Find a mental health professional
Often the best place to start is with the person’s regular GP (doctor). They can listen to their symptoms and refer them to a specialist mental health practitioner. For example, there may be a local psychologist who specialises in helping teenagers with anxiety. Or a psychiatrist who is experienced in treating severe depression.
The GP may also write a mental health treatment plan so you can get Medicare rebates for psychologist appointments.
When you book the GP appointment, ask for a longer appointment to talk about mental health.
You can also book directly with a counsellor or a psychologist. You don’t need a referral.
For more information about how to find a mental health professional and make an appointment go to Find a mental health professional.
Support someone at their first mental health professional appointment
Your support at this early stage can be important in helping them get effective treatment. It’s also important to keep up their motivation during ongoing treatment.
Remember the person you’re supporting needs to feel in control and take responsibility for their own treatment as well. Make sure they’re actively involved in decisions. Taking over and doing everything for them can risk them withdrawing from you and further treatment.
How can you be involved?
It can be useful to view this as a partnership to seek effective treatment and work towards recovery.
You may want to agree on:
- what information you’ll share with the mental health professional
whether you’ll attend parts of the appointment – for example, you might attend the first part, the last part or just wait in the waiting room.
