Dear Scruffy
This is the problem with mental health plans, not realistic in terms of how long you need to spend in therapy. Yes you will need to wait until next year to continue this conversation with your psych. Has she suggested ways to manage this gap? It is huge.
Options: You can continue to see the psych at your own total expense. Do you have private insurance? There is usually a smaller component in private cover but that will not take you to the end of the year.
You can start to see a psychiatrist. These fees always get a rebate from Medicare and I suspect the gap is similar to that you are paying now. Medicare has a safety net on fees for doctors. Once you reach your safety net you will receive an additional 80% of the gap or out of pocket costs. Best to check with Medicare on where you are with your safety net total. This does include the amounts you have paid to the psychologist. It means you will need to start again with your story but it will be easier second time round.
You may also choose to stay with the psychiatrist to avoid continual changes. If your psychiatrist thinks it will be useful you can see the psychologist next year under the mental health plan and continue to see the psychiatrist at the same time.
My suggestion is to get a referral from your GP for a psychiatrist. Not much point in waiting another six/seven months to see the psychologist. Hope I haven't muddied the waters. I think it is unrealistic to give psychologists a short period of consultations. Some see their clients once a month which may not be the best course of action. If you are seeing your GP soon, why not have a chat with her.
Mary
