Mental health support in Kilmore
You do not need to be in crisis to book a mental health appointment. Most people come because things have been harder than usual for a while and they want a plan rather than a diagnosis.
A practical place to start
The hardest part is usually the booking. After that it is a conversation – what has been going on, how long, what it is affecting, and what you have already tried.
From there your GP can put together a mental health treatment plan. That is a written plan that also unlocks Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist, which is what makes ongoing support affordable for most people.
Waiting lists for psychology in regional areas are real, and your GP will be honest about them. In the meantime there is plenty that can be done – reviewing sleep, alcohol, medication, and the physical causes of low energy that get mistaken for depression.
Who this is for
- Anyone whose mood, worry or stress has been building
- People who are not sleeping, or sleeping far too much
- Anyone whose drinking has crept up
- Patients managing the mental health side of a chronic illness or pain
- Parents worried about a teenager
- Anyone already seeing a psychologist who needs a plan or a review
How it works
The first appointment
A longer appointment, so there is time. Your GP will ask what has been happening and how it is affecting your day to day, and will usually check for physical contributors – thyroid, iron, vitamin D, sleep apnoea – because those are common and easy to miss.
A mental health treatment plan
A written plan setting out what you are dealing with, what will help, and who is involved. It gives access to Medicare rebates for a set number of psychology sessions each calendar year.
Finding the right support
Your GP can suggest psychologists who fit what you need and are actually taking referrals, including telehealth where that is faster. Medication is discussed where it is appropriate, and is never the only option offered.
Review
Plans are reviewed after your first block of sessions, so you and your GP can see what is working and change what is not. Care continues with the same practice, which matters when you would rather not start the story again.
Book an appointment if
- You have felt flat, anxious or overwhelmed for more than a couple of weeks
- Worry is interfering with sleep, work or relationships
- You are using alcohol or other things to cope
- You have had panic attacks
- Someone close to you has suggested you talk to somebody
Before your appointment
Ask for a longer appointment and say it is for a mental health plan – reception will book the right length without asking you to explain. It helps to jot down when things changed and what you have already tried. If you are already seeing a psychologist, bring their details.
Related services at All Care
All Care Medical and Dental Centre is at 3 Powlett St, Kilmore VIC 3764, with GP-led medical care and dental services at the same clinic. We welcome new patients from Kilmore, Broadford, Wallan, Wandong, Lancefield, Romsey, Beveridge, Hidden Valley, Heathcote Junction and Pyalong. Book online or call +61 3 9115 2979.
Frequently asked questions
How many subsidised psychology sessions can I get?
A mental health treatment plan provides Medicare rebates for a set number of sessions each calendar year, with a GP review partway through. Your GP will explain how many apply and roughly what the rebate covers.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
You can see one without a referral, but a GP mental health treatment plan is what makes the Medicare rebate available – which for most people is the difference between a few sessions and a full course.
Will I be put on medication?
Not automatically. Medication is one option among several, and whether it is appropriate depends on what is going on. Many people are managed with psychology and practical changes alone.
What if I need help right now?
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline is available 24 hours on 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If you can wait for an appointment, tell reception it is urgent when you call.
Book an appointment at All Care
New patients are welcome. Book online, or call our reception team if you are not sure which appointment you need.