So, you’re looking for a psychologist?
Well done for making it this far, seeking support for your mental health can feel like a big step. It’s also very normal to feel out of your depth or completely intimidated by the idea of talking to a stranger about your thoughts and feelings.
Finding the right support depends on a lot of different factors. Before you start looking for a psychologist, there are a few questions you might want to ask yourself.
Some questions to consider…
- What am I struggling with? (e.g. Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Relationships)
- How much will it cost and what can I afford?
- Where do I want to see my psychologist? Do I want someone in my local area or am I happy to travel?
- Do I want to see someone in person or am I more comfortable having sessions online?
- Do I want a psychologist who is like me? It’s good to think about who you will feel most comfortable seeing? Is this someone who matches your age, gender, culture or religion?
- Who is available? This is a big one - let us explain why….
Unfortunately, most psychologists are very busy right now. It’s not uncommon for psychologists to have long waitlists which means you have to wait several months for an appointment. If you’re looking for help ASAP this can feel pretty disheartening. While we know it's not ideal, the current demand for psychologists might mean you might have to prioritise a psychologist who has availability over someone who sounds like the perfect fit.
Don’t stress though, you can still put yourself on the waitlist for your ideal psychologist while you're seeing someone else. It’s okay to shop around for psychologists and try out a few different ones!
If the first psychologist you find isn’t a perfect match, you don’t have to go back for a second session. This is super normal and most people have to try a few psychologists to find someone that works. Remember, everyone is different and often you won’t know what works until you’ve tried it.
Where can I find psychologists?
There are lots of great online resources where you can search for a psychologist or counsellor. The APS search tool is great if you’re looking for a registered psychologist. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a counsellor or therapist the Psychology Today tool is your best option. Feel free to play around with these tools to find a psychologist that fits your needs:
What if I can't find a psychologist near me?
If the psychologist in your area is booked out, the first thing you can do is expand your area. There are normally more psychologists around the city centre, so this is always a good place to start.
You can also try to book Telehealth or online support, as they generally have a bit more availability.
You can try:
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