help me find a fix for my a.d.d.

March 14, 2007 9:57 PM

looking for low cost/free mental health services in los angeles.

I have recently decided to seek treatment for attention deficit disorder that has been having a serious effect on my focus and productivity. I suppose it's been affecting me for quite some time, I just didn't realize it.

I'd like to see someone in order to get a prescription or try out other options.

I am a broke college student and would for sure be eligible for low cost/no cost treatment. I live in the south bay (hermosa beach to be exact) so options in torrance, venice and santa monica are the most feasible.

thanks in advance for all your help.

posted by punch_the_mayor to Health & Fitness (2 answers total)

Since you're in college, you could also check with your student health services and/or counseling services to get the ball rolling. Or check in the first few pages of the phone book -- there are always community mental health services listed there, though the list reflection links to at the I Hate My Life site is already pretty thorough.
posted by scody at 11:49 PM on March 14, 2007

I can't offer you anything in the way of help to your specific question, but I'd like to offer my best wishes that you find good help. About four years ago, I was diagnosed and I am always amazed at how screwed up my life had been and how much better it's getting. Good for you for taking the step early enough, I wish I had. Ignore the haters (those that think ADHD is a "myth") and do what you need to do to get better.

I offer two recommendations: First, try to start with Wellbutrin before going on Ritalin. That's what I've been on for the last 6 years, and it's made all the difference. I tried Ritalin for a week, and went from all-powerful and happy to suicidal in that short span of time. You need to have a little bi-polar thrown into the mix for that to happen, but better safe than sorry. :) Second, pick up a copy of You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?! for yourself and perhaps a couple of used copies for the haters in your life. Reading the first few chapters was like reading a journal I'd forgotten I'd written. It has its drawbacks, but it really is the absolute best book on the subject.
posted by Spoonman at 6:36 AM on March 15, 2007