I need professional help, but cannot afford it..?

[geronimo34]

What are my options? 

Im working at the moment but only part time hours, I've applied to go to tafe this semester so can only see my income shrinking soon. I know that I do need more help than free counsellors can give me or counsellors placed at places of work/education.I've probably needed to start therapy a few years ago now but just haven't. I'm hesitant to ask money from my Mum, my sister had to go through a couple years of therapy, my brother is currently still living at home due to psychological issues and I know if i tell her that I too need help, she will be absolutely gutted and feel as though she has failed all of her children (My parents didn't raise us very well, though they tried there were obvious shortcomings). I guess essentially I'm looking for absolutely anything I can get from the government whether it be free/cheap young adult mental health programs, anything at all I can get from Centrelink etc, I am at a loss where to start. 

[Christa1]

Hi Geronimo

I know you can get a referral from your GP that will give you a certain number of sessions with a Psychologist.

It sounds as though you may be in the youth age bracket (24 or under), so you also might be able to talk to someone from your local youth centre regarding counselling or local community health centre.

Your idea of asking Centrelink is also a good one.

I don't know where you live, but some places have adolescent mental health services/units which may be able to point you in the right direction.

If part of the issue concerns parental alcohol or drug use, you can also contact Al-Ateen, Al-Anon (for families of people who have a drinking problem) or Nar-Anon (for families of people who have drug problems).

Again, if parental drug or alcohol use is/was a factor you can contact detox centres or rehabilitation centres to find out what they can offer families.

I hope this is of some help to you and I hope you continue to check into this site as there are lots of people here who genuinely care & will give you all the help & support they can.

I hope you post again & let us know how you go accessing services.

Good on you for reaching out and accessing help for yourself. It takes courage.

Regards,

Christa1

[Katy100]

Hi Geronimo, 

That was a great response from Christa.  

To add to that I'd say that the first step is to see your GP.  Get a diagnosis (if you don't already have one) and see what help she/he can give you for going forward.  

From the information you've provided you MAY be entitled to NewStart Allowance (NSA) (the dole), depending on your age and income.  I'd need to know your age to give you further information.

You MAY be entitled to the Disability Support Pension (DSP) ... depending on diagnosis and further health checks by Centrelink.  This provides you with more money than NSA, and you MAY also be entitled to a Pensioner Education Supplement if you are studying (about an extra $60 per fortnight).  

If you get NSA you will get a Health Care Card, if you get DSP, you will get a Pensioner Concession Card.  Both of these will/should give you reduced prices at many medical facilities.  

I can give you more information, but I need more information from you, first.  

You can ring Centrelink and make an appointment with a social worker ... they are usually pretty good.  

The National Disability Insurance Scheme may also give you extra help ... but the details are pretty vague right now.