Worried about being unable to continue receiving treatment.

[silicontrip]

I'm currently seeing a Psychologist and a GP for my medication. I've used up all my mental health plan visits, so my psychologist costs have doubled. My GP was bulk billing but is now also charging for visits, who I have to see for a script every 4 weeks.

The medication my GP has put me on has made vast improvements to my day to day life.

Now I'm not sure about how much I can discuss about my medication, my GP has mentioned something regarding it that is now causing me to worry about being able to continue receiving treatment. His solution was that I need to see a psychiatrist but will cost about 4 times as much as my psychologist. From the sounds of things if I don't, I won't be able to continue with my medication, but these costs are starting to really blow out.

Are there other options? Or people who know of not so expensive psychiatrists?

sorry for the vagueness as I'm not sure what I can discuss here.

Thanks

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi silicontrip,

Thanks for your post. I can see how incredibly frustrating this is for you, and now that you've explained it the permit makes sense.

It sounds like you had a bad experience trying to see a new psychiatrist, although I doubt that it would be because they aren't interested in taking you on. It's all just policies and procedures even though it can be hard to not take it personally.

My own advice is to try again - but this time, ask first if they are taking on new patients before going to the trouble of getting a referral. If there is none close to you, you may want to consider Skype/teleconferencing so that you're able to see one.

Unfortunately there's not any options to talk to experts here. The only other resource I can suggest is 1800 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) which is run by the NPS (National Pharmaceutical Services). I'm not sure how helpful they'll be but they may have some more recommendations as to where to go from here.

[silicontrip]

This is getting frustrating. I called first and spoke with reception, they seemed to be aware of my specific situation and said that there were a number of psychiatrists at the practice so one should be able to see me. I follow up with my GP. A few days later, I receive a call from my GP saying that they don't want to take me on as a new patient.

I'm back to trying to find another psychiatrist and I thought choosing one would be hard. Just getting one to see me sounds like a challenge.

Is this sort of situation common?

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi silicontrip,

Unfortunately - yes. There are so so many battles that people face when accessing any kind of mental health services or care. Australia doesn't make it easy *grumble grumble*

[Tweet-Heart]

Hi silicontrip

Do you have private health insurance? if so this may cover psychology. I would ask your GP and psychologist to bulk-bill or reduce the fee.

Another option is NDIS if you have a permanent disability you may get coverage for psychology under the counselling section - therapeutic supports this would require a successful application and inclusion in your plan.

I am in a similar position but my GP and psychologist are both bulk billing and I am attempting to get counselling under therapeutic supports.