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GP said they couldn't give me a MHCP nor refer me to any other mental health service because they didn't know me. Normal?

AShadowWolf
Community Member

Hi everyone,

I managed to work up the courage after hours of pacing around the area, to walk into the GP clinic that I had planned on visiting, and talk to the GP about my mental health. I don't like my family GP so this was a new one. I told her that I had been struggling with my mental health issues for several years now, that it was getting worse because I wasn't receiving treatment, and that it was impacting my ability to function to the point where I couldn't work and I failed my last year and a half of uni. I had my piece of paper in my pocket with all my symptoms and everything but paused to gauge her reaction before going into specifics.

She told me she didn't specialise in mental health which is fine but I figured she'd still be able to help me or at least refer me to someone who could. Instead, she said my uni would have services to deal with my issues and I told her that I needed a MHCP to access them. She said she couldn't give me one because she didn't know me. That was surprising. People see new GPs all the time. She told me to see my family GP and I told her that I hadn't seen him in years and he didn't know about my mental health issues so it wouldn't be any different. I asked her if she could refer me to someone who could diagnose me or give me meds and she said she couldn't give referrals because she didn't know me. She told me again, to see my family GP. That I was born here so I should have one. To ask my mum/ dad/ siblings for their GP instead. I was a little speechless so I just thanked her and left.

I don't even know what to do. Wasn't expecting that result. I find it weird that she didn't give me any help because she didn't know me. This surely isn't normal, right? I worry that all the GPs in my area are the same because mental health is never talked about in my community and most people have an outdated view on it.

3 Replies 3

jess334
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hi AShadowWolf,

Welcome to the beyond blue forum.

I'm sorry that you had to experience that on your first attempt at finding help.

It is definitely not normal for a GP to refuse to help in that way. Not even a referral to another Dr! That must have been very frustrating for you.

You could try calling a few other GPs in your area and ask the receptionist if they have anyone who can help you with a MHCP.

Most GPs should be happy to do this, although they usually prefer if you book in a double appt as the process can take some time.

In the meantime please feel free to keep using this forum for support, or if you need to speak to someone immediately, try calling the Beyond Blue helpline.

Kind thoughts, Jess

Lonelydan
Community Member
Hi Shadow wolf, Doctor in private practices can basically do what they want it’s a business. I’ve experienced some terrible treatment from a few doctors. I finally called the nsw metal health line 1800 001 511 they are wonderful if you’re Not in New South Wales I’m sure they’ll give you a number for the state you’re in please call them. Dan...

romantic_thi3f
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi AShadowWolf,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for joining us.

I wish that I could say that it wasn't normal, but unfortunately GP's are not always trained (or always give a damn) about mental health so people can have negative experiences with them.

To answer your question, any GP can make a Mental Health Care Plan after only one consult - although they usually request a long consult.

How would you feel about trying again with a different GP? One thing you could do is ask the receptionist - they'll often have a better understanding of which of their doctors are better suited to mental health.