Where do I get help when I need to talk and feel lost, mentally ill or in a crisis?
Darleen Barton Dr
Principal & Founder Dr (hc) @ DIPAC Est 2009 Private Practice | Counselling Therapist | Accredited Mediator| Conflict Resolution |Life Business Executive Coaching People Development
Subject:?Where do I get help when I need to talk and feel lost, mentally ill or in a crisis? The below is a general overview.
Getting the right help in the right place...
We have a mental health system bursting at the seams. Patients arrive at the GP’s office, given a mental health plan, then placed on a waiting list for weeks, months to see a phycologist under Medicare. You can just imagine how dysfunctional this process has become.
There is 100's of thousands of people on waiting on the Medicare lists across Australia.
This is NOT your only option...
Seeking help has become overwhelming in itself!
?While people are waiting for an appointment, their lives, families and careers are usually not improving, they are probably on the decline.
Below is information on some of the differences between professionals.
Counsellors- Phycologists- Physiatrist - Social Workers- Crisis Counselling
Then you can make your own decision on what professional will suit you best.
?What is psychology??
Psychology deals with more complex mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, panic disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It focuses on the science behind human emotions and behaviours, and is used to diagnose and treat issues that prevent clients from having a high quality of life. Psychology is a long-term process that can last for months and even years.?
Psychology uses psychometric testing and other methods to identify the root cause of problems before prescribing treatment. These problems, which can be physical, psychological or neurological in nature, are treated with?evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).?Most Psychologist take medicare and are a part of the public system
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What is counselling??
Counselling is considered to be “talk therapy”. During a session, a trained counsellor will listen to a client talk about their problems and feelings in a safe and confidential space. Counselling is addressing?practical issues like coping with grief or building better communication skills, family issues. Generally, counsellors have experience in dealing with many of life difficult moments.
When undergoing counselling, clients won’t be put on a mental health treatment plan or diagnosed with a mental health condition—instead, a counsellor provides the space a client needs to talk about and process their issues.?A counsellor will work with the client to help them move forward by providing tools and coping strategies. The counsellor and client will usually build on a professional relationship over time to provide a safe place for the client to seek counsel over their life when needed.
Some counsellors have skills in CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other forms of therapy to help clients with presentations such as Anxiety, Depression, Trauma?
Cousellors do not take Medicare they are not a part of the public system. However, most are affiliated with EAP's and Private Health funds.
What is a counsellor??
Counsellors help people understand their own thoughts and behaviours. They encourage their clients to talk openly so they can explore aspects of their lives and how they felt in specific situations.
Rather than using a strict treatment plan, a counsellor may encourage overall wellbeing. They work with clients to manage anxiety, stress or anger, and educate them on strategies that will help them overcome their problems.
Counsellors tend to work in areas such as:?
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Day-to-day responsibilities of a counsellor
Counsellors are expected to cater their sessions to suit their clients and meet their expectations. That means that no session will be the same, which can make it a very varied career.?
That said, there are core responsibilities that you will likely carry out day-to-day. These include:?
What does a psychologist do??
Psychologists focus on human behaviour to better understand the inner workings of the mind. They are trained to diagnose clients with mental, physical or behavioural health issues and then develop relevant treatment plans.?
Psychologists also work to identify both conscious and subconscious issues that affect a client’s mental health and tend to work with clients for a long period of time.?
Day-to-day responsibilities of a psychologist
Psychologists are expected to stay on top of the latest research to inform their treatments. Like a counsellor, the majority of their time is spent addressing client needs.
A psychologist’s daily responsibilities include:?
Can a psychologist diagnose??
Psychologists are trained to assess and diagnose mental health conditions. However, because they’re not medical professionals, they cannot prescribe medications—this is reserved for psychiatrists.?
What are the main differences between a counsellor and a psychologist??
The main difference between a counsellor and a psychologist is their ability to diagnose, and their methodology. Psychologists use methods such as CBT to help people better manage their mental health. Some counsellors may use these methods too, but more often encourage clients to find their own methods for managing their emotions, while providing the support they need.
Another difference is the settings that both professions work in. As a counsellor, you’ll often work in private practice, community health, schools, universities and not-for-profit organisations. Psychologists tend to work in public hospitals, community mental health services, private practices and non-government mental health services.?
What is the difference between Psychologist and Psychiatrist?
Psychiatry is a medical specialisation, just like pediatrics, dermatology, internal medicine or obstetrics. As such, your education will be centered around preparing for and attending medical school.
“Psychiatrists attend medical school and then have specialised training in mental health disorders and diagnosing and treating patients with those disorders.
The most significant difference between the two fields is that?a psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. While psychologists typically hold doctorate degrees, they do not attend medical school and are not medical doctors.
What does a Social worker do?
Social?workers?are?allied health professionals who help people who are in crisis and need support. They provide counselling, information and referrals to other services. Social workers help people to face life's challenges, improve their wellbeing, and do their best to ensure they are treated fairly.
Kindest Regards
Crisis Counselling Lifeline
Lifeline?is Australia’s leading suicide prevention service. Find out about our services. We exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone. We Are Here For You. Reach Out. Contact?Lifeline?Today 13 11 14 or SMS:?0477 131 114
ALL APPOINTMENT ARE MADE ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.DIPAC.COM.AU on Hotdoc or via your Converge EAP through your HR Department