Where do I start?
It may be beneficial to have a chat with a healthcare professional such as a GP, psychologist and/or counsellor as they can provide different strategies and support tailored to your specific needs.
You can also ask your GP if you are eligible for a mental health plan which entitles you to 6 (and a further 4 if reviewed) sessions with a psychologist which can be rebated through Medicare.
The GP can refer you to a psychologist, or if there’s a particular psychologist you want to visit, you can give their details to your GP and they can arrange the referral. You don’t need a referral to see a psychologist however if you want it to be rebated through Medicare, then you do.
The Australian Psychological Society has a database of psychologists on their website. You can enter in information such as your location, and any issues you want the psychologist to specialise in, and the names and contact details of appropriate psychologists will be listed.
You can check out their ‘find a psychologist’ directory on their website.
If you want to see a counsellor, you can visit the Australian Counselling Association and search their ‘find a counsellor’ directory. You can select the location of the counsellor, any areas they specialise in, as well as if they have a telehealth option. Counselling isn’t rebated through Medicare but you can ask the counsellor if they have a sliding scale of payment.
You can check out their ‘find a counsellor’ directory on their website.