Psychiatrists
Hey guys, I am new to this.
I have recently been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder II. It has been extremely difficult for me to come to terms with this.
The psychiatrist I am currently seeing is completely hopeless in assisting me in anything but medication. But the good thing about seeing him is that it's bulk-billed & all covered under Medicare.
As a student living away from home I will be unable to pay that much more to see another psychiatrist, but I know that it is essential for my treatment.
At the moment I have two options for seeing a new psychiatrist.
1. There is a psychiatrist that is not too far from my home, that was recommended from a person I see at headspace. But the only thing is that I will most likely need to pay a extra fee & I don't think I can at the moment.
2. There is free psychiatry, through another headspace centre I can access. But that is a good distance away & they seem to be very busy.
Any suggestions in seeing a psychiatrist that would be bulk billed and a close proximity to parramatta.
I guess I am scared that the psychiatrist may not give me the guidance I need & also I may not ask the right questions if my mood isn't right.
Comments
Hi Iri, welcome to Reach Out. I've just merged both of your threads so you won't have to check them both separately.
It's fantastic that you've taken the initiative to seek out professional help for your Bipolar. Seeing a psychiatrist is a great start on building a support network and getting your medication sorted out. If your psychiatrist isn't that great at talking, you might want to try seeing a psychologist or a counsellor as well. Beyond Blue have a really handy tool for finding all kinds of mental health professionals in you area, including those who bulk bill. You can check that out by clicking here.
In the meantime you can also read about self-help strategies, like keeping a journal to track your moods and learning relaxation.
Has anyone else used Headspace services and can give Iri some advice?
Thank you very much ElleBelle
I appreciate your reply. I will see about the Beyond Blue site, with the link you gave.
Thank you
I'm not sure of your exact situation but if you do feel you need more help after the 10 sessions through eheadspace please see your GP - you can work through a mental health plan and you can get a large chunk of the cost of the sessions back from medicare. If after those sessions you need more, you may be eligible for a further 6. I'm not sure how this works with eheadspace though - but definitely something for you to look into.
I know 10 sessions may not seem like a lot - but the reason that many is what is supported is that it is often enough 🙂
There's some more info here: http://www.psychology.org.au/medicare/fact_sheet/#s4
But please make sure you talk to your psychologist / eheadspace / your GP to confirm details as they're applicable to you 🙂
Take care!
JD
Thanks Jay-Dee
I have spoken to headspace of the possibility of attaining extra sessions after the 10. I am going speak to my GP about that tomorrow. Headspace said they will be willing to give me the extra sessions if I need them. But the thing is it says that it is available for those with "exceptional circumstances."
That worries me because it is not always that I am unwell. But when I am unwell, I feel REALLY unwell and that would definately qualify for the "exceptional circumstances" section. I am concerned that I may feel well after 10 sessions and won't qualify for the extra sessions and later on I may struggle immensly and at that point I can't attain the extra sessions. 
But nevertheless I will speak to my GP about it tomorrow and also my new psychiatrist about it next week.
I really truley hope that this works out, because I really fear going through the immense pain & suffering again.
Iri
You mentioned you're a student. There is always a free counseling service available at uni's and Tafe's. I started seeing my psychologist at uni and if you aren't after medication, that's probably the best bet. Plus if you need them they will tell you so and most likely get you to go to your GP.
Maybe that's something you could try?
Thanks sagira,
I too hope I can work something out.
The counselling at my Tafe is a good idea. I will see how my sessions go with the psychologist and then decide whether to use the counselling at Tafe.
I think if I am more clear in what exactly I want with my counselling/psychology sessions I will be more confident in seeking out more assistance if need be.
Hope it works out. Will let you guys know how it goes.
But yes, definitely take it one step at a time and see what you need from it all. 🙂
Thank you sagira,
I have never heard of a joint treatment plan. It sounds really good. I think I will look into that & speak to my current psychologist about it.
It sounds promising sagira, thank you very much for your response. I will see about it.
Thank you again!:smileyhappy 
Ok, I understand Sagira.
I will ask about it tomorrow & see how it goes.
I did see a new psychiatrist yesterday, but unfortunately i didn't feel that connection. Plus it can be a close to a 2 hr journey to see him.
I fortunately do have another psychiatrist I have booked to see this coming Monday, hope that goes well.
I have had to deal with this pretty bad all body rash as a reaction to a medicine. I did try to contact my last psychiatrist (as he was the prescribing doctor of the medicine), on phone about it. He didn't return my call and that was yesterday.
He can see me tomorrow about it, hopefully for the last time.
I do kinda feel that this was the confirming sign that this psychiatrist isn't for me
Hey Iri
Thanks for checking back with us.
I can understand seeing a therapist can be an expensive investment. But good on you for trying to find some professional help.
The medicare rebate for psychological sessions is for 10 sessions this year with additional 6 if your psychologist believes you require more sessions. It usually isn't an issue to acquire more, so don't let that stop you seeing someone. Some therapists are willing to charge you less if you can't afford. Do speak with them about their fee policy.
In Parramatta, there is a community mental health service on Marsden St. There are psychologists and psychiatrists that don't charge you to see them. The downside is you need to call them to book a session and there is a waiting-list to see one of them.
The main thing is to find a therapist that you feel comfortable talking to. Talk to them about out-of-business-hours contact, like how to reach them outside of session times. If you can't reach your therapist, give Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) a call.
Good luck with the session tomorrow!
Doris
Thank you Doris for your reply,
Headspace recommended me seeing a psychiatrist. I am seeing him this coming Monday. I hope we will have a solid rapport.
Thank you Doris for the community mental health service on Marsden St , info. I may need to look into their service for a therapist, as the one I am seeing isn't too bad, I feel I need some more therapy.
Hi Guys,
I have recently connected with a headspace centre near my home. I have seen a psychologist once & it was pretty good. But the thing is I have only 10 visits in total. I know that with my bipolar I would probably need my psychological help.
Has anyone had experience with headspace and seeing a psychologist there? And if so do you know about continued psych help?
Thanks
