What’s the longest you have every waited for anything? Life is full of waiting. You wait for concerts, wait for the RACV when your car won’t start, wait for the microwave to heat up your food. And many people seeking mental health support wait on waiting lists. How long should you wait for a mental health appointment? Recently one of my children attended their first ever music concert. Do you remember the first concert you ever attended? I think my first was Australian Crawl, my favourite was U2 at Festival Hall (I think), before they started touring stadiums, which my best girlfriend took me to for my birthday. (We had great seats and it was a magic night. It was amazing.) The tickets to see The Kid Laroi were purchased about six months ago. My child has been counting down the weeks, the days and then the hours. I’ve been listening to The Kid Laroi in the car for at least that long. They were dropped in the city to meet with friends around 5pm, lined up to get into the arena, purchased some merchandise, sat through two support acts, posted lead up photos in a private discord chat (so I didn’t see any, because I’m the mum), sat through a sound check by the act themselves and saw the clock hit start time – 9pm. And sat And waited And then at 9.35pm the show was called off due to The Kid Laroi being ill. All that waiting. I couldn’t do anything about their waiting. but I am trying to do something about people being told they have to wait for a mental health appointment. How long does it take to get an appointment with a psychologist?
I have had clients say they have been told to expect a year’s wait to get into a psychologist. Now this has been the most extreme example, but I regularly receive calls from people saying they’ve been told to ring around as they will need to wait months and months before being able to get help. This is problematic in so many ways. For a start, it’s simply not true. Whilst there are clinicians who are booked out in advance, many more aren’t. And while it’s really hard waiting for an artist who doesn’t show, it’s much harder sitting on a waiting list when you need support. If you've been advised to go on a waiting list, here are four questions to ask. Enjoy the convenience and accessibility of a telehealth appointment. Appointments are available now. You do not need to go on a waiting list. Avoid waiting list stress. Private mental health support can be provided by a range of professionals including psychologists, counsellors, accredited mental health nurses and mental health social workers. The mental health professionals listed below are ready to help you right now. This following list was updated as of 17th October 2023. The Telehealth Availability List. It can be difficult to know where to find clinicians who have availability. The Telehealth Availability List can help. The following is a list of clinicians who have immediate availability, using the Telehealth model. These clinicians will not place you on a waiting list. **The information listed has been provided by the psychologist or other mental health practitioner. The author of this article takes no responsibility as to the information provided. All responsibility is on you as the reader to explore the information and make your decision as to whether you wish to make a booking or referral. Clinicians with availability for telehealth appointments for clients.
*Updated 17th October 2023 TELEHEALTH LIST FOR OCTOBER 2023 Positive Young Minds Kim Ross (Psychologist) www.positiveyoungminds.com.au. Phone: 0408533515 Ages: Children under 12. Parents. Presentations:
Love Work Play Psychology Gamze Abramov (Psychologist) https://loveworkplaypsychology.com.au Phone: (02) 90544478 Ages: 16+ Presentations:
Lauren Vines (Psychologist) Wheatbelt Psychology www.wheatbeltpsychology.com.au Phone: 0499696265 Ages: 4 years + Presentations: Broad range of presentations particularly working with disabilities, intellectual impairment, autistic clients, ADHD, behaviour difficulties. Funding sources: Medicare, Private, NDIS (self- and plan managed) Shannon Morley (Educational & Developmental Psychologist) www.shannonmorley.com.au Phone: 0409 545 009 Ages: 7-25 yo (children, teens and young adult women) Presentations:
Funding: Medicare, NDIS (self-managed) Dr Dale Martin (Psychologist/Psychotherapist) Phone: 0418740821 Ages: 20 years + Presentations:
Reclaim Psychology Jane Armstrong (Psychologist) Phone: 0411776536 Ages: 18 years + Presentations:
Catalyst Psychology Dr Kirsty Hildebrandt, (Clinical Psychologist) www.catalystpsychology.com.au Phone: 0468637413 Age of clients: 5 years and over Presentations:
Funding: Medicare, Private, Health Insurance (check your individual cover), NDIS ( plan managed and/or self-managed) Tali Lovegrove Psychology Tali Lovegrove, (Clinical Psychologist) www.talilovegrovepsychology.com.au Phone: 0404994580 Ages: 18+ Presentations:
Spataro Psychology Dr Josie Spataro www.spataropsychology.com.au Phone: 90398900 Ages: 16+ Presentations:
Balanced Mind Body Psychology Renee Johnston (Psychologist) https://balancedmindbodypsychology.com.au Phone: 0493509292 Ages: 18+ Presentations:
Care to Bloom Counselling Kellie Bellette (Social Worker) www.caretobloom.com Phone: 0424791888 Ages: 15 years + Presentations:
Bee Well Therapies Amy Foley, Psychologist www.beewelltherapies.com.au Phone: 0482 076 441 Ages: aged 3 years through to adulthood Presentation:
Funding sources: Medicare, NDIS How much does it cost to see a clinician? The cost of appointments will vary. Clinicians on this list run private practices, and are able to set their fees at a price they choose. You do not need a referral to see any of the below clinicians. All clinicians listed below will take private fee paying clients. You may be eligible to claim a rebate through Medicare with an appropriate referral This does not mean you will receive a free service. Reaching out to get help is a difficult process for most people. If you are reaching out and finding it hard to find someone who feels right, please don't give up. FOR URGENT ASSISTANCE And if you need urgent help remember that private mental health practitioners are NOT crisis support services. If you require immediate assistance please contact 24/7 crisis lines such as: - Lifeline (13 11 14) - Beyond Blue Support Service (1300 22 4636) If you require emergency support please dial 000 (within Australia). Kind Regards Kim Ross Psychologist | Positive Young Minds | Walking is Awesome Program. ps. If you are a psychologist or mental health professional I encourage you to share this list information widely. You can register your interest to be included on The Availability List. |
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Disclaimer* These articles are provided by Kim Ross, Psychologist for general information and education . They are not designed to be used for therapy.. If you are experiencing stress please contact your GP or mental health professional.
AuthorKim Ross is an Online Psychologist and Founder of Positive Young Minds and Private Practice Sustainability. Archives
October 2023
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