Hi Sparkles,
Here's a bit of information that may help you in finding someone that you match
well with, as the therapeutic relationship is often key in building
trust and achieving the outcomes we want most.
There are two types of
registered psychologists that you can book in with, and if you have a
referral from your GP, then the majority of the cost can be covered by
Medicare through the Better Outcomes Initiative. You can then ask to
work with a general psychologist or a clinical psychologist. The main
difference between the two is that a clinical psychologist can diagnose,
and a general psychologist cannot.
In a practical sense, this can meant
that the cost may be different, or that the amount of counselling in a
session can vary (some may focus on assessment and diagnosis more than
counselling).
Either way, feeling comfortable and asking questions, even
before booking, can help you to find the right fit. Some common
questions may be:
- What type of therapeutic interventions do they use and what does that mean in practice?
- How busy is their practice, and will they be available in outside hours if you feel at risk?
- Do they work with people experiencing suicide thoughts? (not all do)
- Is there anything they think you should consider before booking an appointment?
Never
be afraid to contact a couple of psychologists and make your decision
after receiving their responses. In addition to asking your GP or
friends/forums, you can also search for a psychologist who has
registered with us as having a special interest in depression and
anxiety specifically through our website under the 'Get Support' tab and
then 'Find a Professional' or clicking on the link here. This will
also let you find a Mental Health GP if you don't have a GP yet in your
area.
