The decision to start therapy is in some cases very clear and imminent, in others, we can think about it a lot and even procrastinate it for a long time. The reality is that, if the idea has already been in your head, it is important that you create an action plan to increase your chances of actually setting up a first date. One step at a time, after this appointment you will decide.
Now let's examine what your options are and which mental health institutions and professionals you can turn to depending on your financial conditions and legal status in the country.
Finding psychological services for the first time
If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or if your visa conditions allow it, you have access to Medicare, which is Australia's universal health insurance.
Through this scheme, you are entitled to 10 subsidized psychology or counselling sessions per year (during the COVID19 pandemic the subsidized sessions increased to 20 but were reduced again from January 2023).
If you do not have access to Medicare, you must have current private insurance as a rule, these may cover part of the fees of a counsellor, psychologist or psychotherapist. Make sure what your insurance covers it by checking the conditions of your policy.
In the case of going through a crisis and requiring immediate emergency services, or not having the financial resources to pay a percentage of the consultation, I leave you a directory of free services at the end of this article.
Remember, regardless of your situation, you have the right to access mental health services.
Process through Medicare
The first thing you need is a Mental Health Plan, you can get this from a GP. Your own doctor can refer you to a mental health professional or you can carry out the search. Just make sure that they accept “bulk billing”, which means that you pay in full for your session and then request the reimbursement that corresponds to you through Medicare.
Medicare will reimburse you $89.65 per session with a general psychologist, $131.65 per session with a clinical psychologist, and $79.05 per session with a social worker. If the fees are higher, they usually are, you cover the rest of the payment.
Remember that you can claim the reimbursement corresponding to 10 sessions per year, after these if you continue the therapeutic process, the payment is on your own.
Do I need to be referred by a GP to see a psychologist?
No, you can book your appointment directly. However, keep in mind that you will have to cover the fees on your own.
Process through private insurance
Once you have confirmed that your insurance covers psychological therapy, you need to find an authorized provider by your insurance. You can ask directly to your psychologist if they work with your insurance company or, I leave you this link where you can find therapists depending on your insurance. https://www.talked.com.au/blog/claiming-therapy-on-private-health-cover
Make your first appointment, cover the cost of the session and then, through your insurance website you can claim your refund, you only have to upload your invoice. Take into account the amount that your insurance covers and the number of sessions, if it is not clear to you, call them by phone.
Free emergency help
If you require immediate support, call the following numbers. Attention is 24 hours a day, every day.
· Lifeline (for any kind of crisis): 13 11 14
· Suicide Call back service (for any person that has been impacted by suicide): 1300 659 467
· Beyond blue (for crisis and general support): 1300 22 4636
· Kids help line (for people younger than 25): 1800 55 1800
· Qlife (to talk about sexuality, gender, sexual orientation): 1800 184 527
· Butterfly Foundation (for support in the case of an eating disorder): 1800 33 4673
. 1800 Respect (for sexual assault or domestic and family violence): 1800 737 732
· Alcohol and drugs counselling online (confidential help for anyone impacted by addictions, including family and friends):
ACT (02) 6207 9977
NSW 1800 422 599 (Regional
(02) 9361 8000 (Metropolitan)
NT 1800 131 350
QLD 1800 177 833 (Regional)
(07) 3837 5989 (Metropolitan)
SA 1300 131 340
TAS 1800 811 994
VIC 1800 888 236
WA 1800 198 024 (Regional)
(08) 9442 5000 (Metropolitan)
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000
Do not hesitate to write to me through the contact on this page if you have any questions or if the process of starting therapy is becoming overwhelming.
Comments