Psychology does not seem to be helping.

[Browngirl16]

Hi, I have recently started seeing a psychologist, but I don't think it is helping me. I have had anxiety for about 4 years now, but only acknowledged that it was anxiety for the past year. I had panic attacks, but my family just thought I had breathing issues until I had a major panic attack and they took me to see our family GP. My GP instantly recognised that I have anxiety and depression and wrote me up a mental health care plan. She also referred me to a psychologist, however even with the medicare rebate, her fees were quite high. My dad found a free psychology service through his workplace and I will have my fifth session tomorrow, but I haven't felt any different or better since visiting.

Would my sessions with her be based off of the health care plan if I did not have a referral from my GP for that psychology service? Also, am I able to visit any psychologist with my health care plan regardless of the referral from my GP?

I also wanted to ask how I should approach my GP about starting medication as another option, could someone please provide some tips as to how to start this conversation?

Thank you 🙂

[geoff]

Hello Browngirl, can I welcome you to the forums?

If you don't feel as though this current psychologist is worthwhile after 4 visits and the extra one today, making it 5, then it's probably a good idea to see someone else.

This free psychologist may have a waiting list, however, that's what you need to find out.

With the mental health plan, your GP writes one for 6 sessions, after that you go back to them and give you another form for 4 sessions, that's what you can take to a new psychologist.

What I'd like to say is on this 5th session tell the psychologist that you don't feel any better and do they have another idea or approach, and word it the way you are comfortable with.

A referral is valid until the referred number of sessions have been completed, whether you choose to change mental health provider.

With your doctor they would have had a report back from this psychologist giving you a diagnosis, ask them what it is and then mention the thought about taking antidepressants (AD).

Please get back to me if you want to.

Geoff.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Browngirl16,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for being here! So glad to see that you're seeing a psychologist and advocating for your own mental health.

A few things to kind of note here -

- Workplace psychology services (from mine/friends experience) seem to try and get you out the door pretty quickly. I imagine they've probably focused less on building a relationship with you, understanding what's going on and more on 'let's get you some strategies fast'. I’m not sure if that’s been your experience but please know that every psychologist is super different and no two are the same.

- While Geoff is right and the mental health care plan is still valid, most psychologists will need a new referral.
Most likely, you'll be able to just ask the GP to change the name and print out a new one. It's still valid so I don't see any reason for a long appointment or to answer questions like you had to do the first time. You can either ask the GP for a name or bring a name yourself.

Maybe it might help to think of the appointments like tokens? It doesn't matter who you use them with, but you've only got a certain amount per year.

and finally!

I think the biggest tip I can give you in talking about medication is to know that you are in charge of your healthcare and not your GP.

Your GP works with you but not for you. It's very easy for GP's to dismiss the idea especially if you haven't yet found a psychologist that's helped - but at the end of the day it's up to you and what feels best for you. Maybe you could start by saying "I was thinking medication might be another option, have you thought about that?" or “I really want to talk about the idea of taking medication to help me”. It’s also okay to ask why and/or to brainstorm the types of medications that might be helpful even if you decide not to get a script.

Hope this is helpful!

[Browngirl16]

Hi Geoff,

Thanks for the warm welcome and great advise! I had my 5th session but i was not able to talk about how i felt it wasn’t working unfortunately. But luckily, i have not booked in any sessions and will be seeing my GP soon, so i may have a chat with her first.

Kind Regards.

[Browngirl16]

Hi romantic_thi3f, thanks for the welcome!

I do agree with the way in which you described workplace psychology, she doesn’t really try to understand my situation. It’s more of just “this is how you deal with anxiety.” I may be reaching out to a new psychology service soon.

Thank you for the advise on talking to my GP about medication! Found it very helpful and will definately have a chat with her soon.

Kind Regards.

[geoff]

Hello Browngirl, thanks for getting back to romantic_thi3f and myself and would definitely like to know how you are going.

Best wishes.

Geoff.