I don't know what to do.

[Eleven19]

I've never been to a psychologist, other than speaking to the one at my school. I have been hallucinating for years now, and it keeps getting worse. The voices are the worst, and I'm constantly afraid that I'll start seeing them again. I keep wanting to hurt myself again, but I'm trying so hard not to.

I'm not on any meds, and I'm not sure I want to be. I'm worried about the side effects. It's so difficult to get a psych appt since they're so expensive. I don't have insurance at the moment.

Should I get insurance, or suck it up and spend >$375 just for one visit? Should I even go? Will it be worth it?

[sherlock holmes]

How old are you? Is it possible to get on your parents insurance? I'm not sure how it works where you live.

I am wondering if it's better to get insurance and then see the psych as I know in the UK if you have an existing diagnosed medical condition it becomes a lot harder to get insurance to cover it afterwards.

[Eleven19]

I'm 19, but can't be covered by either of my parents' insurance. That's what I was thinking, maybe trying to get insurance then going? Not sure what the best choice is, I'm tired of waiting, and I know trying to get insurance will just be more of that :/

[sherlock holmes]

Are you at college? Do they have a plan for students?

[Eleven19]

I'm in the US, and I'm not going to be continuing college after this semester. So, since I can't get on my parents insurance, should I apply through the ACA, or just go with a certain insurance company? Are the low-cost clinics generally good?

[Eleven19]

My mom only has insurance through her work, and it's too expensive for her to add me on to that plan. I can't tell her specifically why I need the insurance either, as she has no idea that any of this is going on. She tends to have a rather negative attitude toward mental illness, and I didn't want her to know, at least not for awhile. I guess I'll just try for one of the clinics. Thanks!