how can you get actual help when you do not have a job or health insurance

[friendofdpression]

My friend has been depressed most of her life, taking necessary meds to help her 'cope'.  She recently quit her job after experiencing a panic attack, lets rephrase, a severe panic attack.  The following afternoon, I found her at her house barely responsive and in need of emergency care.  I called 911 and we ended up in the Er.  She was admitted obviously and then a few days later sent to a pshyciatric hospital.  A few days later, she was released.  Too early!!!!  Three days later, she trys to visit her previous employer to plead for her job back (she did have an appt).  I tried to stop her, even offered to drive her, but she insisted on doing it alone.  Appointment was at 9, I got the call at 10 to please come pick her up, she needs a doctors care.  I did pick her up, called the dr that was assigned to her from the psych ward and went from there.  She was later admitted back into the same hospital.  24 hrs later, she still doesn't have the clothes we took for her to wear and we are unclear on if she had any of the meds the dr promised to give her.  Now we are afraid she will be discharged yet again.  She is highly suicidal, threatened to 'make the next time work', even threatened to use what little money she has on a plane ticket to another country to 'think' and avoid her surmounting credit card debt.  I am at a loss on how to help her.  Since she quit her job, she will only have 1.5 weeks left of insurance, not enough time to even allow her new meds to take effect.  How do we find insurance and help for her???  We live in the Houston area.

[cammeel1]

I have found a couple of links that I hope may be helpful.  

http://www.mhmraharris.org/
http://hcpc.uth.tmc.edu/local_mental_health_info.htm

I know that your friend is in crisis and realize you feel helpless, but there is always help available.  My county here in FL has Mental Health Services available to the indigent.  Call some of the local local numbers on the links and ask where in your area you may be able to find services that are provided on a sliding scale ( according to income) and for those who do not have insurance.

Below is a exerpt from the MHMRAHarris.org site about indigents.
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You have the right to services even if you cannot pay.

If you have Medicaid, Medicare, or other medical insurance, MHMRA can bill for services you receive here. You may have to pay a co-pay depending upon your insurance policy.

If you do not have Medicaid or another insurance, MHMRA uses a "sliding scale” to determine what you have the ability to pay. This sliding scale is based prescribed guidelines set by the state of Texas for all MHMR center.

If you are eligible for Medicaid but do not have it, MHMRA staff at our Eligibility Center can help assist you apply. This will happen after you visit the NPC.

After you are seen at the NPC, you will be asked to go to the MHMRA of Harris County Eligibility Center to have a financial assessment completed. You have to do this within 60 days of service at the NPC. Your NPC bill may be changed following the financial assessment. If you do not go to the Eligibility Center, NPC will bill you for the full cost of services.
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Here is a link about medicaid in texas
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/medicaid/index.html

I wish your friend hope and recovery.  Bless you for being kind and supportive!!
Best wishes to you both.
Camm