Unable to get urgent mental health support

Hi@Grey_Sky,

Sorry to hear that you have had a difficult time getting help. Have you tried the mental Healthline they usually come out? I would have called an ambulance instead.

@Grey_Sky from what some others in this forum have intimated and people I have spoken to, I think you unfortunately are not alone in this type of experience. It is indeed extremely frustrating!

@Misty7 re you referring to the CATT teams? Yes, I believe they sometimes come out. The phone number depends on which State you live in, e.g. QLD is 1300 MHCALL, NSW is 1800 011 511 and in VIC I believe you have to look up your Area Mental Health Service https://vahi.vic.gov.au/mental-health-services

Depending on your area, there may be a peer led Safe Space or Safe Haven open nearby.

• https://rosesintheocean.com.au/sector-priorities-collaborations/find-a-community-led-safe-space/
• https://stride.com.au/strides-safe-haven-and-safe-spaces/

Similarly there may be a walk-in Medicare Mental Health Centre (in Vic, they are still called Head to Health)

• https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/medicare-mental-health-centres
• https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/head-to-health-clinics-victoria

The Victorian government also has walk-in Mental Health & Wellbeing Locals & Hubs

• https://www.health.vic.gov.au/mental-health-services/mental-health-and-wellbeing-locals
• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mental-health-and-wellbeing-hubs

Other ideas are at https://findingnorthnetwork.com.au/page/support (scroll past the crisis lines if you don't want them).

I'd also suggest trying grounding techniques to get you through until you can connect to someone

• https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/support-toolkit/techniques-and-guides/finding-relief-through-grounding-techniques

Unfortunately, in the middle of the night there is usually only hospital ED, although Suicide Callback Service does have a Web Chat if you don't like talking to someone.

i didnt want to call an ambulance as I didnt want to be forced to stay in hospital for any amount of time. I just really needed to talk to someone and didnt know what else to do. I think if I had called an ambulance, I still would have had to sit there waiting for ages to be seen by anyone

Head to Health is what I tried. Their website makes it sound like you can just walk in. Unfotunately thats not the case and i drove 25 minutes to be told to call as the counsellor works from home. An utterly useless service.

Thanks for the links.

@Grey_Sky,

If you require counselling for trauma you can contact victim's services in your area. This will cover the cost of the psychologists appointments you will need. You get 21 hours worth (21 sessions) which you will definitely need for trauma. You can also apply for financial assistance. A psychiatrist is pricey but you will get a lot of it back on Medicare. You need them for the correct medication and diagnosis.

Hi@Grey_Sky ,

If it happens again try the mental health line in your area. A lot of psychiatrists have walked out on the public health system. When you do see your GP ask them if there any psychologists or psychiatrists that bulk bill in your area. I found these that you might find useful.https://someone.health/

https://www.mehelp.com.au/

https://www.isnclinic.com.au/

These are online psychologists that offer bulk billed appointments

Thanks but trauma isn’t my issue.

and Medicare really don’t give much back. The last time I saw a psychiatrist was about 6 years ago. I think it was around $630, and Medicare paid back something like $120 do I was still out of pocket over $500 :(

I don’t think there are any bulk billing psychiatrists anymore.

thanks for the links. I would only see someone in person though. I wouldn’t be open to phone or online counselling.

@Grey_Sky, I saw one through Dokotela it cost around $700. Got over $400 back. I was $260 out of pocket. It could depend on your area and state also. Another thing is that it was online that also could be a factor. Seeing one online possibly works out better in cost and there isn't a very long wait. You are limiting yourself significantly.

@Grey_Sky there are a few bulk billing psychiatrists

BUT if they are desperate enough for business to bulk bill, it's generally a giant red flag that they are hopeless