Lived Experience Forum

[Birdofparadise8]

No not really sorry to say @Shaz51 

[Birdofparadise8]

Hey @Captain24 @tyme 

How are you both? 

[tyme]

Hey @Birdofparadise8 ! How have you been?!?! I feel like I've really missed connecting with you!

Are you okay?

[Birdofparadise8]

Hey @tyme 

Could be better but oh well. I saw my psychologist today and I have my last appointment in two weeks time and then I won’t have anyone as I can’t get into anything in Melbourne at the moment with it being December and my GP is on leave so I have so see someone else. Hopefully he is going to find someone though here in Hobart until I can find someone or I’m going to be lost with what to do for a few months. I also can’t see him because the clinic will be closed. 

Did you have work today? 

[tyme]

OOOOO @Birdofparadise8 - Actually, when you come to Melb, you'll probably find you can access a lot more supports. 

I'm excited for you. When you come, I can 'show you around' and see what supports suit you.

[Birdofparadise8]

I think it’s just had because it’s December and the ones I’ve found have been really expensive she has charging like $250 and I don’t have that kind of money for weekly sessions. Thank you though @tyme. 

[tyme]

Hence, the more you network with people, the more you find out @Birdofparadise8 . I still don't pay anything for my psych sessions - never have. I've offered to pay, but have never had to pay. There's no gap. And I have the most amazing psychologist.

[Birdofparadise8]

Really where do you go if you don’t mind me asking @tyme?

[tyme]

It was my former case manager from my area mental health. He also has private practice as a senior clinician. I have my appointments over Microsoft Teams because I don't have the time to drive out to see him. But his practice is about just under 30 mins drive from Melb city. @Birdofparadise8 .

Melbourne also has a number of Prevention and Recovery Centres which are absolutely amazing for those who do not need the intensity of an inpatient stay.

Then, I have my community zumba and dance classes. These are all free of charge.

We also get a fob for a leisure centre. 

What I'm trying to say is that it depends on who your connections are and who you can connect with.

But yes, I have never paid for a single session in all my years in the MH system. That's why I am continually astounded that this is the case.

[Birdofparadise8]

Lucky you then. I can’t seem to find much at all. I’m looking in the Bundoora area but they all see to charge a lot. @tyme