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.

[Guest_1643]

Hi, yes unfortunately. They may be swamped and busy, they wont generally call and follow up very quickly. the burden often falls on the individual to follow up and enquire etc, they may not get back to you for a long time.

[LJpd81]

Thank you. Should I try calling again today or wait for tomorrow?

[Guest_1643]

Hi that's up to you, neither would be an issue, just depends on how urgently you would like an answer. Just generally speaking I can speak to the fact that mental health systems now are overloaded, there's a lot of burden on consumers who have to wait etc for responses, call backs, appointments etc, so in general in can be difficult to get in and the process can take time. But that's just a general comment, I can't comment on this practise which could be different.... i wish you luck though whatever you choose.

[LJpd81]

Thank you. Thinking I will call as I can't handle waiting.

[LJpd81]

I ended up ringing up again and the psychologist will call me first thing in the morning.

I spoke to her receptionist I think and he was nice. It seems bookings are done by talking to the psychologist first. He did assure me I would get a booking.

[Guest_1643]

that sounds good

🙂 hope it goes well. she'll potentially mention her price structure, the type of therapy she does, and maybe ask in a nutshell what you are hoping for help with. Sometimes they also send you an info pack about their policies, approach, practise location and direction. hope it goes smoothly for u, good luck!@

[LJpd81]

Thank you. Feeling so anxious at the moment.

[Gabs_]

So proud of you!!!!!! That was a huge step and you took it. I actually squealed out loud when I saw that. Well done. Be proud of yourself x

[UltimaMic]

You are making the effort is great - shows you want the help and are willing to receive the help.

Health admin can be tedious at times but you connected with the reception and they are aware of you.

Its good you made them confirm a time they will get back to you - always do this as it makes them commit to get back to you.

I hope you can have a great first meeting - I made it a point to actually write down some questions - sometimes we forget as patients that the relationship with the Psych is a two-way thing - they do not have to only ask questions. Although for the first session they will need to understand you so they will be primarily asking the questions. If you are anxious about a specific thing I found it useful to write it down and bring to my psych session so I did not have to feel anxious about forgetting to ask.

[Gabs_]

Hi again,

Most psychologists read the referral so they can get an understanding of the person' background/history, the urgency of the issue etc. So whilst there are some delays due to COVID (and how many people are seeking services),you should take comfort that the psychologist is reviewing the referral, rather than just having it processed by admin.

In the meantime, if you haven't heard from them today, give them another nudge on the phone. Most of the receptionist/office managers are really caring and if you explain the situation and they are pretty accommodating (and I've found that giving them a call or two isn't a big deal, it's just a "oi, remember me!"

Whilst waiting sucks, take faith in how your GP handled the situation and know that the psych and their team will be trying to get you in as soon as possible. Until you get in, could you try downloading an app (I use and love Bloom CBT) to try and curb the anxious thoughts. I find the app really beneficial to ground me when my mind starts spiralling with anxiety. I think they offer a 7 day trial and there are some breathwork and guided CBT specifically for anxiety.

And I want you to remember to be proud of yourself. At the beginning of the week, you were unsure about going to the GP. You've now gone to the GP, felt supported by her, been referred to a psych and looking forward to an appointment being booked in. They are phenomenally huge steps, even if they only feel small - you put YOU and your mental health first! Big hugs