We all experience challenging emotional issues at different times. We can’t always deal with these on our own. If you feel you need help and it’s not an emergency, it’s best to see your doctor.
When you see your doctor, they’ll assess what help you need. This could include:
- making a mental health assessment
- creating a mental health treatment plan
- referring you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional
- giving you a prescription for medicines to treat depression or anxiety.
Your doctor might ask you some personal questions to understand your situation. Sometimes it can be hard to talk to others about your mental health.
If your doctor bulk bills, Medicare will cover the cost of the appointment. If you pay the full cost, you can make a claim for the amount Medicare will cover. Your doctor can also make a claim on your behalf.
Mental health treatment plans
If you have a mental health disorder, you and your doctor can create a plan to treat it. Your mental health treatment plan will have goals agreed by you and your doctor. It’ll also have:
- treatment options
- support services available.
Keep in mind your health information and treatment plan will be private. Doctors can’t share your information unless you agree to it.
Mental health professional support
Your doctor can refer you to mental health professionals including:
- psychiatrists
- psychologists
- counsellors
- social workers
- occupational therapists.
A mental health treatment plan lets you claim up to 20 sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year.
To start with, your doctor or psychiatrist will refer you for up to six sessions at a time. If you need more, they can refer you for further sessions. Health professionals set their own fees, so we may only cover some of the cost. Ask how much you’ll pay and what you’ll get back from us when you make your appointment. If they bulk bill, you won’t have to pay anything. If you have private health insurance, you may be able to get some money back. You can check with your insurer.
If you live in a remote area, it might be hard to see a mental health professional. You may be able to have a telehealth video consultation instead. You can claim for video consultation sessions with a mental health professional. Ask your GP or mental health professional if they offer this service.
The Head to Health website has helpful resources from a range of mental health websites. It has information about:
- supporting yourself
- supporting someone else.
The Reachout Australia website has information to support young people experiencing mental health issues.
If you’re in crisis and need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. They’re open 24 hours a day, sevendays a week. The Lifeline website also has helpful information on crisis support and suicide prevention.
If you’re between the ages of 5 and 25, you can call the kidshelpline on 1800 551 800. They’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They offer a phone counselling service. The kidshelpline website also has helpful information for kids, teenagers, young adults, and parents.
Caring for someone with a mental health issue can be challenging emotionally and financially.
Centrelink offers support through:
- Carer Payment – an income support payment if you give constant care to someone
- Carer Supplement – an extra yearly payment for some carers
- Carer Adjustment Payment – a one-off payment for carers of children under seven with severe illness or major disability.
You can use the Carer Gateway website to find other kinds of support. This includes practical, social, and emotional help.
For all cystic fibrosis related health care, please always speak first with your clinician.