How do I find a good therapist and psychiatrist?

[FeelinTired]

For anyone who cares to read this, I want to preface that money is not an issue and I don't mind paying out of pocket. I don't mind using Telehealth for a good professional in other parts of Australia.

I have been on the hunt for a good therapist for about 6 months now, after a few years of very brief sessions with various therapists. The only decent resource I can find is Good Therapy, and I've pretty much made a list of all the professionals that look suitable and have had sessions with those that don't have their books closed. I have yet to find anyone who I feel could actually help me. My issues are complex, and I need someone who is very emotionally sensitive, intelligent and has the ability to actually help. My main issues can be sort of described as: existential issues, DP/DR, trauma, agoraphobia, social anxiety.

Is Good Therapy the only place in Australia to search for therapists?

Finding a psychiatrist also brings its own issues. I was lucky enough to get an appointment with one of the higher rated ones on RateMD. But he only does single sessions, and he told me that my kind of issues require ongoing treatment. I've had awful experiences with a psych in the past, so I'm weary of getting on just anyone's wait list. I'd like one who is empathetic and very passionate about their work. I know current wait times are 6-12 months so I know this part will be very difficult.

Looking for trustworthy resources for finding a good professional. Any knowledge you have would be fantastic.

[Beeee]

Hello FeelinTired,

Thank you for sharing your experience. Finding the right therapist can be a long journey. One place to look could be asking your GP or previous psychologists you have seen, if they know someone who might be suitable.  Perhaps the psychiatrist who recommended ongoing treatment could recommend someone they know who could help. 

It seems like you have done a lot of research yourself already, but perhaps send emails to psychologists that sound promising, asking them about their treatment styles and whether they can treat someone with concerns such as yours. 

The Australian Psychology Society allows you to search all psychologists in Australia and provides some information about the psychologists as well. This is the website: https://psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist 

I hope this helps and that you are able to find the best therapist for you, 

Beeee

[sbella02]

FeelinTired,

Thank you very much for reaching out and making use of our forums, we're happy to welcome you. 

I understand your struggle. Getting along well with your therapist is essential. A good therapeutic relationship is an important predictor of how effective your sessions will be, and what you get out of them. 

I'm going to echo Beeee here, in that the APS website has a fantastic resource for finding local therapists/psychologists who are also members of the APS, so you can expect high quality service. This resource allows you to find a professional who is not only local, but you can also refine your search to find somebody who specialises in the issues that you have mentioned. 

If you have any friends who have been to therapy who you would feel comfortable talking to about this, you could also ask if there are any resources or perhaps professionals that they would recommend. Networking can also be a great tool for finding good therapists. 

Good luck, and please feel free to reach out if you need further support.

Take care, SB

[FeelinTired]

Hey guys, appreciate the responses. I have tried to use the APS site but had less results than GoodTherapy, am I doing something wrong with my searching? Or is APS meant to be the most vast pool of therapists?

[Summer Rose]

Hi FeelinTired

Like many other people, I have walked in your shoes. It can be really difficult to find the right practitioner to help. I really do feel for you and want to encourage you to keep trying.

The beyondblue support line can assist. I rang and they provided me with a list of local practitioners suited to my needs. Importantly, they also provided information about various associations/foundations/organisations that could help me. Calling the associations and asking about leading practitioners and searching their websites yielded additional information.

I also Googled “world’s best treatment” for the condition I needed help with (you have to sift through a lot of rubbish). Amazingly I did find a world leading clinic (as identified by an independent Cochrane report) for the condition right here in Australia. 
I didn’t find my GP useful as far as referrals go. I chose to review the information I’d gathered and seek referral advice from a mental health nurse practitioner in private practice. She was really hooked into the system, seemed to know everyone and able to provide knowledgeable advice.

After all that, I had appointments with three psychologists and  chose one that I believed was the right fit.
However, this all occurred pre-Covid. Much harder now to get an initial appointment, but ask to be put on the cancellation list, watch your phone and be ready to grab any opportunity that arises.

I wish you the best of luck. 

Kind thoughts to you 

[Beeee]

Hi again,

The APS is the largest body representing psychologists in Australia, having the most members, there is a vast pool of psychologists to search through. Have you tried using the filters to narrow down your search? However, not every psychologist in Australia is a member, so you might find different people on GoodTherapy.

I would also like to second sbella02's recommendation to network. Searching online you can only find so much information and it can be overwhelming navigating the large number of practising psychologists. Talking to friends, family or other health professionals is a great resource.

Wishing the best,

Beeee

[Puglett]

Hello,

I can't comment on finding a good Psychiatrist, however this has been my experience in finding a good psychologist.

• The warmth and helpfulness of the reception/admin staff can give you an idea of the general vibe and whether the focus is on helping and supporting people. Obviously rude reception staff do not mean the clinician will be the same, however when reception staff go above and beyond, it is often a sign of a positive and warm workplace that allows the clinicians to work at their full potential.
• I've had more success when clinicians have 'tracked' treatment outcomes, this shows they actually hope and expect treatment outcomes. This is not completing a DASS assessment, but more so looking at therapeutic alliance/confidence in the clinician and how you are feeling overall.

These may not apply all the time, this is just my own experience.

Take care, I hope you find the support you are seeking x