Psychologists work across a variety of settings such as in
private practice or in schools, prisons and remand centres,
hospitals and in research settings. To initially access a
psychologist an individual will usually have to obtain a referral
from a GP or a pediatrician (child) or psychiatrist. As part of an
individual's Mental Health Care Plan, a psychologist and GP will
work together to provide support, manage medication (if required)
and carry out psychological intervention. Therefore, it's important
that all parties involved are working together closely and that
they have an understanding of working with young people. It is
important to obtain some background on the psychologist that the
young person has been referred to, and often this can be done by
talking with the referring GP.
The barriers for a young person in accessing psychological help are
the same as those faced accessing a GP. The cost and the
accessibility are of great concern but perhaps the stigma is
greater when accessing a psychologist than a GP. It is important
that all parties involved in working with the young person are
conscious of the impact that stigma has on the ability of the young
person to access help.
Some psychological services are part of a larger program that a
young person may access for free, such as headspace.
Private health care insurance will often cover part of session
costs, dependent on the fund and policy, so it could be beneficial
to explore this avenue as an option also.
Other psychologists work under a Medicare scheme to assist with
costs which means that the sessions may be free or that only the
gap between the rebate and the session cost has to be paid. If the
young person is financially in no position to pay for the session,
the gap between the session cost and the rebate can often be
negotiated.
All psychology Medicare services are limited to a maximum of 12
individual sessions per client per calendar year, with a review by
the referring GP after the initial six sessions have been
completed. In addition, if appropriate, an individual may also be
eligible for 12 psychological group sessions services in a calendar
year.
For more information and to find a psychologist in your area,
please refer to the Australian Psychological Society site or the
website of the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA).