How To Get Antidepressants Without Insurance

Living without health insurance coverage is stressful, especially if you are living with a chronic mental health condition, such as depression. If you are under or uninsured, it may seem impossible to be able to afford the care you need, including your prescription antidepressants. 

It is important to know that there are affordable options available for your mental health care, with no health insurance needed. In this article, we will discuss the typical cost of antidepressants and ways you can save money with your monthly prescriptions. 

If you are in search of mental health care that won’t break the bank, let Klarity Health help. At Klarity Health, we provide access to affordable mental health care, with no health insurance coverage or monthly prescriptions necessary and, most importantly, no hidden fees. 

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Getting a Depression Diagnosis Without Insurance 

You must have a diagnosis of a depressive disorder before you are started on any antidepressants. To be formally diagnosed with depression, you will need to be evaluated by a licensed healthcare professional. 

The traditional trip to the psychiatrist’s office with inadequate or no insurance coverage is expensive, and the cost will vary based on the provider’s set rates, but the average cost of an initial psych evaluation will be over $200. 

Can You Get Depression Medication Without Insurance?

Antidepressants are readily available for those without insurance but do require a written prescription by a licensed healthcare provider. While health insurance covers the large majority of antidepressant medications, there are additional ways to afford prescription medication for those who are under or uninsured. 

How Much Do Antidepressants Cost Without Insurance?

The retail price of prescription antidepressants dramatically varies based on which medication you are taking, the dose you are prescribed, and which pharmacy you use. The average cost of a 30-day supply of your medication without insurance can range from a few dollars per month to a few hundred dollars. 

Brand Antidepressants

Brand-name antidepressants are generally expensive and will likely cost you a few hundred dollars for your monthly supply of medication if you do not have health insurance. 

Generic Antidepressants

Generic medication formularies are nearly identical to their name-brand counterparts but come at a fraction of the price. The majority of antidepressants are available in generic form and are just as effective as name-brand medications. 

Can You Get Antidepressants Over The Counter?

You will not be able to get antidepressants over the counter. You will need a written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider for any given antidepressant medication after a formal psychiatric evaluation is completed. 

This is for a good reason, as there are many adverse side effects and interactions associated with each antidepressant medication and it would be unsafe to start a medication without the supervision of a healthcare professional. After an initial visit, they will review all of your information and work with you to find the best medication for you. 

Medication Misuse Warning

In general, most antidepressant medications are not classified as controlled substances and are typically not associated with a high potential for abuse or dependence. 

However, misuse or incorrect dosage can lead to potential side effects and health issues. In some rare cases, improper use of antidepressants may lead to a serious condition called Serotonin Syndrome. Suddenly stopping an antidepressant can also result in withdrawal symptoms. 

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional about your prescribed drug for the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you have any concerns about dependence or withdrawal symptoms, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider. 

Affordable Options for Antidepressants

There are many different options available to make your monthly antidepressant prescription affordable. Below we have listed a few of the most common ways to lower the cost of your medication, including coupons, telehealth services, and prescription assistance programs. 

Coupons

There are several different coupons available for those who do not have health insurance, like GoodRx, SingleCare, ScriptSave, WellRx, and Optum Perks, to name a few. These coupons are available at most large pharmacies and significantly drop the cost of your monthly prescriptions to the most affordable rate, with most saving you hundreds of dollars per month. 

Telehealth

Telehealth services have become a popular method to receive quality care for your mental health, all from the comfort of your own home. Telehealth providers are typically physician assistants (PA) or nurse practitioners (NP), which are both considered “mid-level providers” and can prescribe antidepressants. 

Prescription Assistance Programs

For those who are unable to afford their medications, there is another option available for select individuals. Drug companies and local state-funded programs sponsor Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs), where medications are heavily discounted or even free to those that apply and meet criteria for the given program. 

Providers on Klarity Health Prescribe Antidepressants. No Insurance Needed.

If you are struggling with depression, don’t let your symptoms go untreated. At Klarity Health, we believe everyone deserves access to affordable mental health care, which is why we created our telehealth platform that offers access to quality care and antidepressants when medically necessary at a fraction of the cost of a traditional doctor’s office visit. 

Get started with online depression treatment today with help from Klarity Health. We’ll connect you with a licensed healthcare provider in as little as 24 hours who can prescribe antidepressants — no insurance needed.*