Concern over referred psychologist.

[CupcakeTiger]

I got a referral from a doctor today (not my usual GP, as they are unavailable for a few weeks), and apart from the doctor I met with seeming to be a bit lost with my request, I tried to look up the psychologist I was referred to and couldn't find any registration under the name.

Also when I called the number, it went straight to voicemail and there was no mention of their profession in their outgoing message.

I am nervous about not being able to find their name registered, is this normal?

[JessF]

Hello Cupcake Tiger, this sounds a little unusual. Did you get a business card at all? Or did the GP write it down for you? Perhaps the details are wrong.

[CupcakeTiger]

I didn't get a business card.
I got a copy of a "Referral form for Allied Health Services" with the psychologist's name and address on it. After doing some online searching, I was unable to locate any office associated with the name. I then did a search online via Psychology Board of Australia, and the name turned up nothing.
I called the doctor's office and they gave me a mobile number from their files. I rang that, and it went straight to voicemail and had a terse outgoing message (the name stated on the message matched the one on the referral). I did leave a message, at around midday, but as of yet, have not received a call back.

My anxiety raised a bit, thinking, even if I get a call back, and then go to an appointment, will I get the treatment I need.

My friend told me that, I can take the referral to another psychologist if I want, even though it has another psychologist's name on it. Is that true?

[geoff]

hello Cupcake Tiger, sometimes psychologist don't like putting their name in the white pages or registration, simply because if they do this then every patient will be ringing them non stop, the same applies for doctors, however you could go back to the doctor and tell them, but I don't think you feel too comfortable with them. Geoff.

[CupcakeTiger]

After calling around to about a dozen offices/psychs, I got an appointment.

I didn't realise the financial aspect of seeking help though.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi CupcakeTiger,

I actually had the same issue with my own psychologist; there are many who aren't listed on websites, boards etc. Having said that though when you go to see them they should have their degree in the room and also you have every right to ask them about their qualifications - and also their interests. LinkedIn is also a great place to look.

As you have a referral this should help with costs for the first 10 sessions. You can also have a chat with your psychologist about what to do afterwards. I have another plan for chronic illness for 5 sessions that I was able to use for my psychologist as well. It can be quite daunting thinking about the cost, but if you can just take it one session at a time.

[CupcakeTiger]

I never managed to get through to the referred psychologist, and didn't feel safe in myself, waiting much longer, thankfully I've managed to already have a few sessions with someone else, but they don't bulk bill, so having to dig into limited savings to afford even the 10 sessions covered by the Medicare rebate.

Also, the psychologist has strongly recommended that I get another referral to see a psychiatrist as well, for an assessment, and I don't know if I could afford that, but don't want to be shooting myself in the foot, by not pursuing that avenue as well.

[Jugglin_Strugglin]

Hi CT,

i was just wondering if the sessions you have had have helped you. I am in similar situation, and can't really afford anything (broke after paying out on private health insurance for past 16yrs - and it doesn't cover this or specialists). Just interested to know if you think you have benefitted from it, before taking the plunge myself. No pressure for reply if youre not comfortable or don't know etc. thanks.

[CupcakeTiger]

I'm not 100%, I think it is a bit too early to tell if it is going to work for me. (This whole world is very new to me).
But saying that, I have been able to get some questions answered, as well as receiving reassurance and the implementation of a safety plan.

All I can say is, if I can find the money to continue, even if it means going without other necessities, I would rather at least try.

(Having just found out how much an assessment from a psychiatrist is going to cost, I think I will have to borrow the money from someone else, which is difficult, considering, I would rather not tell anyone the reason I need the money, at the moment).

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi CupcakeTiger,

Gosh it's so painful when mental health costs can be all consuming. I wish that it didn't have to be this way.

I personally have used up all my sessions and Medicare rebates and basically budget food after psych appointments. For me my appointments have become a priority so things like getting a haircut or buying new clothes just don't happen for me. Are there adjustments that you can take to 'make it work?'.

The other thing worth suggesting is to email people in advance; I have done this before and it's a good way to know your fees and see who accepts bulk-billing and what additional charges there are (if any) after the rebate goes through. I saw one psychologist who was $220 per session and a psychiatrist who bulk-billed; so it is worth shopping around as much as you can.

and finally - the other thing that might be worth considering are online programs. Things like Mindspot (https://mindspot.org.au/) has different courses in anything from anxiety, OCD, depression to PTSD. It's all free so there's nothing to lose, but it can be a great way to try and get in some extra support and learning techniques. I've done the course on Depression and found it really helpful.