How to get psychiatric services without health insurance?

Several options: Depending on your income, you may qualify for county mental health services; check the government pages in the phone book or online. If you have resources, many psychiatrists greatly prefer direct pay rather than going through health insurance.

Can be done: Most towns and cities have family services clinics sponsored by the united way, or the jewish federation, or similar type charities, that run on a sliding scale, based on what a patient can afford. Medical schools teaching hospitals and/or university graduate programs in psychology may run free or low-cost clinics. And of course in emergencies, the er is always there.

Make appointment: Perhaps I am not aware of something relevant, but you make an appointment with a psychiatrist the same way you would any other physician. Talk to your family physician, and ask for a referral. If you don't have an fp, call the local medical school, and ask for the department of psychiatry. They will recommend a psychiatrist for you. You can pay the psychiatrist directly for his or her services.