Self monitoring lithium levels?

Hi, rin! Unfortunately, all of the tests are required blood tests and there are no OTC or self remedies. These levels are too fragile not to be monitored and you could easily slip into dangerous situations. Do you not have Medicare, Disability, or other insurance? Have you looked into low cost mental health clinics which charge minimal fees, many with sliding scale payment plans?
I was in the same quandary as you until I found my current (brilliant) psychiatrist at such a clinic. Because I'm currently disabled I couldn't afford much medical care but this clinic even provides free samples of my medications so I know where you're coming from.
Feel free to post any questions you may have and I wish you the very best. Wildcat

I use to take lithium and it made me feel better than I ever did with any of my other bipolar or depression medicines. It took them over 20 years to find the right medicine. You have to check your levels all the time so you don't get any kind of any organ infection. I took lithium for over 2 years and had to stop it after the doctor took the lithium levels and found out that I had an liver infection. So he stopped it from me. I was so upset. But now I'm taking something else and seems to be working. It's important to take your lithium levels or you could get an infection. You might be able to talk to the doctor about your money situation and maybe he could help you with that.