While talking about mental health issues is becoming more and more accepted, it can still be surprisingly difficult to access professional support. Because the connection between client and mental health professional is so important to mental health care, it’s important to try and find the right one for you.
Often, long waitlists (thanks to increased demand) can make it tricky to find a mental health professional who suits your needs. On top of that, you have to navigate confusing terminology, fees and the vulnerability of opening yourself up – it can be a daunting prospect!
To help give Zee Feed readers the confidence to find the mental health support they need, we’ve proudly partnered with ReachOut, Australia’s most-accessed online mental health service for young people.
Compiled with their expert guidance, here are five handy tips for finding a mental health professional who’s right for you.
1. Know the Types of Mental Health Professionals…
The mental health profession is broad, covering lots of different roles that each serve a specific purpose. Before you start researching names or booking appointments, you need to identify which type of mental health professional will best meet your needs.
Psychologists are trained in treating and helping prevent mental health disorders. Psychologists often specialise in different science-based treatment techniques and areas. The term ‘psychologist’ is a protected title in Australia – only people who have done the approved degree, training and are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia can call themselves psychologists in Australia.
Clinical Psychologists are psychologists who have done further study and have had supervised training in a specific mental health field.
Counsellors provide support and guidance to help you solve personal problems and work on your mental health. They often specialise in specific areas (like grief, addiction or relationship counselling). It’s a good idea to look for a counsellor who’s registered with the Australian Counselling Association, as these professionals have completed approved training courses.
Psychiatrists are doctors who specialise in mental health disorders. They are able to prescribe medication as part of a treatment plan, whereas psychologists cannot. Psychiatrists must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia.
There are lots of other mental health professionals, such as general practitioners (GPs), youth workers, social workers, mental health nurses, peer workers and occupational therapists. Doing some research will help you identify which type best suits your needs.
2. …And the Types of Therapy
For those who’ve tried a few mental health professionals before but haven’t found ‘the one’, consider whether you should try someone with a completely different approach. Many professionals will specialise or choose to focus on one of the many different types of therapy.
If you’re seeking professional mental health support for the very first time, it’s worth being aware of the different therapy techniques, but don’t worry too much about ‘choosing’ a certain type. Your mental health professional can advise you which is best for your situation. Some of the most common therapy techniques in Australia are:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) involves connecting the dots between how our thoughts make us feel, and how those feelings make us behave. Therapists who use CBT will help you identify thought patterns (often ones you haven’t noticed) that are affecting your mental health, and suggest strategies to turn them into more helpful thoughts.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aims to create acceptance of the things that are outside our control to create or maintain an overall positive, meaningful life. Therapists who practise ACT might use mindfulness or core values activities to help you keep moving your life forward.
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) examines how your relationships with others impacts us. It can help you to find new ways to develop relationships, resolve conflicts, express emotions, adapt to changes and improve your social support networks.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) focuses on finding ways to manage or soothe intense emotions. Therapists can practise DBT one-on-one or in a group, and sessions involve discussing and practising exercises you can use ‘in the moment’. DBT works well for a range of issues, and is particularly helpful for those who have suicidal ideation, self-harm tendencies or Borderline Personality Disorder.
3. Ask for Recommendations
Once you know what to look for… where do you look? Asking around will often get you to the right practitioner faster than a basic Google search.
If it’s appropriate in your situation, asking trusted friends or family for recommendations is a good place to start. It can be particularly helpful if you are looking for a mental health professional who has experience working with clients of similar identities (think cultural, racial, gender, sexuality, and more). When you’ve got word of mouth recommendations that a mental health professional understands the nuances of your identity, it can make your first session feel much safer.
Ask your GP for a recommendation. Most GPs will have a network of allied health professionals they work with – including psychologists and counsellors. A psychiatrist appointment will require a referral. Remember: mental health issues are health issues, and it’s your GP’s responsibility to help keep you healthy.
If neither of those options work, ReachOut has listed some directories for registered mental health professionals – browse to find support near you.
4. Get Help With Fees
Mental health support can be expensive – currently, the Australian Psychology Society recommended fee for a private practise psychologist is $267. But if you know where to look and who to ask, financial support and lower-cost options are available:
- Ask your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). Until June 2022, MHCP will allow you to claim the Medicare rebate on up to 20 therapy sessions, covering a significant portion of the fee, or the full fee if you are bulk billed.
- Have private health insurance? Check your coverage plan. Many insurers will give you a rebate on the cost of psychology, psychiatry or counselling sessions up to a certain amount.
- Book an appointment at a university psychology clinic. These are staffed by psychologists who are doing the supervised training component required to become clinical psychologist, and as they are training facilities most offer very low fees.
Check out ReachOut’s article on how to get professional help if you don’t have much money for more tips.
5. Ask Yourself These Questions
After you’ve had the first session with a new mental health professional, take some time to ask yourself these questions:
- “Am I comfortable with this person?”
- “Did I feel like they listened and gave me their full attention?”
- “Do I believe they understand the specifics of my situation?” Think about cultural or identity factors. Remember: they don’t have to be able to relate to your situation, but they need to be able to understand the nuances of it.
- “Is their communication style and language clear to me? Do I feel comfortable asking questions and clarifications?”
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you may want to find another mental health professional. It might seem awkward to switch to a new one, but it’s a common and expected part of the process that professionals understand. They won’t take it personally!
Otherwise, give yourself two sessions to get a feel for them (if you can afford to do so). Because the first session is usually for you to explain what you’re experiencing, it’s often worth waiting for a second session to find out what their style is like.
If you’re worried that nothing is going to work, this guide by Clinical Psychologist Amy Burton may be reassuring.
Having a tough time and need someone to talk to right now? The listed services are here to listen and help you out. They are confidential and available 24/7.
ReachOut has free info, forums and online tools for whatever life throws at you. Their trusted self help information, peer-support and referral tools save lives by helping young people be well and stay well.