Semicolon Helps^® program purpose

Project Semicolon, Inc. will provide, without discrimination, assistance for those seeking mental illness diagnosis. Part of our mission at Project Semicolon is to see more people seeking diagnosis for their mental illnesses. Studies show that early diagnosis leads to a more successful outcome when dealing with mental illnesses. Being properly diagnosed, and knowing the root of your symptoms, empowers you to learn tools needed to cope and survive. We are committed to saving lives by making diagnosis one of our mission priorities.

Why Your Diagnosis Matters

Put simply, your diagnosis should direct the course of treatment. While making general lifestyle changes and talking about your problems can aid in treating just about any mental health condition, this alone is not enough. Every mental health disorder has its own set of treatment protocols. A person with generalized anxiety disorder, for example, is much different from a person who is anxious because she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. A clinician who doesn’t realize that anxiety is spurred by trauma may spend months or even years treating the anxiety without seeing any progress. Likewise, many disorders can cause symptoms of depression, but this doesn’t mean the person with these disorders has depression. A man who struggles to get his work done due to ADHD may become depressed, and the exhaustion of managing schizophrenia can be similarly depressing.

Sometimes misdiagnosis can lead to serious problems. Bipolar disorder, particularly in its early stages, can look a lot like major depressive disorder. Among people with bipolar, though, antidepressants can spur manic episodes and do little to treat the condition. Astute clinicians engage in careful diagnostic tactics to prevent such misdiagnosis, but some clinicians rush through diagnostic interviews and assume that, because depression is common, it’s the most likely option. You will get better more quickly and experience fewer treatment-induced side effects if you get the right diagnosis early in the treatment process.

Limitations

Semicolon Helps’ financial assistance does not include all costs that may be associated with behavioral health services. Items or services that are not included in the Semicolon Helps assistance program include, but are not limited to, transportation, lodging, prescriptions, food, medical equipment, and pharmacy supplies.

Method of applying for financial assistance

Patients who want to apply for financial assistance, or who have been identified as a potentially eligible for financial assistance,can complete the Semicolon Helps application form. The application process may be waived or suspended due to medical necessity, including timing and urgency of care. Patients or their representative can obtain a financial assistance application here.

All patients/guarantors who receive a financial assistance application must complete and return the application, along with the following documents that serve as the minimum information necessary to process an application for financial assistance here.

Once it has been submitted, a Semicolon Helps representative will review the application. A patient’s application will be deemed complete after Project Semicolon receives the financial assistance application with all information and the required documentation. Project Semicolon reserves the right to request additional documentation before finalizing a request for assistance.

The Semicolon Helps^® program is a Project Semicolon Inc. initiative funded by our very generous donors.