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Psychiatrist

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Psychiatrists can help some people

Psychiatrists are doctors who have specialist training in psychiatric issues. They treat conditions such as depression, severe anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. If your GP thinks that it would be helpful to see a psychiatrist, they can refer you to one.

Psychiatrists have medical training, and as such, they can give you medication if they think it will help you.

Your psychiatrist should listen to you. They will talk to you about how you feel. Most psychiatrists are happy to assist young people in this way. If you think your psychiatrist is not listening to you, then you can go back to your GP and ask to see a different one. You can take a friend or family member to the appointment with you if you want to.

Like anyone else you talk to, you may not feel comfortable with the first person you see. If you don't think they are listening to you, go and see someone different. Try not to give up. it can be hard to deal with your feelings and finding someone to talk to - but it's worth it in the end.

Taking medication

Sometimes just talking to someone will help. Sometimes you may need medication. If a psychiatrist suggests you take medication, you may want to get a second opinion. A second opinion can help you decide what you want to do. It is important that you receive the information you want. It may help to understand the effects of the drug and what some of the potential side effects might be.

Making an appointment

Psychiatrists will usually want you to make an appointment. If they are busy, you may have to wait a while before your first appointment.

Remember, if things feel really desperate, tell them it's urgent. They may be able to fit you in. If you want to talk to someone now, you can call Lifeline on 131 114 (cost of a local call from a landline) or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (free call from a landline, for people 25 and under).

Ask about your privacy

It is a good idea to talk to the person you see about keeping your information private. Unless you say so, a doctor has to keep what you tell them confidential, except in the following circumstances:

  • They believe that you or someone else is at risk of serious harm. 
  • A court orders them to give up information.

For more information about confidentiality, check out the Confidentiality fact sheet.

Psychiatrists can be free or you may have to pay

You won't have to pay to see a psychiatrist who works for the government in a hospital or a community health centre. Other psychiatrists work privately. They may ask for money up front for each visit. Ask them how much they charge and what Medicare will give you back. Take the bill to Medicare to get some of the money back. Some psychiatrists will bulk bill.

Bulk billing means that you sign a medicare form and the GP sends this straight to Medicare to get their payment for seeing you, instead of making you pay first. You don't have to have any money with you. If you see a Psychiatrist who bulk bills then you only need to give them your Medicare number - which you can find out by looking at the family's Medicare card, or by ringing Medicare on 132 011. At 15 you are entitled to get your own medicare card. For information about how to apply for one, ring Medicare on 132 011, visit a medicare office or check out this fact sheet.

There are other people to talk to

Lifeline (131 114) or Kids Help Line (1800 55 1800) should be able to help you with some numbers in your local area. You can also read about other services on this site and look them up in your local phone book.

  • This content was created by Reach Out Australia.
  • Last updated 28 Mar 10

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5 Comments

Porcelain

11 months ago

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I don't know why - but I've rejected in seeing a psychiatrist for a while now. I just didn't want to take medications that were prescribed from a psychiatrist, because I didn't want people to think different of me, or treat me different.


I had to find my own way through life, by still speaking to my psychologist (which she was the one who wanted to refer me to a psychiatrist), but I was like: No way!

Than I spoke to my KHL counsellors about it, and they were like: Isn't taking medications, the same thing as if someone has cancer & they're taking medications to get better, or someone with a migraine?

So, that was a huge thinker for me  - and my answer was still: No!!

I'm scared to actually go to my next session, because of the coping strategy tool or something. I'm scared to get out of control, because I be going back to where I was 12 years ago! :-/

I hope I find something on here to help me cope and so far, I don't know where to start! :-/

B.P.D.

5 months ago

Reply Report

The urge to resist medication is very strong in most people. I am 41 and have resisted medication for 20 years on and off. I have come to conclude that for some of us it is very important to take the advice of the people who are qualified to prescribe medications. It is natural to not wish to have to acknowledge to yourself and others that you need medication.(I feel like i am a failure as a human being at the thought of needing some pill to make me "normal".) However i believe i could have experienced a much less traumatic and upsetting life if i had of followed the dr's advice. GOOD LUCK and BEST WISHES to you on your personal journey towards a healthy outcome.

Porcelain

5 months ago

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Hi B.P.D


Thanks, I am on meds now & getting better, but am deciding to throw them away & continue my life back 12 years ago. It's so much better.

Take care.

Porcelain

4 months ago

Reply Report

____________________________________________________________________________

Edit: When I am sad or down, I disassociate myself from the world & shut people out & take a shower, watch a movie & drink coffee or tea or write in my book.**

I am going through so much and it's challenging, because of my health and because I am trying to find myself in this world with who I am and I think I know who I am. Thus far - I am happy.

Porcelain

4 months ago

Reply Report

Sadness runs in my family - 


 

Edited by moderator 4 months ago

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