Hi Dani,
I am sorry to hear you are struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression. It's a tough journey.
Having been through the process, I can share a little more information with you.
Initially, you get into contact with your GP (Probably via a phone appointment, given the current Covid issues).
You can then discuss how you have been feeling, for both depression and anxiety symptoms. You might get some questions about how long you have been feeling like this or whether you have experienced anything similar before. You are also likely to be asked about any suicidal thoughts or intentions, which can be confronting.
Your GP will guide you, and you are then likely to encounter a screening survey, perhaps a K-10 or a DAS-21. You can find these online if you would like to have a look first.
Once you have finished the survey, your score will be used to evaluate your symptoms, and you will likely be asked whether there is a particular therapist you might like to see. If you aren't familiar with anyone, give some thought to how you would feel discussing your feelings with another person, thinking about gender, age, cost and speciality. Discuss this with your GP. They can then write you a referral.
The referral is called a Mental Health Care Plan, and entitles you to 6 subsidised sessions with a Psychologist. This can be extended following the sixth appointment, after discussion and a new referral from your GP, for another 4 subsidised sessions.
Keep in mind, that Psychology is very personal, and no therapist is going to be offended if you aren't feeling a connection with them, and wish to see an alternative practitioner. They might have someone in mind, or your GP can find another clinic.
Of course, you can always supplement this process using Beyond Blue resources, or by accessing services such as Headspace (If you meet the age criterion, etc.).
I hope you are feeling a little more comfortable after reading about the process.
Good luck, and feel free to ask more questions if you need.
