Applications open: ABHC invites citizens for mental health fund program

Antigua and Barbuda: Antigua and Barbuda Holistic Coalition (ABHC) has announced that they are now accepting applications for their mental health fund programs. These programs offer financial support to those seeking mental health and wellness services, including individual and family counselling.

The introduction of these programs emphasizes the importance of mental well-being for leading a prosperous life. There are specific eligibility requirements to apply for the program, which are as follows:

1. The applicant must be between the ages of 6 and 26.
2. The applicant must be a resident of Antigua and Barbuda.
3. For children under the age of 16, a parent or guardian must submit the application.
4. If an applicant is seeking medication support, the medication must be prescribed by a certified physician from a registered pharmacy. Additionally, the medical health professional should be a licensed or registered mental health professional from the US, UK, or Canada.

Even the applicant’s mental health professionals, if they are the service providers through registered mental health counselling companies in Antigua and Barbuda, can apply for the same.

Considerably, any of the applications does not guarantee approval or funds, as the ABHC has all the rights to revoke any approval. For the applications, the deadline stated by the association is January 7, 2024. However, if not reached the maximum number of approvals, the date can even be extended.

Moreover, there is the process involved in the approval for the fund, which states that the:

• Review of applications will be done in the US by licensed or experienced mental health professionals.
• If approved, the applicant will be notified via email, whereas if not, the applicant will not receive any correspondence.
• If approved, the invoice must highlight all the services rendered by the association after November 11, 2023.

Notably, all the payments by ABHC will be provided to the Mental Health Professional or Mental Health Company on behalf of applicants for mental health care. And, the funds are to be reimbursed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars.

Most importantly, all the information is confidential as everything is held securely within the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant system.