'People want to be seen immediately': Surge in demand sees psychologists turning away patients

A spike in demand for psychology services across Australia has seen waiting times triple in some regions, with a number of providers saying they are fully booked until next year.Psychologists say waitlists are long, with some booked out until 2021Since mid-March, Australians have accessed 5,774,696 mental health services funded by Medicare.

"I am worried about clients that have depression and if they have a wait time or too big of a gap between their sessions, that's not safe for them," she said. Plus, she is cautious about referring existing clients elsewhere, because they would have to repeat their case history and build a relationship with a new therapist.

Patrick Jones, founder of Perth Psychologists, says he has never seen service demand like this before.

Working HR, I hear many stories from employees who r seeking help from a psychol/ psychiatrist. Employees seeking help are told the wait will be 3-6 months. When patients delve deeper, they’ve found that the doctors work part-time hours. Not available to help & not good enough!

manfield_evelyn It’s unfortunate that you didn’t include mental health social workers in your article. AMHSW’s can provide Focussed Psychological Strategies under the Better Access scheme which means clients can be eligible for a Medicare rebate.

typical. specialists are always 'un-available anyway, eg my 6 month appointment made for a dermatologist. Mental health WILL impact many for a LONG TIME.....chats with a psychologist is often of little help anyway. But no help is appalling.

the public only want to see psychologist when Medicare pays for the visits Mental health is just an individual weakness why do taxpayers have to pay? They want everything to be free from childcare NDIS vaccines covid tests FREE FREE How much do they cost? no1 knows

Your GP is always available to help

Toughen up princess 👸

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