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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. Are you sick of being stuck on a waiting list? Stressed out not knowing when it will be time for you? Private mental health support can be provided by 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. The following list was updated 6th February 2024  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 yours to explore the information and make your decision as to whether you wish to make a booking or referral. ositive Young Minds
Kim Ross (Psychologist) www.positiveyoungminds.com.au. Phone: 0408533515 Ages: Children and adolescents aged 6-18. Parents. Presentations:
Balanced Mind Body Psychology Renee Johnston (Psychology) https://balancedmindbodypsychology.com.au/ Phone: (07) 5241 4825 Mobile: 0493 509 292 Ages: 18+ Presentations: Broad range of presentations including Anxiety, Autism, ADHD, Grief and Loss, and Perimenopause/Menopause. Funding: Medicare; NDIS (self-managed or plan managed), Private Pay, Health Insurance, Workcover Therapy and Assessments Enhance Life Psychology Nonie Carr (Counselling Psychologist) www.enhancelife.com.au Phone: 0412657234 Ages: Adolescents and Adults Presentations: Anxiety, Trauma, Enhancing performance in the following areas: Sports, Artistic, School and Business. Funding Sources: Include Private Payment, Medicare, CarolanPsych Luke Carolan (Psychologist) www.carolanpsych.au Phone: 0426450902 Ages: 16+ Presentations: Broad range of presentations, particularly anxiety, depression and stress Funding Sources: Medicare, Private Enriching Lives Psychology Carly Dober, Psychologist www.enrichinglivespsychology.com.au Phone: 1300286125 Ages: 10-65+ Presentations: PTDS, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, stress SB Psychology Srolic Barber (Psychologist) www.srolicbarber.com Phone: 0450714262 Ages: Adults Presentations: ADHD - in adults, support and strategies for parents with children with ADHD, Relationship difficulties, Anger issues, Anxiety, OCD and Phobias Shannon Morley (Educational & Developmental Psychologist) www.shannonmorley.com.au Phone: 0409 545 009 Ages: 7-25 yo (children, teens and young adult women) Broad range of presentations including Anxiety, Social/friendships, Transitions, Grief/loss, and School-Related Issues. Communities: Autistic Clients and ADHD Funding: Medicare, NDIS (self-managed) Eve Psychology Evelyn Moser-Burgess (Psychologist) www.evepsychology.com.au Phone: 02 8006 9114 Ages: 18+ Presentation: Anxiety, depression, grief & loss, improving overall wellbeing & goal achievement Funding: Medicare, Private Fee, WorkCover/SIRA Awakening Creative Therapies Mei Sze Goh (Counsellor and Sensorimotor Art Therapist) www.awakeningct.com.au Phone number - 0481 841 118 Ages: Primary and Secondary School age children. Parents Presentation: Childhood Trauma, Exposure to Trauma, Emotional Regulation, Grief and Loss, Relationships (parent child/parent-parent), Anxiety Funding sources: Private health insurance (check individual cover), NDIS self-managed, Private Fee The Nurture Lounge Psychology Clinic Tamika Langdon (Psychologist) www.thenurturelounge.com Phone: 0466 956 448 Ages: 18+ Presentation: Anxiety, Relationships & Intimacy, Self Exploration & Life adjustment, Trauma & Attachment, Chronic Health Conditions Funding: Medicare, Private, 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. |
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Working together to strengthen your Calm Dynamic mind and create calm, connection and confidence
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I work with people from all backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. I believe you should have the freedom to be yourself and valued for your differences. It's what makes our world go round.
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