Considering making a complaint about a mental health service I last attended

[Guest1020]

Last time I visited my psychiatrist was two weeks ago. I have contacted several times to report how unsafe I feel and how my mental health is gradually declining.

Each time I call, they pick up, sigh and hang up. Repeat this process six or seven times in two weeks. I have sent out an email detailing my frustrations with my receptionists to call me.

Anyways, the psychiatrist I went to was great and the receptionist were great. But the communication with receptionist has dissolved. I want to make a formal complaint against the clinic to the department of health but because I have an appointment on December, I am worried that the psychiatrist or receptionist has spread around the clinic that I am a drug seeker. When seeking ADHD treatment, if word gets out you are a drug seeker, all treatment is suspended.

I am worried about unfair biases and retaliation if I do report the clinic. I have been diagnosed with ADHD, and treatment has not even begun yet. Horrific, the whole mental health system in Australia is embarassing.

I have notified a health consumer helpline about my situation, and they say they have been swamped and won't look at my case until mid next year. It's ridiculous.

[Learn to Fly]

Hi Guest1020

I am sorry to hear you feel this way. It’s so difficult when you are in a need of professional help and little things along the way make it so much harder.

I see you mentioned your appointment is already set for December. I understand you also mentioned you’d like to contact them as you feel like your mental health is declining. How do you feel about waiting until December? Do you think it’s going to be a real struggle for you or you might just manage?
The reason I am asking is that we all have to bear in mind how all mental health services (and not only) have been recently stretched to the absolute limits. Those people are doing their absolute best to help thousands and more and accommodate for everyone’s needs. Covid has dramatically changed everything. It’s like relearning to live in a new world. For everyone.

I am not sure how urgent your current situation is and I wonder how would you feel about not calling them anymore and waiting till your December appointment? However, what you could do in the meantime is chat to us here or even call one of our amazing Counsellors on 1300 224 636

Hope this helps you a bit.

[Guest1020]

The reason why I can't wait till December, is because that hour appointment or 30 min appointment consists of me giving documents and him notifying department of health. Also, my mental health is declining and life is becoming even more if a struggle. I have never felt more dehumanised in my experience as a mental health patient than right now.

When I get to the appointment, I am going to the psychiatrist and letting him know if he is the ringleader for this situation or the receptionist but both of them are going to get written complaint.

It's not even about medication. I can wait till December but I have seen available bookings that can be fastracked on hotdoc, but clinic has refused further communication. I am being charged $500 something for documents that I need to give in an hour appointment that should take less than 15 min.

Given that they are not even responding, I am considering attending the appointment to lodge a formal complaint about the clinic and all the receptionist.

I understand they are swamped and are overstretched. But I do not understand picking up the phone, sighing and hanging up numerous times. It is completely unprofessional behaviour.

[Learn to Fly]

Hi Guest1020

Again, I am sorry to hear about your current mental struggle.

How would you feel about sharing some more details with us here? People on this forum are always kind, great and non-judgemental. If you don't feel like it, maybe you'd rather call one of our extremely helpful counsellors?

You seem to be pretty set on lodging a complaint and this might or might not help you to book an appointment earlier. I wonder, however, how are you going to feel about going to the place and discussing your problems, being so disappointed with their current services? The point I am trying to make is that I guess it's good to feel trustful about the place you are going to go to and ask for help. You don't sound too positive when talking about them atm so maybe in the meantime, you'd rather talk to us here or a counsellor on the phone. Just a suggestion.

[Mk2692]

Hi Guest1020,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for reaching out. I'm sorry that you are mental health is declining and that you are going through a really tough time. I understand that you are frustrated with how the receptionist is treating you, I don't know if you mentioned it to the psychiatrist, if not then I would do that first before making an official complaint. Your psychiatrist might be more understanding and might find a solution for this problem. If however you do wish to make the complaint, the clinic will be notified. I don't think they will disclose any of your medical information to anyone, but it might make matters worse with the receptionist and the psychiatrist. Hope this helps.