You are right on! Even after researching mental illness, dealing with it daily, as part of my job, is an eye opener. People don't want to be this way, but they have no control over this illness. Unless the meds work, they are completely dependent on others, which they don't normally have. These people need counseling, along with their meds. I work in a non profit organization, affiliated with a church. We provide counseling, psychiatric treatment, groups, meals, and a place for the mentally ill to congregate and/or just hang out during the day. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Nearly all cities have places like this, but, these people need someone to guide them to us.
Also see my post #39.
Free counseling and meds won't help when you can't get someone to use them.
My SIL seems to want the counselor she sees to simply tell her she can't do anything for herself & validate her unwillingness to try doing so. When he gave her FREE meds she refused to take them. Even in the past when she has taken meds that have helped, she would stop taking them.
After a long time, you realize you just can't do much to alter the situation. Sad.