Impossible to get an appointment with a Psychiatrist

[Shebs]

I have had major depression and anxiety for 30 years and I can’t believe that we are Still wasting money on raising awareness of mental illness! R U OK DAY is NOT giving us anything! People just see it and do nothing!! Yet I can’t get into see a Psychiatrist because they’re booked out and not taking any new patients!! I had a Psychiatrist years ago when I was first diagnosed and he was charged and convicted for sexually abusing a female patient! My GP is very good but he has a lot of patients and is wanting me to go and see a Psychiatrist again for a new diagnosis. I was BiPolar for years but now am mostly depressed and anxious without any mania. I have no friends anymore as they don’t want to know about depression. WE NEED HELP NOT CAMPAIGNS!!

[Guest_1643]

Hi Shebs,

really sorry you can't get in to see anyone. There is sch a backlog now and its' not fair for those who really need support.
I also saw a psychiatrist who later had his liscence removed.

One thing I did notice is that sometimes the less helpful psychs don't have long waiting lists... so the only thing I can suggest is if you find someone with a good reputation who you want to see who has a long waiting list, it could mean that they are popular and working hard. Not easy to know if that's the case and doesn't help you see someone now.

I'm sorry you are struggling so much.

[Croix]

Dear Shebs~

I'm afraid you are right, there is a woeful lack of psychiatric facilities in many places, and often the fees are large (until you hit the annual safety net).

The Government for a limited time offers Medicare rebates to psychiatrists to conduct Telehealht sessions to selected patients

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-national-health-plan-primary-care-package-...

In addition the RANZCP links to a "find a psychiatrist near you" site. There you can check the box for those who will accept telehealth and expand the area of your search

https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/find-a-psychiatrist

Not a permanent solution but may be of some help in the short term.

Croix

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Shebs,

I have said it so many times in my career, we can raise all the money we want towards the mental health care spend, but without enough workforce to deliver the care, then this is an approach that is not meeting need.

I can assure you that there are many programs addressing the countries mental health workforce issues but I also understand that this does not help your circumstances today and hear your frustration loud and clear.

It’s quite shocking at how long people need to wait to see mental health professionals in some locations. I am sorry you had a difficult experience with your last psychiatrist. We are listening if you need to vent your frustrations here. It’s such a challenging and confusing system at times.

Croix has mentioned a few pathways to find a psychiatrist already. Sometimes offering to go on a cancellation list can help you get in faster or be available for video conferencing or an online appointment. It is such a hard thing to go through, calling different Psychiatrists to hear the long waitlists.

I hope you track down a psychiatrist soon. Please know that you are not alone.

Sending you strength,
Nurse Jenn

[PurpleRed]

Shebs, I have mental health issues too. I can say, from experience, that waiting for the right healthcare professional is better than going with what's quick. Take full advantage of the free resources around you in the meantime. You've done the right thing coming to this forum. Wishing you every success - I know these are tough times and are made even worse with mental health problems. Take care

[Guest_1643]

Hey Shebs, hope some of the replies are helpful... many can relate to the struggle and can unnderstand

Hi Purple Red - that's 100 percent been my experience too.
being able to get in very very quick has on occasion meant that the psychiatrist didn't have a very good prctise. Not always, but definitely did happen. They seemed rushed to get me in as a paying client, and didn't take proper thorough processing of my case. I do believe some are worth the wait, and its good to get on a waiting list if possible

[Shebs]

My doctor has referred me to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Cramond Clinic to see a Psychiatrist bit the one he wrote the letter to is on maternity leave for a year!

I have rung the ones that are listed near me on here (Beyond Blue) and have been put on a waiting list as he is booked until October 2020.

I still believe that we could benefit from funding for more clinics as we only have one in Adelaide and it’s private!

Thanks to all of you for the response