How can I find an affordable qualified psychologist or counsellor who meets my budget constraints?
At King Street Medical we understand the budget is sometimes on top of people’s minds. And as a matter of fact, money-related stress is a very common cause of generalised anxiety.
Some options may include:
Request A Mental Health Treatment Plan
As explained by Health Direct.gov.au “If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you will be entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 20 individual psychological appointments per calendar year until 30 June 2022. This gives you access — subsidised by Medicare — to certain psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers. The Mental Health Treatment Plan is part of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative. This initiative aims to improve outcomes for people with a clinically diagnosed mental health disorder”.
Please notice that a Mental Health Treatment Plan is available only to those who have a mental health disorder diagnosed by a doctor.
Better Access program
If you qualify for the Better Access initiative, you will be able to receive a Medicare rebate for selected mental health services. Your GP can also refer you to psychological services through the local Primary Health Networks. These have funding to provide services to populations in their area deemed to be at high risk or that have poor access to mental health support. Ask your GP if you can access these services.
Free mental health services
If you have concerns about your mental illness, you can also contact one of the free counselling services such as:
Lifeline (for anyone having a personal crisis) — call 13 11 14 or chat online
Beyond Blue (for support and information about mental health) — call 1300 22 4636 or chat online
Kids Helpline (24/7 phone and online chat for young people aged 5-25 years) — call 1800 55 1800
Suicide Call Back Service (anyone thinking about suicide) — call 1300 659 467
Head to Health (pop-up services are available in NSW and the ACT) — call 1800 595 212 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm, except on public holidays
Head to Help (pop-up services are available in Victoria) — call 1800 595 212 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm, except on public holidays
Conclusions
Never assume the way you feel is irrelevant. It is your privilege, duty and inner right to live a fulfilling, meaningful, healthy life. And we are committed to giving our contribution to it. The way you feel matters, and we hope that out of this article you’ll take that there are many resources you can anchor to for support. Even when you are at your lowest, you are not alone. All you have to do is share. Start with talking to a GP you trust and you will see that positive changes will start to happen.
Ultimately, we support a holistic approach to health, which considers that a human being is not just made of separated, disconnected departments but that we are a complex structure made of incredible depth and multileveled factors. From genetics to biology, from lifestyle to relationship, and the most important one, within ourselves.
If you feel you have further questions, please contact our friendly staff: https://ksdm.com.au/medical/contact-us/