places to get support online, phone (not in person)

DannyG · ‎10-01-2019

what is anyone's experience that they are willing to share about places online or on the phone where they have succesfully found support?

for instance when in person help from a doctor or health professional is not an option for whatever reason? (physically far away from you and unable to get to them, cannot afford to pay for such a service, mental health plan sessions have already been used etc.)

Doolhof · ‎10-01-2019

Hi Danny G,

It is not always easy to access the help and support you need in a rural community.

Regarding the mental health care plan, it is my understanding, that you can have that renewed every year.

Is there some kind of mental health support in your region at all? I have recently been linked in with a Narrative Therapist through the mental health section of a district hospital. I need to drive about 60 kilometres one way to access the service.

I have used the Beyond Blue phone service along with Lifeline and the Suicide Call back. I have found them all to be very helpful and supportive. They may also be able to make suggestions of other resources you can access.

Have you Googled Mental Health support on line to see what comes up?

The Beyond Blue website may be able to help you with more ideas of where you can find help.

Wishing you all the best in receiving the support you need right now. Yo are always welcome to share how you are feeling here.

Cheers to you from Dools

DannyG · ‎11-01-2019

Thank you Dools this was a big help 🙂

romantic_thi3f · ‎11-01-2019

Hi DannyG,

Thanks for your post.

Hm, there are lots of different places online depending on your needs and preferences. Maybe if you specify a bit of what you're looking for I can search for you?

Just to clarify first though, there are psychologists/psychiatrists that can bulk-bill and see you online - like through Skype if distance and finances are an issue for you. The MHCP also renews each year (from 12 mo from the date of referral) too.

With that said, these are the ones I've used -

Lifeline. They have both a phone and an online chat (which I prefer).

Mindspot. They offer free courses in a few different things but the courses are nice and simple and have lots of techniques you'd get out of therapy. https://mindspot.org.au/

Books. They're a bit of a hit and miss sometimes but if you're interested they can be very helpful.

Here's a bit of a list of some of the other support online -

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ServicesAndSupport/counselling-online-and-phone-support-for-mental-illness

Hope this helps,

Doolhof · ‎11-01-2019

Hey Romantic_Thief,

Thanks for helping out here! I made a list of organisations and places people maybe able to access assistance and put that list in a safe place! So safe it is unobtainable to me!

Good thing you are able to offer Danny G and others reading this some suggestions.

Cheers all from Dools

Sophie_M · ‎11-01-2019

Hi DannyG, it's also worth checking out the government's digital mental health directory, Head To Health: https://headtohealth.gov.au/

Nurse_Jenn · ‎13-01-2019

Hi Danny G,

Great to see you on the beyondblue forum. You have brought up a topic that is particularly close to my heart as I live 45 minutes from anywhere and have a new baby so I understand your desire to know how to access support without having to be physically present.

The suggestions listed above are great. I will add one that I have used quite regularly. It is a free service called HealthDirect. They have a 24hour line that gets you support by a nurse. I have used it and even had a GP contact me and complete a telehealth appointment. There is also a symptom checker online that can be useful. The link to the webpage is here but you can call 1800 022 222.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

There is telehealth mental health sessions available in some regions in Australia. You can establish whether your region is in this scheme by heading to this part of the Department of Health website here. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-ba-telehealth

You need to click on the (Modified Monash Model) MMM locator map link on the above page and search using the right hand bar for what level your address is by clicking the Department of Health - custom remoteness classification. This remoteness indicator will advise if you are eligible for telehealth mental health sessions under the Better Access scheme. Your address needs to be between 4-7 under the MMM rating tool which is colour coded on the map. If you are in that range, then this can be a way to gain access to psychological services over the phone. You do however need a mental health care plan that is completed by a GP and it is dependant on the availability of mental health practitioners.

Another option is limited to some areas of Australia but might be worth checking. There is a Developed by beyond blue program called NewAccess. It gives you free access to low intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and you don't need a GP referral. However, it is only available in some areas of Australia but might be worth checking as some of the sites do 'phone only' sessions. You can check if you are in a catchment area by clicking here. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess

Someone has already mentioned Mindspot but I would like to highlight this again as you can gain ongoing support using this program and you do get some phone contact as well and there are several courses you can complete. www.mindspot.org.au

Wishing you the best possible outcome

Nurse Jenn

Happygoluckymiss · ‎17-01-2019

Hi DannyG

i am speaking on the phone with a psychologist today. I organised this through my work as they offer an employee assistance program (EAP) which is 100% confidential and the contents of discussion is not shared to your employer.

a lot of employers offer this and you can obtain 4-6 free sessions as part of this. if it’s a possibility- look on your corporate intranet site and type in EAP.

sending you positive thoughts!

- happygoluckymiss