So you’ve decided to see a therapist. That can be a weird mix of uncertainty and hope. If you’re looking for a Psychologist in Melbourne you need to know your options.
From finding the right therapist to navigating Medicare rebates this article will give you clear practical guidance to get you on the path to improving your mental health – without the overwhelm.
Takeaways
- Seeing a psychologist is courage not weakness and it’s a big step in addressing mental health issues, with various signs to look out for when to seek help such as overwhelming stress, relationship conflicts, sleep changes, mood shifts.
- Medicare rebates in Australia allow eligible people to access 10 individual and 10 group sessions per year through a Mental Health Care Plan with a GP or Psychiatrist referral. This makes psychological services more affordable and accessible.
- Therapy success is all about the environment and the psychologist-client relationship. Continual engagement, feedback and tracking progress are the keys to good outcomes and improved mental wellbeing.
@covapsychology When to see a psychologist and how to start. #mentalhealth #psychologistsoftiktok #therapy #reachout #youarenotalone #selfcare #innerstrength ♬ original sound - covapsychology
Table of Contents
Step 1: See a Psychologist Melbourne
Seeking help may be a big part of addressing emotional issues and improving mental wellbeing. Knowing that help would be good for you is both smart and brave and not a sign of weakness. Trained professionals like psychologists who are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) can provide support through counselling, coping strategies and tools to manage emotions and behaviours.
There are many reasons why someone may seek therapy, the severity and type of their mental health issues, how they are currently coping with them and their readiness for change. For some people recognition that help would be good for them comes from being in crisis, for others who are not in crisis it comes from a desire for personal development and to live their best life and wellbeing.
How do you know if you should see a psychologist?
Recognition of the need for psychological support can be tricky. Mental health issues which include many psychological problems can present in many ways and affect many areas of your life. Some common signs that may mean you need professional help from a clinical psychologist are constant stress or overwhelming negative emotions, difficulty with healthy relationships or being stuck in relationship conflicts, changes in sleep patterns or appetite shifts, depression and mood swings and difficulty managing emotions.
Remember seeing help is not weakness. It’s self awareness, compassion and courage to face challenges.
What are the benefits of seeing a psychologist?
Working with a psychologist can bring big improvements in your wellbeing. Psychologists can help you live a fulfilling life by addressing issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and sexual health.
Psychologists offer:
- A safe space to express yourself
- Greater understanding of your emotions and behaviours
- Ways to manage mental health issues
- Helpful tools to cultivate a more positive mindset
By working with your psychologist you can start living your best life.
Step 2: Set up Medicare Rebates for Psychological Services
When you decide to see a psychologist it’s important to know the process for accessing psychological services. In Australia Medicare offers rebates for these services which makes mental health care more accessible and affordable.
Your GP or psychiatrist can help you access these rebates. They can assess your mental health and refer you to a psychologist. This referral is required so you can receive Medicare rebates for your sessions with a psychologist.
If you are being referred to a psychologist by a psychiatrist all you need is a referral letter. If you are being referred to a psychologist by your GP, in addition to a referral letter your GP will also need to set up your Mental Health Care Plan (this is sometimes called a Mental Health Treatment Plan).
What is a Mental Health Care Plan
The Mental Health Care Plan is a document set up by your GP which allows access to up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions with a qualified mental health professional per year.
If you are having a Mental Health Care Plan set up for the first time please let the reception of your GP clinic know in advance. This is because extra time is required in your GP appointment to set up the plan and your GP may require a double appointment.
Using Your Sessions Within the Calendar Year
The Mental Health Care Plan allows 10 individual sessions per calendar year. The sessions do not carry over from year to year so on 1st January each year your sessions reset to 10 for the year ahead.
Remember exceeding this limit means you will have to pay full fee with no Medicare rebate. Planning and resource management are important when booking appointments.
For some physical and mental health conditions (e.g. eating disorders) you may be eligible for more than 10 Medicare Psychology sessions per year and this is worth discussing with your psychologist and doctor.
You might like our detailed guide on Medicare for psychology services.
Mental Wellbeing: Therapies in Melbourne
In Melbourne there are many scientifically based therapy practices to manage mental health. By seeing a psychologist in private practice you can access evidence based therapies to promote wellbeing.
These may include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques.
The type of therapy you choose can impact on your overall wellbeing. Each therapy has its own benefits for its clients. So it’s important your psychologist works with you to determine the best approach for you and your family.
Evidence-based treatment
In psychology evidence-based treatment means combining high quality research with clinical knowledge to get the best outcomes. This means therapy sessions are based on scientifically proven methods so they are more reliable and effective.
Evidence-based therapies have been tested and proven to work for many mental health conditions.
Therapies offered by Psychologists in Melbourne
Psychologists in Melbourne CBD offer a variety of therapies to suit their clients needs. Common ones include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy and grief counselling. These therapies use different techniques to help individuals understand and manage emotions, change negative thought patterns and develop coping skills. The aim is to improve mental wellbeing by giving people tools to manage life’s challenges.
Therapies used to treat trauma and PTSD
Trauma and PTSD (in adults also known as post-traumatic stress disorder) can be treated with therapies that specifically target the symptoms and effects of trauma. For adults the most effective treatments are Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
These therapies help individuals process their traumatic memories, manage emotions with repetitive behaviours and develop coping skills. By giving individuals the tools to navigate their trauma, stress and anxiety they can start their journey of healing and recovery.
The Environment of Psychological Care
A safe and comfortable space is important in therapy. It can affect the outcome and experience for clients. By creating a safe and comfortable space therapists can:
- Encourage open communication and build trust with their clients.
- Help clients express emotions, thoughts and concerns more easily.
- Strengthen the therapeutic relationship which leads to better outcomes.
Initial Consultation: Get Started
The first session with a psychologist is the first step in your journey to better mental wellbeing. This session is to build trust, set the scene for future sessions and establish the therapeutic relationship.
In this initial session you will discuss your mental health concerns, set goals with your psychologist and understand how therapy works. Make sure you use this opportunity to ask questions or express any expectations so you feel comfortable throughout the therapy process.
What if my psychologist isn’t right for me?
Choosing the right psychologist is a big part of your therapeutic journey. If you feel your current psychologist isn’t meeting your needs or expectations then you need to address this. It’s helpful to have an open conversation with them about your concerns and potential solutions. If this doesn’t work then consider finding another psychologist who is a better fit. You may want to talk to other health professionals (like your doctor) about changing psychologists.
Get Ready to Succeed
To have a successful therapy experience you need to engage with your psychologist, be open in your communication and commit to the process. By giving feedback to your therapist, monitoring progress and keeping the lines of communication open throughout treatment you will get better outcomes.
Remember therapy is a team effort between you and your psychologist. Together you will set goals and develop an effective treatment plan based on understanding of the issues and challenges. Your involvement is key to success in this therapeutic journey.
Monitoring progress also helps with success in therapy. Re-evaluating goals and tracking improvements allows for tweaks along the way so you stay on track throughout treatment.
The importance of giving feedback to your Psychologist
Communication and feedback with your psychologist is key to therapy. Sharing your thoughts gives insight into your experience, allows for adjustments to approach and makes sure treatment is tailored to you.
Giving feedback helps with mental wellbeing but also strengthens the therapeutic relationship by building trust between you and your therapist. By speaking up in sessions you are actively contributing to the therapy process towards the outcomes you want.
Stay on track: Monitor your progress
Monitoring your progress in therapy has benefits:
- It allows for changes to your treatment plan as needed.
- It keeps the therapy on track and working.
Remember beyond symptom reduction the goal of therapy is to improve overall psychological state and quality of life.
Another part of monitoring progress is to acknowledge that psychological growth is not always a straight line. Ups and downs and the odd set back are normal for anyone working on themselves in therapy and in fact set backs are often a part of the growth process. Remember to consider this and discuss with your psychologist as part of monitoring your progress.
Conclusion
Getting started on the journey to better mental health is a big step. Along the way find the right psychologist, understand how to access psychological services and engage with your therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
No you don’t need a referral to see a psychologist in Victoria but you will need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP (or a referral from a psychiatrist) if you want to get Medicare rebates for mental health services. This plan can be obtained by talking to your doctor about any mental health issues or needs that require the support of a psychologist. Once approved it allows you to access subsidised sessions.
No you don’t need a referral to see a psychologist in Victoria but you will need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP (or a referral from a psychiatrist) if you want to get Medicare rebates for mental health services. This plan can be obtained by talking to your doctor about any mental health issues or needs that require the support of a psychologist. Once approved it allows you to access subsidised sessions.
To start sessions with a psychologist in Australia you can search for one through the Australian Psychological Society directory and then ask your general practitioner (GP) to refer you to that psychologist. Note you will need a referral to get a Medicare rebate for these services.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues and would like psychological support our team at Cova Psychology in the Melbourne CBD (or via telehealth) may be able to assist. Our team offer assessment and treatment for a wide range of mental health issues and improve your overall wellbeing and quality of life. Contact us for more information or to book an appointment.
