Dear Jstar48, Tayla and all
I'd like to clear up some assupmtions, concerning who does what .
A simple guide can be found here, put out by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/psychiatry-explained/mental-health-professionals
The top of the heap is a psychiatrist who has become a regular GP, done a year's practice then a further 5 years in psychiatry. As such can prescribe medications, give authoritative diagnoses and also as much therapy as he or she decides. Also the length of time between consultations can vary widely. Normally a psychiatrist is a referral from a GP . By and large they are very expensive with very many charging a lot more than the specified Medicare rate.
As a worker's compensation case I have been treated on a fortnightly basis by a psychiatrist for a lengthy period. This person prescribes medication and gives therapy each time. The original referral came from my physician (GP), and the psychiatrist has on occasion referred me to a clinical psychologist for specialized therapy
A Clinical Psychologist, also a therapist referred to by a GP, has at least half the length of training but is not a GP, so can recommend medication but cannot prescribe it, this is done be the GP. A psychologist can diagnose a mental illness and provide therapy. They too are expensive
In both cases it is hard to find one that bulk bills
The physician or GP can refer you to the above when a matter falls beyong normal expertise, often under a Medicare Health Plan if it is to a psychologist or other MH professional. Sadly up until recently Psychiatrists were not included in this plan, and that inclusion may be temporary
Since COVID there have been changes to who is eligible for what medicare rebate and a broadening of telehealth. I do not know all the details of this although I use it. In the best of situations the GP provides an ongoing over-site of one's treatment. There are proportionally more GP's who bulk bill.
You may be able to sort out all these facts, however I'd not attempt it and ask for expert advice, this government site gives the legislation
http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-TempBB
I don't know if I've clarified matters, however at least I've tried. The most important thing as far as I'm concerned is that all your medical professionals become a stable team who not only gives you confidence in them but are working together
Croix
