One of the leading reasons that people apply for disability benefits is a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
While mental health issues are serious and prevent millions of Americans from working full time, they can also be the most challenging cases to actually win with the Social Security Administration.
All successful disability claims require consistent medical treatment, but often the biggest challenge with mental health cases is even getting the correct treatment.
SSA has a list of acceptable medical sources whose opinions can be used to establish whether a condition is severe. While a primary care physician may be able to diagnose a condition such as anxiety or depression, and even prescribe medications for it, it’s rare that SSA will approve a mental health disability claim just based on this.
More often than not, SSA will want to see that you are treating with a psychologist or psychiatrist. But as many claimants will tell you, it can be difficult, if not impossible to find a mental health provider who will accept their insurance, particularly if they are on Medicaid.
Still, a case can be built on a combination of treatment with a primary care provider and counseling with a social worker.
Hospitalizations or ER visits are especially strong evidence in mental health cases.
And often, SSA is willing to schedule psychological consultative evaluations, during which you’ll meet with a psychologist paid for by Social Security who will then offer an opinion on your condition and ability to work.
It can be a long, difficult road to get disability benefits for a mental health condition, but an experienced disability attorney can help guide you down the right path.
