As a final installment of my series on low-cost healthcare alternatives in Clearwater & St. Petersburg (Pinellas County), I wanted to make sure I covered mental healthcare resources as well.  Restrictions and limitations from mental impairments like anxiety, bipolar, depression, PTSD and other conditions can be as disabling as any physical problem.  Getting regular care for and documentation of these conditions can be crucial for winning your Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.   When money is tight because you cannot work, that can be hard.  Here are two great services in Pinellas County to help people with mental healthcare:

Directions for Mental Health is more oriented toward North Pinellas (from Largo North).  You can reach them at their main number:  (727) 524-4464.  They have several locations:

Clearwater Center
(Outpatient Counseling & Psychiatric Services, Adults)
1437 South Belcher Road
Clearwater, Florida 33764
(727) 524-4464
Fax (727) 524-4474

Largo Center (Oakwoods Industrial Park)
(Children’s Specialty Center)
8823 – 115th Avenue North
Largo, Florida 33773
Phone: (727) 547-4566
Fax: (727) 547-4599

NEW! West Pasco Center (Behind Community Hospital)
(Outpatient Counseling & Psychiatric Services, All Ages)
5642 Meadowlane Street
New Port Richey, Florida 34652
Phone: (727) 847-4465
Fax: (727) 847-4463

Child Safety & Family Preservation
8550 Ulmerton Road, Suite 130
Largo, Florida 33771
Phone: (727) 456-0600
Fax: (727) 456-0640

For a Lower Pinellas Alternative in the St. Petersburg area and surrounding communities, I recommend:

Suncoast Center for Community Mental Health:  You can reach them at their main service location:

4024/4010 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Phone: 727-327-7656
Fax: 727-323-8978

I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to get your mental health conditions treated.  When you have have an SSDI or SSI claim, it may also be a key to your case to have these conditions documented.  If you cannot afford a private psychiatrist or psychologist, please call one of the mental healthcare alternatives listed above.

Next in This Series:  Information about free or low-cost mental healthcare options in Pinellas County, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and surrounding communities.  Also, check back for future posts on free or low cost services in Pasco, Manatee, Hernando, Polk, and Orange Counties.

John Tucker is a Social Security Disability Attorney with offices in Clearwater (the Feather Sound area) and Tampa.  Call (727) 572-5000 for a free consultation about your claim.