I Need Help. How Do I See a Psychologist in Melbourne?
In has been a tough (long!) winter in Melbourne. We’re in unprecedented times and the various levels of restrictions that we’re experiencing have pushed a lot of us to our limits.
Everyone keeps talking about how we’ll ‘deal with mental health’ when this is done. But is this good enough? Can mental health just ‘wait?’ COVID and Stage 4 restrictions have impacted all of us in different ways but I think what we can all agree on is that we have all suffered, we have all missed important things and we all miss people. I mean, who misses hugs?!
As Stage 4 continues to drag on you might be thinking that actually you cannot wait. So how can you go about accessing support from a Psychologist in Melbourne? Here’s the good news - it’s actually pretty simple!
There’s a couple of ways in which you can book an appointment in with a Psychologist.
The first way is to visit your GP to discuss your mental health. Your GP will then speak with you about how you’re feeling and what you might need. It’s important to ask, before you book, for an extended appointment. If you and your GP decide it would be helpful for you to see a Psychologist they will prepare a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) for you, this entitles you to a rebate for up to 10 sessions (20 sessions at the moment due to COVID restrictions in Melbourne). You can either let you GP know that there is a specific Psychologist you would like to see, and they will address the MHCP to that Psychologist, or your GP can recommend Psychologists for you. You then can contact the Psychologist directly to book in for a session!
The second way you can see a Psychologist is privately. You don’t need a referral to see a Psychologist. So if you would like to pay privately or if you would like to claim your sessions on your private health insurance then you can approach the Psychologist directly and they can book you in straight away.
Every Psychologist usually has specialities, or special interests, so it can be helpful to look at their profiles online to see if they sound like a good fit for you or give them a call for a chat!
Due to the extension of Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne, a number of Psychologists are working remotely. The good news is you’re still entitled to Medicare and private health rebates for video and telehealth appointments!
Piece by Piece Therapies has a great team of Psychologists with a diverse range of skills and special interests that are more than capable to assist ,and support, you in any way that you need.
Please feel free to click the button below to book in a time to see one of our fantastic Psychologists!
Stay Safe Melbourne