cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/21148286

I was kicked off Medicaid at the start of this year and subsequently lost access to my ADHD and depression medication. In February, I moved to a new area and got a new job, but had to wait several months until I qualified for health insurance through it.

After that point, I had to wait for a weekday when I wasn’t working and when I had the mental capacity to tolerate back-to-back disappointing phone calls… all without medication that would make the process significantly easier to tolerate. These are only the calls I’ve made today.

Finally, FINALLY, I have an intake appointment scheduled.

It’s absolutely shameful how much a struggling person is expected to do in order to access basic mental health care.

  • Jonathan@lemmy.worldEnglish
    13·
    11 hours ago

    It really does feel like the system itself is designed to set up those of us with psychological disorders (and neurological conditions) for failure. My mental health provider that I must use, because they’re the only ones around, has this “just in time” system where they will only schedule appointments one week prior to when the appointment is supposed to be. So instead of just making an appointment for say October 30, you have to wait until October 23rd, call in, try to get set up for the following week (if available) and then you get a confirmed date. Also, if you miss an appointment and don’t make a new one within a week they will discharge after another 7 days. That’s crazy, these patients have disorders that absolutely cause them to miss appointments and completely avoid them in some cases.

    To be blunt, the entire mental healthcare system is totally fucked in the US. I don’t get worked up over anything ever really, but this shit pisses me off.

    On a positive note, congratulations on getting setup for treatment again! It really is a feat of fortitude in this country and you got it done!

    • Whats_your_reasoning@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      5·
      10 hours ago

      So instead of just making an appointment for say October 30, you have to wait until October 23rd, call in, try to get set up for the following week (if available) and then you get a confirmed date. Also, if you miss an appointment and don’t make a new one within a week they will discharge after another 7 days.

      Holy crap, that’s downright sadistic. That’s like putting the physical rehab center on the top floor of a multistory building that only has stairs.