Psychiatrist

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.