3. Talking to your GP about mental health — What to expect

Bringing up concerns about your mental health for the first time can be anxiety provoking, especially if we’re expecting a judgmental or uncaring response (thank you critical inner-voice). But if you’ve been feeling mentally unwell, visiting your local doctor/GP to discuss treatment options can lead you to get the help you deserve; if not directly from them, then via referral to a mental health professional. Finding a GP you can trust and who makes you feel understood and respected is important, so keep looking if you haven’t found this yet (you could always ask the practice receptionist which doctor has a special interest in mental health, or ask a friend who they recommend).

A GP may suggest starting, or changing, medication or may refer you to visit a mental health professional, such as a psychologist. You don’t need a referral to see a psychologist (or clinical psychologist) in Australia. However, if you get one from your GP first, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates toward psychology sessions via the Better Access Scheme (aka Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners initiative). This means that Medicare may pay for some of your session costs. To do this, your GP will create a ‘mental health care plan’ with you — asking lots of questions about your mental health history, current symptoms, and how they are impacting different aspects of your life. You don’t have to choose a therapist yourself, your GP can choose someone local for you.

Another concern that young people have in talking about their mental health with doctors, is confidentiality. In Australia, you can access a GP without a parent/adult present from 16 years of age. If you tell your GP (or therapist) that you have thoughts of suicide, they would conduct a risk assessment to determine if you’re in any immediate danger of harm. Typically, they will not call your parents or force you into hospital if you are not currently planning an attempt and can keep yourself safe until you develop a safety plan and commit to ongoing care. A GP should discuss your thoughts and preferences about your care, and work with you toward a treatment plan — this includes whether they are thinking about contacting your parent/carer.

At the end of the day, your GP is available to provide health care, and support your mental health. You deserve the best available treatment to manage your mental health!