How do you all afford psychology/psychiatry sessions?

[MisterM]

I know there are 10 sessions covered under Medicare where you only pay a smaller fee but every time I have been the 10 sessions run out so fast. I am unemployed, even recently working casual I wasn't earning much. How do some of you people afford to go weekly/fortnightly. When I was working full time I was going every week/fortnight and spent over $3,000 in a year on seeing my psychologist. It's just too damn expensive, how can sessions cost $200 approx per 50 mins, what justifies such a high fee?
I don't get it.

[deecee]

Yay !!! most sensible post - good for you !!!

[deecee]

salvation army ! join the band and praise the lord. Honestly can't understand how you'd recommend homophobe christian mosogynist organisation like the salvos - these guys are not your friend they're in it for THEIR salvation not yours !

[Guest_9809]

Good evening Deecee. I see you are a new member, so welcome to the BB Forums.

You sound pretty fed up with the health system specifically, and life in general.

When it comes to the subsidy available through Medicare for the MHCP, where you get 10 x medicare subsidised visits to see a psych per year - I agree with you, for any complex MH issue, it is nowhere near enough.

My clinical psychologist told me exactly that when we discussed my treatment options for PTSD. She wants me to undergo treatment which requires intensive therapy for many more then 10 visits in a year. She said that it is vastly inadequate for complex MH issues such as mine. So SpiltBean is right about that, and he would no doubt have most people agree with him, both professionals and sufferers alike.

Like you, I also live in a regional/country area, so my options are somewhat limited when it comes to psychological support. Although I have been very fortunate to have been referred to an extremely good clinical psych, who has vast experience in Sydney, before settling here in a country area. So, unlike you, I havent had to travel for my psych sessions.

The mental health system is not perfect DeeCee, far from it, but it is very encouraging to see that it is much improved to what it once was. A degree of psychological support is now available to anybody who legitimately seeks, and needs, it. This never used to be the case, as it was simply out of reach financially for many. Although I readily admit it is still inadequate for many of us.

Is there anything specific we can help you with right now, or did you just feel like having a rant? Which is quite okay, if thats what you needed to do. However, if you havent already done so, I would encourage you to tell us a bit more about yourself. Let us know how we can help or support you.

Most people commence their foray in the Forums by starting a new thread in the Welcome and Orientation Section, where you are likely to receive replys from other forum members. I know you will find fellow members very kind, understanding and supportive. They are like you and I, people who live with MH issues.

I hope you find whatever it is you are seeking here DeeCee. Again I welcome you and hope to hear back from you.

Taurus

[The_Possum]

Good for you for having a rant over the costs of health because I feel the same way.

I have a mental health condition and a heart condition. Between psychiatrist, cardiologist, psychologist and GP appointments which all have an out of pocket cost, + medication which is mostly non-PBS.. We are struggling.

I also have a little boy with a chronic condition that sees specialists and of course gave up work last year due to his condition and mine.

I'm drowning in medical bills.

Fortunately I qualify for the Medicare safety net which is now paying 80% of my out of pocket. It's worth looking into this if eligible.

Someone made a comment that you must be pretty messed up and should be in hospital if you need more than ten Medicare psychology appointments in a year... That's ridiculous and I'm glad your life is so perfect and this is sufficient for you. Don't make others feel bad about needing more help.

I have bipolar ii and struggling with some big issues. I wouldn't say I'm 'messed up' and I'm pretty sure one of the many health professionals I see would recommend I need to be in hospital if I needed to be.

Life is just tough and talk therapy helps and I've already used my 10 sessions. Doesn't make me messed up!

Be careful what you write on here. People come here to feel better, not worse.

Peace x

[Quercus]

Hi all,

Affording health care. The topic every one of us seems to battle with at some point.

DeeCee: regardless of your feelings about the Salvos sometimes it is a choice between accepting help wherever it is available or ending up in a very bad place and possibly in a grave.

I have been fortunate. Hubby has managed to change jobs to something with more overtime to pay for my therapy. And our families have loaned us money at difficult times.

But without his support I would have been left with no diagnosis and a bulk billing GP managing my illness. Or not seeked help at all.

I see a psychiatrist weekly for 50 minutes. After medicare the gap is $60 a session. My bill is charged monthly. I'm not sure if that is cheap because of the 10 session thing... my GP didn't do a mental health care plan just referred me.

Seeing the psychiatrist regularly for psychotherapy is cheaper than one off visits. He charges less if you see him regularly.

After the psychiatrist, my specialist for another condition and all the meds we're not doing well financially. But I'm better off than many others. Money talks. I can't imagine having to wait months to see a public psychiatrist. I probably wouldn't still be here if I'd had to wait.

[White_Rose]

Hello deecee

I'm interested in why you picked out the Salvation Army as a target when I listed several other organisations which offer low cost counselling. If that's your view then don't ask them for counselling. That's OK. There are other organisations as I have said.

Whether or not Medicare could or should offer better rebates is beside the point when you are looking for MH providers. Medicare may well be of little use to you in your circumstances. Certainly people on low incomes find it considerably harder to find services that match their income. Public hospitals will give you free counselling, but don't expect the same psychiatrist every time.

Also remember that Medicare does have their safety net system for low income people. It's worth checking out. Sadly it does not include psychologists fees, which I find a little unfair. The cheapest option is to see a psychiatrist, pay the gap for a short while then find yourself with safety net provisions including a greatly reduce net cost for therapy.

Mary

[White_Rose]

Hello Quercus

You only need a referral to see a psychiatrist. The MH plan is only for services from a psychologist.

$60 gap fee is quite reasonable. I paid more than that, but now I have reached the safety net provision my out of pocket expense is $17 per visit. Check with Medicare, or look up your own information on Medicare, to see how far away from the safety net you are. I know it's when you have paid a certain amount in out of pocket expenses in the calendar year but not sure what the amount is. You may find your out of pocket will drop considerably quite soon. Remember your expenses include your other specialist(s) and your GP visits.

Mary

[Quercus]

Hi Mary,

Thanks! I couldn't quite work that one out! Now it makes sense hubby will be happy to know that too!

I was wondering why (when I took the paid bill to centrelink) she was mentioning something about the saftey net. I told her my friend said I had to register for it and she said no it's automatic. Sounded like I am very close to the threshold which wouldn't surprise me in the slightest. This year has been a shocker for medical expenses.

I should have asked you to explain that ages ago! 😊 thanks again you've taken a huge weight off my mind.

I wonder why more people don't see a psychiatrist then? They are a doctor specialising in mental health after all so you get someone to talk to and they can give you prescriptions at the same time. Much easier and only one bill.

Thanks again Mary.

[The_Possum]

The safety net applies to psychologists as well, not just psychiatrists - so you're free to see either. Anything through the Medicare scheme attracts the safety net.

As I mentioned above, check into it, it's not always automatic and they don't back pay. It's a simple phone call and just say you'd like to register as you have a number of health bills coming through. It then gets triggered on the system that as soon as you reach your threshold you will be entitled.

Thresholds vary according to family income and status. So it's not the same for everyone. Again, it's a call to Medicare.

Goodkuck x

[The_Possum]

Just to clarify the safety net will pay on psychology fees that Medicare cover ie the 10 sessions and then the additional 5 sessions you are entitled to if you have a TeamCare arrangement completed by your GP.

Once you have maxed out all the psychology you are entitled to under Medicare, then yes the psychology fees are deemed personally paid and then the safety net will obviously not cover any of the cost as Medicare no longer recognise these consults.

So basically Medicare safety net for 15 sessions Max. In a year. After that you're on your own!