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Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

OkthenCasual Contributor

Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that doesn't cost $800

Im really struggling today
I've been on anti psychotic medication for around 8 years and it has worked to balance my mood but it makes me so tired and other side effects are impacting my quality of life(weight gain in particular). I want to have my medication reviewed by a psychiatrist.

I used to have a community health team, caseworker, psychologist and psychiatrist but over time I was only really needing my psychologist so when I moved house, they told me I was no longer considered severe enough to qualify for that kind of care so I was just sort of on my own.

This is half venting about the messed up system and also asking for help on where to find somewhere that either bulk bills or provides more affordable access to a psychiatrist if anyone can suggest somewhere?

My doctor referred me to Dokotela but their next appointment is for January and I can't imagine waiting that long.


If anyone has had better luck with somewhere that doesn't have insane waiting times, that would be so helpful.

Im looking for either Sydney based or telehealth

Thank you 😁

14 replies

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In response to: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

hanamiSenior Contributor

Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

Hi there @Okthen and welcome to the forums. I like your title 'finding a psyche that isn't $800. It's ridiculous isn't it. My son has been waiting to see a psychiatrist for and ADHD assessment and he finally got an appt for November but it's $500. I live in a regional area so that's a bit cheaper. But I've heard how expensive it is in the cities. It's like it's out of control. WHO can afford $800. That's the weekly wage for some/many. Some/many don't even make that. I don't get it. Anyway, back to your question. I hope you get some responses. I wish I could help but just wanted to say I hear you! Is it worth travelling to a regional area to get an appt a bit cheaper? I don't know how that sounds to you, but just an idea.

In response to: Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

OkthenCasual Contributor

Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

Thank you 😁

Yeah the wait list everywhere is so wild.

I initially thought it would be maybe be a couple of hundred and a bit back from Medicare but the prices are so high everywhere.

Dokotela is covered and I did email them about appointments in other areas and said I'm willing to travel but yeah going further out may have to be the way to go.

Even the telehealth ones I found were high.

Sorry about the wait for your son and best of luck with receiving a diagnosis ❤️

In response to: Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

hanamiSenior Contributor

Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

Best of luck to you too @Okthen . I really hope you can get something soon. It's WILD!

In response to: Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

AppleblossomSenior Contributor

Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

Hey @Okthen Maybe it is demand allowing them to charge higher prices, but I do not know how they sleepo at night. Similar to @hanami My son eventually found a private doc but thats wot he charges. I could not believe it. They are not breathing out gold. Somehow the "private" system seem to be about finding a psychiatrist to manage meds and a counsellor/psychologist/therapist for talking. Good luck.

In response to: Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

hanamiSenior Contributor

Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

breathing out gold is a damn good way to put it @Appleblossom

I don't know how they sleep at night either to be honest!

In response to: Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

BowSenior Contributor

Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

Preying on the fact that this is peoples mental health and they are desperate. It’s terrible. $800 for an hours work.

I seen a psychiatrist through dokertela a couple of years ago and he was absolutely useless and he charged Medicare $800 for the 1 hour video call. He didn’t even write scripts.

In response to: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

NatureLoverSenior Contributor

Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

Hi and welcome, @Okthen

I don't know if this would be any help? https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/find-a-psychiatrist

Good luck... 🤞

In response to: Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

OkthenCasual Contributor

Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

Thank you! It looks like there's some on there that I haven't tried

Much appreciated 😁

In response to: Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

OkthenCasual Contributor

Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

Oh man, that is frustrating

Yeah I'm worried I'm going to wait six months just to be told to stay on the same medication or pay a bunch of money for the privilege haha

Hope you're in a better space now ❤️

In response to: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

Unknown userMember

Re: Finding a psychiatrist in Sydney that isn't $800

Some GP's put their psychiatric patients on a diabetes med that enables you to lose weight. I got diabetes and had to see a diabetes educator who also specialises in weight management. I was able to get my weight down successfully. I wish I had of tried it sooner. I now have more energy. I'm still on the same mad meds I'm inching closer to my ideal weight after exercising almost every day for 10 months. Ask your GP about this. I would have thought it was near to impossible on the mad med I'm on which is notorious for weight gain. Had been obese for over 20 years. As for psychiatrists I would go to the website for Australasian Psychiatrists and have a look around. My previous psychiatrist did tele health over the internet Australia-wide and bulk billed. Theres also Headspace don't know if that is relevant to your location or age group but that is free @Okthen

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