I think most drug companies have programs where they will give you the meds for a lower cost if you can prove you don't have enough money. I'm not sure about how you would see a psychiatrist though. If you don't have insurance, it's tough.

As far as alternatives to medication, there are free support groups for people with mental illness you can attend. I attend a Depression and Bipolar support group and find it extremely helpful. There is also the National Institute on Mental Illness. Here are the links: dbsalliance.org and nami.org. You can check and see if there are any support groups near you.

There are also some therapy clinics that provide a sliding scale for people in financial need.

All that said, for me meds are the most important thing (and they may be for you too). Without meds, all the therapy in the world wouldn't help me.