Bulk billing psychiatrist for child

[StudioBird]

Is there any such thing as a bulk billed psychiatrist for a child? How do I find one, without going through CYMHS?

My child is seeing a clinical psychologist through ATAPS, has GP involvement, multiple family case workers (for my mental health), and discussions about medication has come up.

CYMHS has discharged us from the waiting list as we are seeking private psychology services - and their waiting list is too long. But that means we have no access to their psychiatrists.

My child has a health care card if this makes a difference?

I am not asking for names - that's not allowed - but wondering HOW to find one. Is it just a matter of calling them all and asking?

[MsPurple]

Hi StudioBird thanks for commenting on the forums. As a child I also had to see a psychiatrist and psychologist so I understand the struggle of trying to find an appropriate physician that is cost effective. It is great that you are also being supportive of your child. Please continue this. I would have struggled if my parents weren't so understanding.

Have you heard of the service called headspace? It is the youth national mental health service. You can google them (it is has a green puzzle piece as their logo). They see kids and young adults ages 12-25 years. It is a no/low cost service that has different physicians at different centres which could include some of the following: GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, mental health nurses, OT, social work etc. I went their while I was at uni and I can only say positive things. I never paid a cent either, however not all of their physicians are free but they are low cost. I would look up your closest centre and give them a call and ask them about their services.

Hope this helps and keep us updated.

[StudioBird]

Thank you so much.

I know headspace, have friends who have used it well. Unfortunately my child is only just 11, so not old enough to use the services,

The issues are extreme enough for self harming actions to be taking place, but not enough for it to warrant immediate CYMHS help, or emergency psychiatric care in hospital. We don't want to get to that point. But I also cannot afford $100s for multiple sessions at a psychiatrist.

[MsPurple]

HI StudioBird

That's a shame they are not willing to do immediate CYMHS help and of course you want to avoid emergancy care. Preventative health is always better than treatment so trying to avoid this is important. How long till your child turns 12? I know I had anxiety issues before I was 12 but I can't remember if I saw a psych at 12 or 11.

You can only do your best and it sounds like you are doing a good job. Have you asked your GP if he knows any psych that bulk bills in your area? Is it possible for your child to see a psychologist more than a psychiatrist? I know they generally don't cost as much. For me personally I only see my psychiatrist for medication review and when I was still in the depth of it all. I can't remember which I saw more as a child sorry. Have you considered school counselling?

Disclaimer: Remember I am not a professional when I say this, I am just a forum user with a mental health background (also at a similar age to your child). Some strategies you could do in the mean time to distract your child or to help reduce their anxiety could be: Colour therapy by either a colouring book or blank paper and telling them to draw anything they please (even draw something that represents their feelings). Possibly take away all sharps or allow your child to use a red pen instead, maybe consider getting a punching bag to get our anger and inner frustration, watch a comedy/happy movie when distressed, walk the dog together and talk openly about feelings or reading a book when needing alone time. I know these aren't fixes but it maybe things to do to reduce stress in the moment.

Remember you can always call 1300224636. It is the Beyond Blue 24 hour helpline. You can ask them any questions or talk to them about your concerns about your child (and yourself, please don't forget self care). There is also the kids help line (maybe keep the number handy incase they feel the need to call).

You are doing well StudioBird. Keep at it. Parents like you have helped people like me grow up and life happy lives.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi StudioBird,

I'm sorry that you're in this situation. I think MsPurple has given you some great advice and encourage you to push the GP or the Psychologist to see if they can suggest anyone.

It also may help to go to RANZCP which is the Psychiatrist registration board to search there. If you click Advanced Search, then Practice Details then 'Can bulk bill selected patients'.

https://www.ranzcp.org/Mental-health-advice/find-a-psychiatrist.aspx

[StudioBird]

Thank you for your help. My child is only JUST 11.

The reason we are after a psychiatrist is because we believe she needs medication. GP, paed, psychologist are all investigating psychiatrists for us.

thank you all for your information. I'll have a look at the directory too.

[StudioBird]

Update. My youngest child's paediatrician has taken up the cause and is contacting some people on our behalf. We have a plan to go to emergency if it gets bad again.

hopefully we can get seen and have medication looked at.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi StudioBird,

Thanks for checking in and letting us know.

It sounds like you've got a great support team around you including a GP, Paediatrician and a Psychologist all wanting to help. I'm really glad that everyone's working together.

Feel free to post again and let us know how things are going. This must be a difficult time so I hope that you are doing okay.

[Bluejaybelle]

I'm the same. I have been looking for help for 15 years. My daughter has been through headspace and cams several times. Her depression cripples her and she is sick of talking and can't talk when she that far gone. We are told to a psychiatrist and can't seem to find one who bulk bills. Spent days looking for one and ringing around. She has ended up in hospital with suicidal thoughts and just recently tried to Kill herself. Local Gp can't help. Doesn't know any one and been to different gps. Asked oxygen and got a doctor who wanted to charge me close to $500. I get some back after 48 hours. I am carer and can't afford it. My son had comordity. Aspergers, ADHD and a learning disability. Even when she ended up in the children hospital. They admit to not referring in and have no idea who bill bills. I'm thinking to write to my local MP and a letter of compliant to the children's hospital. So much for medical professionals networking. I have arena. Post on this service saying the same they don't know anyone.! I have rang many services with no luck!

[MsPurple]

Hi Bluejaybelle

I'm really sorry to hear about your daughters tough time and your struggle to find a bulk billing specialist. Did you ask if headspace had someone that bulked billed? I was bulked billed at two different centres when I went, however I did also hold a health care card (which 'apparently' allowed them to get more funding/gov money which allowed them to bulk bill). I understand the struggle. I myself was a uni student trying to pay for rent, food, medications and other general needs. It is really tough. Is there any chance of seeing if a social worker could help look into a bulk billing psych? I know some headspaces have them and if an inpatient in hospital you can ask the nurse for a referral whilst they are in hospital and they can help sort out an outpatient plan (not ideal for her to go in there in the first place due to lack of service.)

Hope some of this helps and you can find someone soon.