Costs of seeing a Psychologist

[BOC64]

Hello

I was recently advised that to see a general and not clinical Psychologist that the first appointment would be $322.00 and $215.00 for subsequent with the $85.00 rebate.

What are others experiences with costs. Also how on earth is a person in a vulnerable position able to pay that. I have had Clinical Psychologists quote around $215.00 and at least you get back $125.00.

JFC

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi BOC64,

Thank you for your post. I hear you loud and clear - it's expensive, and unfortunately seeing a psychologist is often a luxury for people. I wish that I was more positive about this or had something helpful to say, but I think it just sucks and it's not fair.

What I can say though is that there are psychologists who do bulk-bill, which means that you are not out of pocket for 10 sessions. If you google your location and "bulk-billing" hopefully some will pop up for you.

Alternatively, you can also look at seeing a counsellor (not a psychologist). They aren't covered by medicare, but their fees are often much lower. The ACA have a list of qualified ones if this is something you want to look into.

I hope that you're able to find someone

rt

[BOC64]

Thanks RT

I am happy and able to pay a fee as I have a reasonable income and let those who really need bulk billing to do so. Those charges for a general psychologist however are over the top.

JFC

[WokingOnIt]

I don't have a lot of experience with different providers, but the few I have seen or inquired into have been in the $160-$180/hour range, before the MHCP rebate. Not sure whether they were clinical/general. I have been lucky enough to be bulk billed by my own psychologist, too, but even his regular private rate was somewhere around that.

[Guest_4643]

Hey BOC64.

Yeah Psychologists can be expensive, Psychiatrists even more! I guess it also depends on who you see and where, and some other things like how often, and so forth.

Do you have a Mental Health Care Plan on Medicare or anything similar? I understand how expensive it is, trust me. But I guess they have to make their money somehow. Mind you your mental health is more important than them making money, as much as I understand that they have to get paid aswell.

Perhaps you could try talking to the therapist and/or a GP about it? I'm not too sure. Or maybe looking to see if there's any qualified mental health professionals who specialise in what you're dealing with and see if they're cheaper and discuss the payment with them?

I'm sorry I can't be of much help and give more advice, but I care and I'll try my best to support you and offer suggestions and advice.

I hope you can figure it out and you don't pay too much. Good luck with it all, and I hope you find a therapist who you like. You're also welcome on these forums anytime, any day, like everyone on here.

Best of luck with everything, I'm thinking of you. I'm here if you need. Take care.

Tayla

[Bee007]

Hi there, I'm sorry to hear about what you have been going through. Just wondering if you have seen your GP and see up a mental health care plan? Usually they can refer you to a counseler/psychologist under a health care plan for a number of sessions. I think that it can be billed at a reduced rate by paying a gap but you would need to check with your usual GP. I hope this helps and that you can find some help. Cheers Bee

[Guest_4643]

Hi Bee007.

Yeah I'm aware of that and how it works, I've done that in the past. Thank you though, I'm sure your response was to BOC64 though but all good.

Tayla

[BOC64]

Hi great people

I am in my mid 50's and have suffered from PTSD, depression and anxiety for almost all of my life mainly through childhood trauma.

I had an appointment last Friday with a new Clinical Psychologist and I am now very hopeful this is the the right person for me. Given I am not in a great financial position I was able to get a small discount.

Even though it was only my first appointed I was able to gain some very good insights into myself and more importantly some of the emotionally destructive relationships I have been in.

I have another appointment this Friday and I am really looking forward to getting better.

[Guest_4643]

Hello BOC64, sorry for just replying now.

I'm sorry that you've had to deal with a lot, I hope the psychologist can help and you feel at ease with them, and the forums.

I also have PTSD, depression and anxiety so I understand to some extent, I'm sorry you deal with the same.

Best of luck with everything, I hope you feel better soon and whatnot. And I'm sorry you're not in a great financial position as you said. I hope everything improves for you real soon, at least you got some sort of discount though.

Take care, I'm thinking of you. Love and hugs. I hope you're doing alright.

Tayla

[blondguy]

Hello BOC64

Thankyou for being a part of the Beyond Blue forum family and for your helpful post. Its great that your 1st appointment went well 🙂

Your background is very similar to mine BOC...with the childhood trauma and broken relationships...depression and anxiety..ugh! I just turned 60 in December...The time goes so quick..

I joined the forums in 2016 after being made redundant and was in bad shape...I didnt know that I would still be here now! Like yourself I have had a good psychologist yet couldnt afford to keep the appointments going

Have been using my GP every 4-6 week for a 'tune up' for 22 years after having many years of sporadic anxiety attacks..with meds which have worked well with my doctors assistance and counsel

I hope you can stick around the forums...only if you wish of course!

my kind thoughts...Happy Friday BOC64

Paul