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How would one go about finding a psychologist?

florencefiftySenior Contributor12 May 2023, 2:31 pm AEST

How would one go about finding a psychologist?

Hypothetically.

I saw my doctor about my mental health. Long story, I’ll get to that later. He went through a bunch of questions and drafted the Mental Health Care Plan.

He said that I had to find a psychologist in my own time, and then when I do, I should send him the details and he will e-mail the plan to them. I asked him whether he had any names and he said that he wouldn’t be able to give me direct referrals because we don’t live in the same area. We used to live in his area, but we moved and stayed with him as a doctor; he’s been our doctor since before I was born.

He went through an online address book he had, though, on his own records and re-assured me that there were tonnes of places in my area.

I e-mailed about three places and they all said that they were unavailable or they weren’t taking new patients for a couple of months. Should I see a GP in my local area to check whether they can give me any names, and how likely is it that I’ll find something nearby?

4 replies

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In response to: How would one go about finding a psychologist?

JoleneZachariContributor12 May 2023, 3:40 pm AEST

Re: How would one go about finding a psychologist?

Can you google your local Allied Health & a GP referral to local MH Acute care team?

If you have a mental health care plan from your GP, you can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions with a psychologist.

https://psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist

https://acpa.org.au/find-a-clinical-psychologist/

I hope this information helps you find a psychologist.

In response to: How would one go about finding a psychologist?

Unknown userMember12 May 2023, 4:38 pm AEST

Re: How would one go about finding a psychologist?

Hi @florencefifty @JoleneZachari

At Jolene is helpful.

My Doctor sent me to one. Quite good.

But your Doctor seems short on referrals.

I also google more specific like "psychologist for trauma near me"

In the end l wanted Faith based.

So approached places that catered for that.

Or if the one you see is not suitable, ask them of they know because you want someone who can discuss your issue.

Joelene's idea is good.

Does SANE refer?

Lifeline has a counselling service. That can be via Zoom.

Make sure you change people if not happy.

In response to: How would one go about finding a psychologist?

BowSenior Contributor12 May 2023, 5:21 pm AEST

Re: How would one go about finding a psychologist?

Hey @florencefifty

do you have Facebook? And if so, are there any local community notice boards that you are part of? I always find that a great place to start. I’m on a couple of local ones and there are people asking questions like that. Some groups you can even ask anonymously!

In response to: How would one go about finding a psychologist?

aneudaimoniaCasual Contributor30 June 2023, 6:40 pm AEST

Re: How would one go about finding a psychologist?

I hate that our GPs make us do the legwork to find a good therapist, it's tough when you are already out of emotional energy.

https://psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist lets you search (as well as the other sites people have listed here)

Therapists can be a bit hit and miss, checking out their qualifications and what they specialize in can help narrow it down a bit. Don't be afraid to change if you don't vibe with the first therapist you see.

You can also checkout this video, it will give some tips on what to look for when searching for a therapist, it's not Australian based but the points are still valid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKfO1bYOqxk

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