The title kind of covers everything. I was needing to know if there was any programs, government or just anything really, to help with getting people who can't afford a psychiatrist the help they need. My girlfriend has really bad depression. She tells me she wants to die constantly. As of yet, she hasn't attempted thank goodness. We've been to the doctor multiple times for different medicines. Sometimes she'll find some that help a bit but then get worse. I definitely understand that finding the right depression meds take time (I myself have been through at least 20 of them before I found some that work). I just know that once it gets this bad you can't just 'wait' until you find the right one.

I definitely believe she needs something more than just a normal doctor prescribing random meds, but I also know that a psychiatrist is wayyy too much than we can afford. As a side note, she has been to a councilor/social worker psychologist but wasn't much help at all...

Any advice would be very appreciated

What country, and if the US, what state?
How old is she?
What is her situation as far as finances, income, in general terms?

In the US, the program is the same for everyone who has low income - Medicaid, applied for at the nearest state office that handles it.
Some areas have more, either through state programs or non profits, but they are local. It might even be worth moving to an area that has good programs. I might be able to give some ideas if you answer the above.

You are on the wrong track actually - no one should be taking psych meds without therapy. A psychiatrist really is not required, there is no assurance that they are 'better' because they have an MD, and because they cost so much, they are used less and less under insurance. Even a good social worker who has script writing powers and is a good therapist is often better at being in touch with the people they counsel. Group therapy helps many as an adjunct to individual therapy, or as a sequel. Knowing that you have peers equally depressed can be a big help. Finally, there are clubhouses in some states, which are more than just places to drop in - they involve all the members in the running of the place.

US - Utah
She's 21
Her parents are decently well off, but that doesn't mean that they will help her as far as financially (they already do for school so.. ). As far as money goes for herself, she earns minimum wage part time. I know the parents thing will have a huge factor on the aid though. Again though, doesn't mean they'll help unfortunately

Thanks for the quick reply.

Is she in college? go to the school counselor who will refer her to a professional. Does she have health insurance through the school? Is there a county health department with clinics throughout the county?

She is in college. They have the counselors there on campus. She was going to her before for sessions, but they were like 4 sessions for the whole semester and didn't do much. I was going to have her go back this semester just for some sort of help, but they started charging this semester. It is decently expensive from what we saw. As far as health insurance through the school, I'll have to see.

School counselors often aren't able to see deep depression as distinct from the situational depression seen at college, where romantic failures, homesickness, angst about not wanting to study, and so on are so common.

I strongly suggest that she tell her parents that she thinks about suicide a lot and needs real help. If they won't help, then she needs to do something on her own, such as health insurance. If they won't help, that tells me a lot - they don't understand her and that's part of her problem!

Clubhouse International
This is the closest clubhouse, a small one based on the huge one in NYC. Check it out.