Mental health disorders are far more common than most people might credit. In the US alone, around 26 percent of the population has a diagnosable mental disorder.

Despite how common mental illness is in America, financial support for mental health services is low compared with the support available from insurance for physical illnesses and injuries. In many cases, much or even all of the cost of mental health treatment falls on the individual.

If you're struggling with a mental health issue and the cost of treating it, keep reading for ways you can get financial assistance.

Government Programs

While not always a perfect fit, there are often government programs that can help you get access to mental health treatment resources. For example, Social Security will let you apply for aid if you have a mental health disability.

Many community health centers will provide low-cost or even no-cost mental health services. They typically charge using a sliding scale that measures fees based on income.

Organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can help connect you with proper services or treatment centers as well.

Non-Profit Organizations

There are numerous local, regional, and even national non-profit organizations that will offer support in a variety of ways. Some will help you find low-fee therapists.

Others focus on connecting people with peers. While often undervalued, peer support provides you with a safe outlet to discuss your mental health challenges.

For example, those who don't suffer from depression often underestimate the physical fatigue it causes. Other people with depression will get your struggle with that.

Some non-profits act as a central point of information. For example, they can help you find support groups for your specific mental illness.

Fundraising

Granted, it's almost never anyone's first choice. Yet, medical fundraising online has become unfortunately common. It's often where people turn when all their other options run out.

Medical fundraising is also a tricky prospect. First things first, you need a fundraising platform that supports that kind of fundraising. The platform of choice for most people is GoFundMe.

Unlike some fundraising sites, GoFundMe doesn't require that you meet your goal. Even if you don't meet the goal, you can still keep the money your raise.

Once you pick a platform, you or someone who knows you must tell your story in a compelling way. That storytelling is what usually brings in donations.

The Cost of Mental Health and You

The cost of mental health is often high because there is minimal financial support for it. Insurance often doesn't cover it or only covers specific kinds of treatment. That leaves most of the bill on you.

There are government services that can provide some support if you meet the right conditions. You can sometimes find sliding-scale treatment options.

You can also look for non-profits focused on mental health. If all else fails, you can try online fundraising.

Looking for more information on mental health or treatments? Check out the Health News posts in our Lifestyle section.