, etc., there are programs to help with prescription drug coverage, and stores like Walmart and I think Target have drug programs where many prescriptions (inc. Lithium) are only $4.

I think it is very important to not only get the proper meds, but also to have a therapist to learn how to handle the diagnosis and to learn coping skills to deal with issues as they arise.

Maybe your own doctor might be aware of programs in your community.

Thanks! He is 24 and still a full time college student who is unemployed. I actually think his mental problems have interfered with him being able to keep a steady job. He may qualify for Medicaid, I think he should look into that again. He applied for Fidelis and met with someone there and for whatever reason didn't end up getting it. They make it so hard. I myself tried applying for Medicaid once and they wouldn't let me fill it out with someone there who could help me with some of the questions. They said I had to mail it in THEN meet with someone, so I called the 800 number on the app for if you had questions and it wasn't even a correct number! Yes, I am seeing my shrink on the 21st and I am going to definitely talk to him about Richard. When I didn't have insurance he saw me for twenty five dollars, which is cheaper than what my co-pay is now! However, I had been a patient of his for years. I will definitely ask him of good docs in our area and about affordable treatment, clinics, etc. He may offer to see him at little cost, but unfortunately he is 45 minutes away from where we're living now. Richard has a history of alcohol and drug abuse so his license was suspended due to a dwai a few years ago so he doesn't drive. It's frustrating, but no one else in his life seems to be willing to help him and I know he can't do it on his own.

Is there an on campus medical or mental health clinic? They might offer counseling to students free or at reduced cost. Maybe there is a community mental health clinic in the area of his college... it sounds as though you think he would be willing to get help if help can be found and affordable.

not knowing is the worset, and questioning do he dosent he, make things hard for both of u espeacialy if u have your own issuses going on, i am fgoing to send you a message with my story, and would love to hear form u.