Each year, the second week of September brings us a number of local and global mental health initiatives: National Suicide Prevention Week in the US, World Suicide Preventation Day across the globe and RUOK? Day in Australia. These are all wonderful initiatives for public discourse and awareness and we need them to keep challenging the stigma. However it is our belief that we should be having these conversations consciously, consistently and all year round.
Therapy is one such area of mental health discussion that many people find frustrating, exhausting and at times, polarising. I was at a lunch with girlfriends recently; typical Sunday chatter. Some career stuff, a friend’s impending wedding, a dose of healthy banter across the table. Over time, the conversation turned into a discussion about therapy and our individual experiences (or lack of). Talk circled around who of us currently had therapists, who of us perhaps needed one and how easy it is (or isn’t) to find the right practitioner.
I have personally been in and out of therapy for years, some of it helpful and reassuring; some of it utterly life-changing. For me, and coupled with the appropriate medication, I simply wouldn’t be here without it. One in five Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness each year – that’s a whopping 20% of the entire population. In 2011 (most recent stats), 3.2 million people accessed at least one MBS (Medicare Benefit Schedule) and/or PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) subsidised mental health-related service or prescription medications. Staggeringly, 45% of all Australians will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime.
“45% of all Australians will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime.” – Black Dog Institute
The statistics speak for themselves. And we know the benefits of engaging in mental health services; we’re told time and again how important it is to have a positive mindset. But what about the logistics?
Junkee published a great article two years ago on RUOK? Day, exploring the potential issues with telling people to “just seek help”. Which might sound simple in theory, but in practice, can be highly problematic. Their article gives us the example of ‘Bob’, who recognises that he needs some help and goes through a 10-step process to get there. All of Bob’s steps are purposefully idealised – that is, they occur as a perfect set of circumstances where nothing goes remotely awry. He meets the perfect psychologist, he can afford the therapy and he gets the help he needs. Everyone cheers Bob on. Go Bob.
Of course, the takeout is that no journey towards improved mental health will ever be perfect and the situation that Bob is in will almost never be realised by anyone in real life. You may fall over at the first step – even just recognising that you need some assistance – or you might have a GP who doesn’t value therapeutic practice. It might be cost prohibitive. You might hate the first psychologist you meet. You might live remotely and not have direct access to a good mental health practitioner or services in general. You may be lacking in peer and familial support.
The challenges are a-plenty. Even if – like the friends I was chatting with – you sit relatively high on the ladder of privilege (white, middle-class, network of support, ease of accessibility), the path to beneficial mental health services can be plagued with negativity and obstruction. The hard truth is that not all Australians who would benefit from this help, will be able to get it. But here and now, let’s hit the path of least resistance and walk you through some handy hints.
First Things First
If you want to see a registered psychologist, then you will definitely need a referral from your GP. Yes, it’s an annoying extra step, but frankly, there are some benefits:
- Your GP can put you on a Mental Health Plan (MHP). This generally involves a slightly longer consultation (be sure to let the doctor know when you book your appointment) with a brief questionnaire on your current/recent mindset and where you’re having difficulties.
- Your MHP then gives you access to a Medicare rebate – 10 therapy sessions per calendar year, which reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Better still, find a therapist who bulk bills!
- Your GP may also have a list of recommendations of psychologists they know, work with and can vouch for. This can take the sting out of searching for your own.
Girl With A Plan
Now that you have a MHP and a referral from your GP, you need to find a therapist. This part can be tough. You want to connect with the right person and that might take time and a few false starts.
- GP recommended. Honestly, sometimes it’s the easiest place to begin. Not only will they have a bank of practitioners who they know, they may be able to help find you the right person from a personality perspective.
- The Indigo Project in Sydney’s Surry Hills is a therapeutic practice with a difference. Founder Mary Hoang has a great setup; not only do they have 20+ practitioners on site (costs outlined upfront) the organisation also holds workshops and courses to help with anxiety, depression and just generally ‘getting your shit together’. If you try a therapist and don’t connect after a session or 2, they will pair you with a new psychologist or counsellor at no extra charge (terms apply). Definitely check them out if you are Sydney-based.
- APS (Australian Psychology Society) provides an online service – Find A Psychologist – which allows you to search for a practitioner either by issue, name or location. Most psychologists have a short bio to help you make your choice.
Alternatives
Don’t lose heart if what we’ve talked about so far feels out of reach; there are always other options. Whether it’s cost, location or accessibility, here are some alternative solutions.
- Look to national services such as Lifeline, BeyondBlue, The Butterfly Foundation and Black Dog Institute for immediate phone assistance.
- Community counselling services such as Sydney Women’s Counselling Centre, Melbourne’s Centre for Women’s Mental Health and Rural Aid Australia.
- Workplace EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs) can also be a great place to start. If you speak with an HR professional within your organisation, they should be able to direct you to their service; generally the company will pay for the first few sessions and allow them during work hours.
- Online mental health services and app’s have become the latest way to get help if you can’t physically get to a practitioner. Services such as TalkSpace, 7 Cups and MindSpot Clinic provide online assessments, counsellors to talk to/Skype with and courses on specific illnesses and issues.
- Finally, be sure to check with your health insurer for what mental health services they cover.
It seems like a long journey – it is. But if three to six months is the time required to find the right personal path towards improved mental health, then surely it’s worth it. And in the grand scheme of your existence, that period setting yourself up for healthy mind practices is but a brief snapshot in time.
And it might just save your life.
