All Medicare-covered psychologist sessions used? What do I do?

[_Luna_]

I'm 19 years old, and I started seeing a new psychologist in around March this year (I moved cities because I've started uni), and I've already used up the 10 Medicare covered sessions.

I have pretty severe/chronic mental illnesses and I NEED to continue to see my psychologist. The only problem is that I can't afford to pay for sessions now because I've used up all the Medicare covered ones 😞

And I can't leave my psychologist for a new one because I've finally become comfortable and trusting of her. I feel that this psychologist truly understands me and we've started to really make progress. I also don't handle change well, and it takes me a long time to trust people (because of my social anxiety and ptsd).

I don't know what to do.... I need to keep seeing her but I can't afford it. 😞

Does anyone have any advice??

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi _Luna_,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for your post!

Oh I'm so sorry you've used them all up! Medicare seriously doesn't fund enough sessions!

There are a couple of things that I can suggest though;

- An allied health care plan. This is specifically for chronic illness and can give you an extra 5 sessions with the psychologist. You do this one through the Doctor as well. I think from memory they are a bit shorter then usual but it is free.

- Have a chat with your psychologist about how you're feeling. Some psychologists may offer free sessions (if only!) but others might be able to make things a bit cheaper after the Medicare rebate.

- Go through your budget. This is awful I know, but sometimes we just have to revamp! I know I've cut out a lot of stuff so I could afford sessions. When we really look at what we're spending, we can often find things we can cut down on;- I'm really strict on my grocery budget, only go to libraries for books, cook from home, etc.

- Have a look at what else might be available. If you usually see your psychologist every two weeks, maybe you could look at seeing her every month and finding something else in the in-between stages. This might be some uni support, things like Headspace, or even e-counselling through Kids Help Line (depending on your age).

I hope this helps! I know it can be incredibly frustrating but I really think the first step is discussing this stuff with your psychologist and seeing what she thinks.

[swtpotato]

Hi Luna,

Definitely go with the allied health care plan to begin with and ask your psychologist is they might be able to offer student discounts. Are you eligible for a health care card? This may come in handy too.

I am at uni too and have a similar problem, at the moment Mum is helping me out but I will need to pay her back soon, but cannot work due to the illness! Is getting help from your family an option? Do you receive centrelink?

I would also agree with spacing out the appointments. You could use the uni free counselling service (should have drop-in apps too), download some therapy workbooks to go through on your own, pay for an online subscription to a counselling service on a website or on an app - much cheaper than a psychologist etc, you could also post on here more for support.

Hope it all goes ok

Em

[Dr_Kim]

Hi there, this is unfortunately a common problem and I wish our system provided for much better access to mental health care.

These are not great suggestions , but might help:

1. If you feel that 10 sessions is not enough ( and I totally understand why this would be the case) , you might like see to someone at the University student support as a back up or to talk to your GP about also getting a referral to a second mental health provider -

Maybe a low cost or public health centre psychiatrist who you can see a few times a year that can act as a sort of back up or add on to your appointments with your psychologist. This means that you have 2 mental health professionals instead of one. There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to this. Clearly you may like one more than the other or feel you “ get more out” of the sessions from one than the other but at least you have a back up of someone who knows you and can see you when either you are unable to see the psychologist or she is away etc.

Some people also use their GPs like this - just book a double appointment and have a chat to them when they need to talk to someone.

2. You might like to discuss with your psychologist the possibility of low cost appointments to tide you over until the new calendar year. Ask her if she is open to this.

3. For next year, make sure that you space your appointments well so you don’t “run out” of appointments before the years end.

4. Look into an EXTRAS cover with a private health insurer as there may be a good option that covers psychology sessions for you when you run out of the 10 that isn’t TOO expensive .

Remember that your mental health is the most important thing so paying out of pocket for it might be a good investment .

[Jessicatherese94]

Hi Luna, that's amazing you've found a really good psychologist you can click with. I don't have much more to add than the amazing advice you've received above, but in the past I've been in a similar situation when I had to find another cheaper psychologist, and my current psychologist recommended me someone and then sent all the information about me to them so they already knew the background story and what I was going through. Could you talk to your psychologist and ask if they're able to do something similar? Wishing you all the best.

[MsPurple]

HI Luna

Sorry to hear you are struggling financially as well as mentally. I am in a similar position to you, not fully being able to afford going to my psych. It costs me $45 out of pocket when I see her and I struggle to afford it. I have only gone 3 times just because I can't afford to go more often. My dad helped me out and paid for my last one, but since then my step mum made a comment about him giving me money so now I just feel guilty about it, so won't be using that avenue again. I am lucky because at least I have some of my mental health plan left, so I can maybe change psychologists.

I think Dr Kim gave a good suggestion about maybe seeing a public psychiatrist. My mum saw one (as well as a psychologist) and she said her psychiatrist was the best counsellor (and dr) she has ever seen. She got some great help and advice from her. I would just make sure you are clear with your GP that you need to see a public psychiatrist that maybe bulk bills, because you can't afford to go otherwise.

I also know headspace have an online service called eheadspace. They are the national youth mental health service. They can talk to you over the phone, or via chat if you ever need someone to help and support you in the mean time. I suggest checking out their website.

hope some of this helps