Non-citizen/No insurance seeking treatment

[Chips101]

Hi!

I'm new here! This will be a bit lengthy, so please bear with me. I am an almost 40, non-citizen, woman of color living outside of the US in a third world country seeking treatment. I visit the US when I can (when finances permit) and as such, got diagnosed with Adult ADHD in 2015.

As many know with this condition, employment can be difficult to keep and it's been financially difficult for me to seek treatment. However, my difficulties applying for work (and not getting the jobs) and a very bad anxiety/depression/suicidal breakdown this year that made me realise that treatment is essential for me to move forward with my life. I feel trapped.

I have no idea how to navigate the US healthcare system though. How do I find a doctor? How long can it take to get the medication right? How often do I need to see a doctor (every week? Once a month)? How much will it cost with no access to insurance? The most I can stay in the US is 3 months and I am so, so, scared that it won't be enough time. Plus, I think I have a heart condition that is worsening and I can't afford to treat because, again, money problems, and I worry about using stimulants and making things worse.

My anxiety is through the roof and I just need a bit of guidance to help me through this.

[philo23]

Hi, and welcome!

If you are already diagnosed, then you can find a psychiatrist more easily, to prescribe you your medication. If you explain your situation, then you'll probably only need one longer intial visit, but after that half hour follow-up visits every 3 months or so should be okay. That should be a couple to a few hundred dollars each. When you get to the U.S., are you always in the same area? You could establish a doctor-patient relationship with one doctor, and then see them each time you get to the states, and maybe even continue with phone appointments.

As for meds, that will depend on what you are prescribed. Some substances are more controlled than others (e.g. Adderall, which is about $200/month), and the pharmacy won't let you have more than a month or two of supply. But maybe you can get them filled in your home country, too, if they accept american prescriptions. Or you could try a mail order pharmacy, maybe combined with a mail forwarder if they don't ship out of the country.

This is all without any involement with the health insurance system, you do everything out-of-pocket. Many doctors will give you much lower prices if you explain that you don't have insurance and won't get re-imbursed.

Please take all of this with a grain of salt, since I only know this from the patient perspective.