I'm having issues getting to see a psychologist.
There are services in Australia to help you get support.
Mental Health Treatment Plan
Under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Australians are eligible for subsidised mental health care. You can access up to 10 individual sessions and up to 10 group sessions with an eligible mental health professional per calendar year. To get access to this plan, see your GP to talk about your options and a referral to a mental health professional, like a psychologist.
Most psychologists will still charge a gap fee per session after the rebate is applied. Some services do offer free psychologist visits - please speak with your GP to find out about what’s on offer in your area. If you find that there is a very long wait time to see a psychologist, you could try asking your GP to refer you to a psychologist with shorter waiting times.
Other Options
If you are not using a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you do not need a referral from a GP to book an appointment with a psychologist. If you are worried about long waiting times to see someone, you could try contacting several psychologists in your area to enquire about wait times.
Young people aged 12-25 can access support via headspace, which offers online and phone counselling.
If you are employed, check if you have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through your workplace (this may be listed in your contract, or you could ask HR). An EAP typically offers free, confidential assessments and/or short-term counselling for employees. Some workplaces will extend EAP services to immediate family members, so you may also be able to access free psychological support though a family member’s EAP provider.
There are also a number of free or affordable online programs available for those in need of support. For example, This Way Up and myCompass.
Urgent Support
If you need help right now, these free helplines are available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week, anywhere in Australia:
- Call Lifeline on 13 11 14, text them 24/7 on 0477 13 11 14, access Lifeline Crisis Chat 24/7 here
- Call 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7) to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter
- Call Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
If you’re in an emergency situation or need immediate assistance, go to your local emergency department or call emergency services on 000.