What To Do If A Loved One Needs Mental Health Services
Although mental illness is pervasive and nondiscriminatory, there remains an array of myths, misconceptions, and prejudices surrounding the subject. Because of this, many individuals suffering from poor mental health are too ashamed or otherwise unable to access the treatment they deserve.
Mental Health Stigma
Here are some examples of pervasive myths regarding mental illness, as well as facts to counter them with. Consider whether they are affecting you or a loved one you may be concerned about.
- Mentally ill people are aggressive and violent. The reality is, individuals with mental health issues are not more likely to behave this way than anyone else.
- Mental illness results from weakness or other character flaws. The fact is, numerous factors contribute to mental health diagnoses, but laziness and weakness are not among them.
- People who are mentally ill cannot recover. The truth is many people can recover from mental illness, leading healthy and productive lives.
- Therapy is not as effective as medication. In reality, therapy and medication are both effective mental health treatments.
Mental health diagnoses vary widely and require a wide range of treatment approaches. Some of the most commonly treated illnesses include:
- anxiety and panic disorders
- depression
- attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- bipolar disorder
- schizophrenia
- dissociative disorders
- borderline personality disorder
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- posttraumatic stress disorder
- seasonal affective disorder
Many family members and friends of individuals dealing with mental illnesses believe they are powerless to help their loved ones. They can, however, make positive impacts by encouraging those they care about to access necessary services and treatment.
They can do this by learning and sharing the truth about mental health, refraining from dismissing their loved ones’ struggles, reaching out to them and offering support, and connecting them with mental health services.
Medicare Coverage
Medicare provides coverage for a wide range of mental health services and treatments.
It can assist with the payment for services rendered by psychiatrists or other doctors, clinical psychologists, social workers, nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and physicians’ assistants.
It also covers outpatient services, such as doctor visits and therapy appointments. Other provisions are as follows:
- diagnostic testing and evaluation, including one depression screening every year
- medication management
- partial hospitalization
- annual mental health wellness visit
- inpatient services in either general or psychiatric hospitals
- purchase of antidepressants, antipsychotic, and anticonvulsant medications
As you discuss options with your loved one, keep in mind that the following are not covered: meals, private rooms, private duty nursing, support groups (psychotherapy groups are acceptable), transportation to and from appointments, job training and education that is unrelated to mental health treatment, and personal items during hospital stays (socks, toothpaste, etc.).
When approaching a loved one about the potential need for mental health treatment, it is helpful to be prepared with the information necessary to educate him or her about the process.
Literature can be obtained at Medicare.gov, and application to the program may be completed online.
You may also accompany your loved one on a visit to his or her doctor or other health care provider and expedite the process by gathering the necessary documentation.
Category: Medicare Facts, Tips, and Tricks
