[Rhon1991]

Ok, you know how the news affects the community sometimes? I was just listening to CNN in the background while on computer and there is a big discussion on 'Battling Depression' with good info. A caller calls in saying she works FT and has no health coverage, what is she to do, where should she go... she was wanting treatment for depression and did not express suicidal thoughts. Just Guess what his first answer was? The ER or free clinics because they cant turn you away... Not that Im against people getting the help they need, and can understand if she was suicidal, but really isnt there a better resource? Arent there other resources than the ER and free clinics??

[teeituptom]

Yes there are, however, and that is a big However. Most of those places want you to go to the ER, because we will get them seen sooner, and also medically clear them.

What can we do, not much.

[Speculating]

Originally posted by Rhon1991
Ok, you know how the news affects the community sometimes? I was just listening to CNN in the background while on computer and there is a big discussion on 'Battling Depression' with good info. A caller calls in saying she works FT and has no health coverage, what is she to do, where should she go... she was wanting treatment for depression and did not express suicidal thoughts. Just Guess what his first answer was? The ER or free clinics because they cant turn you away... Not that Im against people getting the help they need, and can understand if she was suicidal, but really isnt there a better resource? Arent there other resources than the ER and free clinics??

The sad thing is it will be wasted money and a waste of time for all because without suicidal thoughts there's nothing we're going to for this young lady in the emergency department. There's no way the department will start this person on antidepressants so the best she'll get is a referral for which she can't pay. So were right back where we started unfortunately.

[TinyNurse]

Sometimes I wonder....... if someone homicidal or sucidal can only be held for 24 hours.......... ( and they are being HELD in our ER d/t no beds for 16-20 hours)...... What have we REALLY done for this patient??? nothing.

I hope that someday mental health will be recognized just as physical health within the insurance system., including medicaid.
xo Jen