Choosing between a bulk billed psychology practice and a paid one

[MrBrightside]

For context I'm 25 and for the last few years I'd attended Headspace for free. It was very helpful, I learnt a lot and I left with the belief I could handle things better on my own.

However as life tends to do, it throws up some barriers and I've started to encounter some difficulties again which I feel I should seek some additional support for. Headspace is now closed to me as I'm over 25 and there's no real dedicated mental health centre for someone around my age, that I know of.

Now most of the places I've researched all come with a fee. I found one place that I liked. It kind of markets itself as a new-age, hip to the jive mental health centre. That's good because I feel speaking to someone as close to my age as possible and who is familiar with modern problems is what I need. However it's about $80-115 a session.

Can I afford that? Yes. Can I afford it long-term? No.

Looking at other options I found another place. It's bulk-billed and I can't find any less than favourable reviews. Normally I'd always take the cheaper option but I don't know, for some reason I just feel the first one gives off a better vibe and less of the clinical sterility of other psychology places.

Am I just being swayed by better visual marketing? Maybe but I've found nothing but glowing reviews for that place too.

Does anyone have familiarity with such options? And how would you go about weighing up the dilemma of affordability versus a place you feel is better suited to your needs?

Cheers in advance

[Doolhof]

Hi MrBrightside,

Welcome to the forum.

Are there some strategies and techniques you learnt while at Headspace that you can utilise to help you now you are experiencing some difficulties?

I guess it is personal choice and availability of funds that may indicate which services a person chooses to use.

In some cases, it is possible to book a longer appointment with your Dr to discuss the option of a Mental Health Care Plan, that can assist a person to see a psychologist at a cheaper rate or sometimes obtain sessions that are bulk billed.

Your choice may depend on the availability of a psychologist. Sometimes there can be a waiting period.

Only you can make the decision as to which service you choose to use. It may be that you choose the more expensive option until you can no longer afford it or you feel a lot better.

Hope you are able to work on some previous methods you have learnt to cope in the past while you decide which option to take.

All the best from Dools

[therising]

Hi MrBrightside

At some places, with a valid Mental Health Care Plan through Medicare, you may be entitled to $85-$125 back per session for up to 10 sessions. Wondering if there's a workable angle there for you.

The first one definitely sounds outside the square which, by the way, is a great place to be at times (especially if inside the square's not working so well). Personally, I'm a mind/body/spirit sort of gal and love to encourage research in regard to the amazing interconnection of all 3. We're a super powerhouse of energy, whether we're looking at it from a mind/body/spirit angle or that of neuroscience/epigenetics/quantum physics.

Trust your vibe, that 'ping' on your personal intuitive radar.

🙂

[Birdy77]

Dear Mr Brightside,

If there happens to be a therapist who works at both services ... maybe you could start there?

😊

🌻birdy

[Fielder]

I definitely feel the financial pain you're describing. I have recently moved from my other-citizenship country where there are far more options for free or cheap support. I kind of want to say don't be embarrassed about approaching both. You might still be guessing but you would have a better idea after an initial meeting with both.

I'm curious how you found these places, if you feel like sharing, and where you found the recommendations.

[geoff]

Hi MrBrightside, you've asked a good question and had good replies back to you.

Whether the paid counsellor/psychologist who charges you a fee is able to reduce the session time down from one hour to 3/4 hour, for example, so they can bulk bill you, just talk to them and negotiate.

Geoff.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi MrBrightside,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for your post.

I think you've been given some great support so far so I'll try not to echo it (although I do encourage the MHCP!).

The only thing that I thought I might add is that people who are happy with their therapists/psychologists don't always give reviews. I've been to quite a few therapists now (some good, some not so good), and I've never given a review - so I'd really like to encourage you to try and look past that if you can.

Have you had a look at the profiles of the psychologists? Sometimes this can help a little too.

The other thing that might be worth asking is your previous therapist at Headspace - often they can do referrals and network a lot with other practices, so they could have some good recommendations.

Ultimately at the end of the day it comes down to having the best fit with your therapist, and that's something you can only find out in person.

Good luck in your search 🙂

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Mr Brightside,

Welcome to the forum. You have been given some great advise by other members. I am not sure what type of therapy you are looking for specifically in terms of speciality or intensity. Besides going down the path of of Mental Health Care Plan and finding a psychologist that bulk bills versus a fee paying psychology practice, I just thought I would let you know about a few other lower intensity types of interventions that are available.

There is a free online program that has helped many people called Mindspot. Mindspot teaches people about their symptoms and explores tools to manage them with the support of phone counsellors using an online platform. You can read about Mindspot by going to the website

www.mindspot.org.au

There is also a developed by Beyond Blue program called NewAccess that is available in some parts of Australia. It supports people who are experiencing low mood and worry. The program is free and can be accessed by reviewing this webpage and seeing if it available in your area.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess

Other avenues of support to consider could be an Employee provided support service or one that is available through a University/TAFE. Finally, there are other less mainstream approaches to healing such as Mindfulness that have had a strong evidence base in healing and recovery. I know some people who have taken a 6-8 week Mindfulness Course and found the connection through peers and the practice to be highly therapeutic.

These are just some alternative suggestions and I do hope that you find the right approach towards your healing and wellness. Many other people I have talked with on the forum have had to try a few different therapists or approaches until they get it right. Persistence is key and with some luck, you could find your self a bulk-billing psychologist that you really connect with the first time. I am hopeful this occurs for you.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn