Sometimes clients really benefit from taking prescription medication to relieve some of their symptoms. While psychiatric medication cannot cure disorders, they can make symptoms less of a problem. This can improve the quality of life for some. We certainly recognize that many people do just fine without taking medication.
Whether or not to take medication is a decision best made in consultation with a physician, preferably a psychiatrist. In some cases, there may be non-prescription alternatives to taking a pill. It's your decision to make.
We know from research that, for some people, regular aerobic exercise can be as effective with depression as taking a prescription antidepressant.
No. Bexar Family Solutions does not have a physician on staff. If you would like to be evaluated to see if you would benefit from medication (such as an antidepressant, sleeping medication, anti-anxiety, etc.), these are your options:
- If you have insurance, contact your insurance company to find a psychiatrist that is in your network.
- If you do not have insurance, but can afford to pay for the services, use your local telephone directory to find a psychiatrist near you. Please note that the first appointment with a psychiatrist typically costs $200 or more.
- If you are not comfortable seeing a psychiatrist, cannot wait to be seen by one (they often have waiting lists of two weeks or more), or cannot see a psychiatrist for any other reason, contact your primary care physician (PCP). Describe your symptoms, and allow him or her to prescribe needed medications.
- If you cannot afford the medication, you may be able to find assistance through:
- The Partnership for Prescription Assistance
- If you live in the San Antonio area and need reduced cost services, contact:
- United Way Hotline - Dial 211 from your telephone or search their online information and referral database
- Barrio Family Health Center - 210.434.2368
- Barrio Family Health Center, Ella Austin Health Care Annex - 210.224.2112
- CentroMed - 210.927.6883
- E.T. Dixon Clinic - 210.527.1505
- Center for Health Care Services - 210.225.4475