Picking a psychologist

[DefiantPanda]

This has probably been spoken about here before, but the pressure I feel when trying to choose a psychologist is overwhelming. I only get six medicare rebated sessions and I am just worried that I won't gel with the one I pick. When those six sessions are up that may very well be it for me for some time. I've been stuck on this for a few weeks now - I have the mental health plan I just can't seem to settle on a therapist.

[Silverorchid77]

Hello,

This is a choice that only you can make. You're not going to know what the Psychologist is like until you give it a go. They are there to help you and they will do their best to make you as comfortable as possible.

My advice: Go with your gut and pick one. I know it's hard, but procrastinating won't get you anywhere.

I wish you the best of luck,

Brooke. xx

[Doolhof]

Hi there,

It is great if you are in a situation where you have a choice of psychologists!

Even with a Mental Health Care Plan, I had limited access to a psychologist and was told there was about a 6 month waiting period anyway, and then the charge would be almost $100.00 after the Medicare assistance!

Unfortunately you won't know how you will gel with the person until the sessions actually begin!

Remember too, the person you see is human and they too may be having a rough day when you see them so it make take a couple of visits before you feel like you are getting somewhere.

All the best to you with this journey!

Cheers form Mrs. Dools

[DefiantPanda]

Yes my GP would have chosen for me except I told her I would pick one... Looking back now I should have just let her choose.

I'm sorry you had to wait so long. $100 excess is a lot... I hope I don't have to pay that much or I won't be able to afford it. You must be in a remote area or something to wait so long?

[Doolhof]

Hi Defiant Panda,

Yes I do live in a kind of remote area. I could drive for an hour or so to reach the city and see someone there I guess in the suberbs, maybe that is what I might have to do.

Paying the extra fee depends on the person you are seeing, your income and so many other things, so don't stress about that right now.

You could always phone the receptionist of the person you hope to see and ask what extra fees there might be.

If you are struggling to make a decision, then yes, your Dr. will be able to suggest someone for you.

I'm seeing my Dr again on Friday, he has been trying to come up with a person whom he thinks will be able to help me, so hopefully he has some more details for me.

All the best to you as well. I hope you are travelling okay.

If you feel like you need to or want to share some of your story here, this is a safe and friendly place to do so.

Cheers for now from Lauren