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

[LJpd81]

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.

[LJpd81]

Thank you so much. Very helpful

[LJpd81]

Thanks so much. Very helpful

[LJpd81]

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?

[Matchy69]

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.

[Guest9337]

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.

[UltimaMic]

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.

[LJpd81]

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.

[LJpd81]

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.

[Gambit87]

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.

[Guest_1643]

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.