SANE Forums

[Jlol]

A few months ago I visited a psychologist for the first time in a while and got the vibes after the first session that she was not able to help me (see my previous post for more details).

I left it for a while and decided to try a different psychologist. After the 2nd session she said almost the exact same thing as the first (something along the lines of "I don't think I can help you but if you want to make another appointment where you can just come in and vent fee free"). Not gonna lie, this was a bit of a kick in the emotional guts to hear her say the same thing almost word-for-word (I guess it's part of their training?).

She suggested I need to see a psychologist that specialises in PTSD. I've been told this before and I would like to do this, but I simply can't afford to, even with the Mental Healthcare Plan subsidies. Even if I could pay for it, there are never any openings anyway.

So what can I do now?

[tyme]

Hey @Jlol ,

I'm sorry to hear this. Which Australian State are you in? I wonder if you can access anything from Phoenix? https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/

[Dimity]

Hello @Jlol 

Sorry to hear you seem a bit stuck at this point.

Have you talked to Blue Knot? They can suggest trauma-informed counsellors including bulkbilling psychologists.  And their Helpline staff were very helpful the twice I've called. They told me I was welcome to call back for 40 mins per week. 

I'm also a little concerned by your saying the psychologists said you were welcome to vent but they couldn't help you. I know it can be very difficult but have you reflected on what sort of help you're looking for? Be that diagnosis or particular therapies or guidance on how to deal with "the full catastrophe". Having that as a starting agenda might direct their attention onto something more constructive than inviting you to vent.

I hope you can find the professional support you need. In the meantime I trust you can  rely on sympathy and mutual support here on the forums.

[defaultusername]

Hi @Jlol,

Welcome to the Forum and thank you for sharing.

I'm sorry you're in such a stressful situation at the moment, it shouldn't be so hard accessing appropriate mental health professionals and supports.

I think @tyme' and @Dimity's suggestions of Phoenix Australia and the Blue Knot Foundation are great, some others that may be of some use are:

• SANE's Support Line 1800 187 263 (or email: getsupport@sane.org) to speak to a mental health professional, which is available Monday to Friday 10am - 8pm and is free to access.
  
  
• Mind Australia's psychologist service (through the Medicare Benefits Schedule via telehealth (currently no wait time, but there is a Gap fee charge - https://www.mindaustralia.org.au/services/medicare-benefits-schedule-mbs 
  
  
• Traumatic Stress Clinic who provide treatment at their Sydney location or via telehealth that is free of charge - https://www.traumaticstressclinic.com/treatment-2 

I hope that you find the support you need, take care.