Overwhelmed looking for MH services, VIC

[beardedmammal]

Hi, first time poster here.

I've spent some time today trying to find out how to go about accessing mental health help. I came across the NewAccess program, but after convincing myself it was the right approach for me and mustering the courage to look up local offerings I found it is not available in VIC.

I then found what looked like a promising alternative offered by my local Primary Health Network, clicked the link and found that the service is no longer offered.

So how does one go about finding a suitable mental health service? I think I would benefit from a CBT approach, but not sure what the actual next steps are.

Any advice appreciated, or recommendations.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi beardedmammal,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for your post. I hear you - mental health services are complicated! There are all sorts of therapy options everywhere but it's not always easy to choose one or find a path to go down.

Typically, most people will see a psychologist that they'll access through a GP. The GP gives a referral that allows 10 either cheaper or free (depending on the psychologist) appointments per year.

Here's some more info - I made a post on it a while back because it comes up a lot in the forums -

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapie...    

and here are some Victoria specific services -

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealthservices/

I hope this helps and best of luck in finding the support for you

rt

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi bearded mammal,

Welcome to the forum. I hear your frustration. It is always difficult when you are finally ready to reach out and then can’t access the service you feel comfortable with.

I hope you persist on your quest to find some support. As romantic_thief has suggested, a really good starting point is your GP.

I can also recommend a program the uses CBT through a combination of online and telephone support which is called Mindspot. Mindspot is free and is available to people over 18. You can find out if the program is right for you by going to the website www.mindspot.org.au

Other alternatives, depending on your age, includes headspace (12 -24 year olds). Another option might be to talk with a few psychological companies in your area who may have group sessions available or even a mindfulness course.

Often when get involved in healing and wellness groups you may find through word of mouth a good CBT psychologist or counsellor in your area.

I also wonder if on the Primary Health Network site if they had another option available instead of NewAccess? I am aware that the PHNs have an obligation to fund a low intensity mental health program (Like NewAccess) so it might be worth checking if they have plans for a different service.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[beardedmammal]

Thank you both for your replies.

The Christmas period made it difficult to make any progress, but I did see my GP yesterday and it was excellent. I'll be making my first Psychologist appointment on Monday.