topic How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist. in Suicidal thoughts and self-harm

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

LJpd81 — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 04:03:28 GMT

Hi I am new here. For a while now I have had feelings of being sad and depressed,crying and drinking too much. Something is wrong with me. I feel I need to talk to someone. I usually talk to my best friend. She has her own issues at the moment and I don't want to burden my husband or family or worry them. Was thinking of asking my doctor for a referral for a psychologist. She does healthcare plans there. I feel very nervous to ask in case she thinks I am being dramatic, silly or not sad enough.

How should I ask my doctor please? What do I say? I find this more nerve racking than telling her my medical issues.

Thanks very much.

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

Katyonthehamsterwheel — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 04:18:46 GMT

Hey there

Good on you for recognising that you need some help. It can definitely be uncomfortable to ask for help, but consider that your GP is used to this and it’s part of their job to provide referrals. I think if you just say “I’m hoping you can refer me to a psychologist” then it keeps it simple, and they can ask follow up questions from there. How does that sound? Manageable?

Katy

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

LJpd81 — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 04:25:38 GMT

Thank you so much!

I'm so nervous.

Yes sounds good.

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

LJpd81 — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 04:26:58 GMT

What do I say if she asks questions? Can anyone get a referral?

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

Katyonthehamsterwheel — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 04:37:28 GMT

Your GP can also be a good source of support when struggling. It’s best just to be really open about whatever is going on for you. That’s the best way to get better.

To give you an example, my GP has told me about apps to help with sleep, other groups/support services, medication etc

If your GP asks, you could just say what you’ve said here - I’ve been feeling down and crying a lot and I think it would help to talk to someone.

Katy

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

LJpd81 — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 05:27:06 GMT

Thank you so much for your help

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

Guest9337 — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 05:33:24 GMT

Honesty with the GP is the considered best choice, tell her/him what you've told us and ask for referral to psychiatrist or psychologist or both. A mental health plan might give you some free visits and better coordination between your health providers.

If you can't be honest with the GP, fair enough I've felt that too. You could ask the receptionist of the GP for the contact details of the psych/person they use.

You could use the Australian Psychology Society find a psychologist website. A google search will find them for you.

You could tell your GP you want to engage a psychologist for assisted self improvement, not even mentioning depression. "I just want to be a better person and think a psychologist could help me do that."

A few options for you. good luck.

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

LJpd81 — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 06:01:19 GMT

Thanks very much

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

Gabs_ — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 06:45:36 GMT

Hi LJpd81,

I'm so glad you have identified that you need to speak to someone. Well done (I mean that honestly, the first step is always the hardest).

I have found it to be a fairly straightforward process and really all you need to do is book a GP appointment (I'd let reception know you want a longer health consult to do a mental health care plan - this will allow you to claim sessions via medicare). Then like Katyonthehamsterwheel said, you can tell them as little or as much as possible. But your GP is there to support you and provide you care - not judgement.

If you book a longer consult you can also discuss with your GP if they recommend someone, or you can search the APS website to find someone where you live and consider their speciality (eg. my GP and I found my current psychologist by looking for psychologists who specialise in eating disorders and anxiety).

I would recommend maybe looking online prior to the GP appointment and calling psychologists that you like the look of to see the wait times as, unfortunately, due to the mental health implications of COVID, some psychologists have a waitlist (not all, but it's good to just check so when your GP sends the referral to them, you can get in to see them ASAP). Your GP might also recommend medication, which is something for you to consider and talk through the pros and cons of.

Please know that there are so many are dealing with their mental health (and they come in all different shapes, sizes, walks of life) and nobody is going to think you are being dramatic or silly.

I also think you should consider telling your husband how you are feeling - it's important for you not to wear what you are going through on your own. And I'm sure if roles were reversed, you would want to know that he was in pain and be there for him. Please know that I understand completely how hard it is to tell someone you love, especially when you have internal narrative telling you not to burden them or that you "should" be stronger than this. But, if you can tell him, I'm sure he will be glad you have told him and be able to offer you the support you need. You might even find that if you sit him down, once you get started (which is always the hardest bit), the words might just start flowing out. And these kind of thoughts are always better out than in, as our brains unfortunately have a way of tricking us into a cycle of negativity when we keep them in.

Good luck and always here if you want to chat more,

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

Gambit87 — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 07:18:01 GMT

Hi!

Welcome to the forums!

Good on you for seeking help! the first step is always that hardest.

I always knew I needed help, but I was always afraid of being judged. Then one morning I had a breakdown, dragged myself to the GPs office hoping the get a med cert for the day so I could miss work. Then I burst into tears infront of a random doctor I had never seen before (my normal GP was away).

Book a long appointment, they will ask you to fill out some paper work and they will write up the mental health care plan.

I also encourage to you open up to your husband/friends about what your going through. Depression makes you think your alone - and that is so far from the truth. Being able to open up and talk about it makes it easier to cope.

You are not alone here! all the best.

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

LJpd81 — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 04:50:42 GMT

Thank you so much. Very helpful

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

LJpd81 — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 04:51:34 GMT

Thanks so much. Very helpful

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

LJpd81 — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 04:54:11 GMT

Thanks very much everyone for the helpful replies and support.

I did see my GP today for another reason and at the end I asked for a mental health plan. So I have a referral to a psychologist. The receceptionist faxed off the referral this morning.

What now? Do I wait for them to call me?

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

Matchy69 — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 05:18:13 GMT

I find if they faxed of the referral they will ring you and make an appointment but can ring them and check they got the referral of you haven't heard from them.

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

Guest9337 — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 05:18:28 GMT

Typically the psychologist service will contact you, but you can take control by calling them and booking a few appointments in a row that'll save their receptionist calling you on their schedule. My local psych permits three bookings in advance.

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

UltimaMic — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 06:11:18 GMT

Hiya,

Not sure if you made the choice of Psych or the GP made the decision for you?

Anyways, in my experience it is good to contact the place you were referred in 2-3 days just to ensure they have:

1. Received your referral from the GP

2. Organize a time that is suitable for you

3. Ensure you are aware of the Medicare out of pocket charges (although these can be found on a website). These can vary depending on the Psych.

I would recommend after a couple of consultations with the referred Psych if you feel you are not quite getting the help you need you are quite welcome to look for other Psych or Counsellor service providers who offer the Medicare rebate. I have taken this route a couple of times as I did not really connect with my originally referred Psych. The Mental Health plan allows you to change so feel free to investigate online for services yourself and not just rely on the referral.

I wish you the best on your journey of healing and recovery. You will get there and we stand ready to support you.

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

LJpd81 — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 06:22:18 GMT

Thank you. My GP asked if I had a psychologist in mind. I just said a female.

I figure I can try her out and see.

I will definitely check out the medicare rebate too.

The psychologist office would have received the referral this morning. I've been waiting all day for a call. I still don't know if if I should let them call. I really want to call, now now and organise my appointment.

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

LJpd81 — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 06:24:30 GMT

My doctor was actually great today and very kind and said she's there for me. Made me feel better. Plus the first step of having referral.

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

Gambit87 — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 08:03:21 GMT

good to hear your appointment went well!

My doctor gave me the referral and I went and I found my own psychologist. Might be different from state to state maybe?

A little daunting as it can take a while to find one you connect with. Thankfully I lucked out and found a psych I connected with from the first session.

How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

Guest_1643 — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 08:43:10 GMT

Hi LJdp81,

well done on getting the referral

i would recommend calling the psychologists office to check if they got the referral and if they can make an appointment for u. Not all psychologists accept new patients and some have waiting times. If u give them a call they might be able to tell u how soon they can schedule in an appointment for u.