In a previous entry, I spoke about some of the things that keep people with depression from seeking out a counselor. Here are a few more barriers:

• "I can't afford to see a therapist." Insurance companies have been reducing payments to health care providers for many years, and mental health providers have been especially hard-hit. As a result, many therapists and counselors no longer participate in any insurance plans, forcing you to pay cash up front and submit receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement. The amount you get back from the insurance company is often less than what you paid, and your benefits are often limited to a certain number of visits. All of this reflects some of the real shortcomings of the U.S. health care system, especially with respect to mental health issues. There are some changes that are due to come about in the near future, but if you are unhappy with the current system, I urge you to let your employers and government representatives know about it.

In the meantime, I encourage you to go ahead and use whatever insurance benefits you do have. Sign up for some counseling, pay the fee up front, and get back whatever money you can for as long as you can afford to do so. The current system is certainly frustrating, but isn't your mental health and happiness worth paying out a little extra for? If you really can't afford to pay the full fare, there are some counselors who charge reduced fees to those with true financial hardship.

• "I don't want to see a psychiatrist." Some people just can't get past the stigma of meeting with a psychiatrist or psychologist. That's okay. There are still several options for getting some qualified mental health counseling. Social workers, for example,  receive extensive training in counseling,and are an excellent resource.

If any of the excuses and obstacles I've reviewed here or in Part I of this series ring true, I suggest that you sit down and carefully consider the real reason(s) why you aren't getting counseling. Sometimes it helps to make a list of the pros and cons, and then think about how you can get over those negative feelings or get past those barriers. A healthier and happier you may lie waiting on the other side!