Mental Health
Mental Health Assessment
It can be very hard to take that first step (or multiple steps) to look for help, so the fact that you're here reading this, is part of the way there! In my consults, I like to conduct a full mental health assessment and devise a plan forward for you. A full mental health assessment may include a blood test or other investigations to look for other causes of your symptoms.
The plan forward may include regular reviews, work-life balance interventions, recommendations for lifestyle changes, psychology (talking therapy), a referral to a psychiatrist, and/or medications. For me, the decision to offer medication is not made lightly, and will always come with a plan to review it in 6 to 12 months to see if medication is still appropriate or not.
Psychological Assessment Tools
These are some assessment tools I may require you to fill out:
Austism Spectrum Quotient - AQ50
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale - ASRS
Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - DASS21
Eating Disorder Examinaton Questionnaire - EDE-Q
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale - EPDS
Jasper/Goldberg Adult ADD Screening Examination - Jasper Goldberg
PTSD Checklist - PCL-5
Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale - Vanderbilt
Treatment Tools
I use a variety of tools in the treatment of mental health. I like to address the pillars of health: good sleep, exercise, nutrition, community, and purpose. The pillars of health which we need to work on will be elucidated during our consults.
Sometimes we need medication to help us along for a little while. I take a holistic approach when considering what supplements, herbal, or pharmaceutical medications may help you.
Sometimes we need to involve a psychologist or psychiatrist in your care.
Psychology
Psychologists use a range of techniques and therapies to help. They can be accessed in different ways:
With medicare rebates through a GP referral under the Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
Through community health services like EACH, if eligible
Using private health insurance funding
If you are a participant in the NDIS and you have funding for psychology
Through your work Employee Assistance Program (EAP), if available
Through your school or university
Through organisations that treat a specific issue (e.g. Spectrum for personality disorders)
Your GP can help you determine an appropriate service.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. You can access a psychiatrist with medicare rebates through a GP referral. Not all people will need a psychiatrist.
To find a psychiatrist, you can use this website: Your Health in Mind
Safety Plan
A safety plan is a written plan which outlines your warning signs, support people, and coping tools to remain safe when thoughts of self-harm or suicide become overwhelming. It is helpful to develop a safety plan when you're feeling OK, so it's there if you need it.
It is helpful to develop your safety plan with your doctor, psychologist, counsellor or support person. Beyond Blue has a good template you can fill out and send to people you want to: Safety Plan
Emergency Contacts
Beyond Blue
1300 224 636
Lifeline
13 11 14
Text: 0477 131 114
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
Online Chat - click the floating chat button on the right of the screen
Scheduled Video Chat - click the button for video chat at the bottom of the page
Kids Help Line (5-25 years old)
1800 55 1800
Emergency services
000