Most local Psychiatrist do not take insurance; especially BCBS. My son is on the Autism Spectrum. His pediatrician now his families GP help with prescriptions when they can, but we still need to see a Psychiatrist when he needs a change of medications. It’s $110 out of pocket and BCBS only reimburses $40.00. Maybe that should be WPTV’s follow-up story with local Psychiatrist and BCBS.

I dont want to go back to the hospital tho

Are there any Mental Health support groups in So. Fl?

I just attended a public chat this weekend that was sponsored by Mental Health Asso. of Palm Beach Co. I had to Marchman Act my son to get him help. The focus of this chat was to 1. Get people talking about mental illness as much as we do about Autism. Speaking about these diseases is what is going to change what we can do for people who are ill. 2. Try to prevent the legal system to be used as the only way to get help for people who have mental illness. Palm Beach County does not have sufficient resources for people who don't have financial resources themselves to get the treatment they need. My son is one of those people. Can the media try to help those with mental illness by doing a series on this disease as they have done for Autism? It is time that we all realize that this is an illness just at painful and destructive as cancer.

I agree with Mama. Most psychiatrists do not take insurance. My son has insurance through the health care district but it doesn't cover mental health care.

I am on 4 different medications for mental health and have $0 income. How can I afford my medication?

Thank You Fran for this web cast and promoting talks with us. I have found such great people that have Mental Health issues and they all have big hearts.

To the mediator, please let people know that it is possible to successfully live with mental illness when that person is getting treatment for it.

No doubt I must have PTSD non-military related but life traumas. Best suggestion(s)??

I agree there is no help in the State of Florida for those who have mental issues. I have a son who is Bipolar there are no resources here in this state to help those in need. Cannot find help at all.

Today I have heard a lot about this Ft Hood shooting and have not heard anything positive about what happens when someone is actively being treated and living with mental illness successfully. It appears that the negative stigma exists because the positive stories are not being told by the media.

My mother had electric shock therapy done years ago without me knowing about it while I was overseas. Are there long term effects as she still has many issues

Can you go to a Phychiatrist without going to a Phychicologist as well?

Thank you Fran for advocating for those with mental illness. I am starting to get involved with the MHAPBC to be an advocate myself. I am trying to educate those I personally know about mental illness and why it should be brought out of the dark and into the light. Knowledge is power and the more people understand they shouldn't refer to people with mental illness as "crazies", "whackos' " or "looneys" any more than they would call someone with diabetes or cancer a name.