Navigating Mental Health Services for your Wellbeing
When it comes to mental health care in Brisbane, knowing where to turn for support can be overwhelming. Between public services and private practitioners, the pathways to accessing care vary widely, each with their own benefits and challenges. Understanding how to navigate these systems can help you get the right care, whether you need immediate crisis support or ongoing therapy.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between public and private mental health services in Brisbane, how to access them, and what you can expect from each.
Brisbane’s Public Mental Health Service: How It Works
Brisbane’s public mental health services are accessible to all residents through Medicare, offering a range of free or low-cost support for people in need. These services are typically provided by Queensland Health and community mental health teams. Public mental health care is an essential safety net for people who are experiencing severe mental health issues or cannot afford private care.
Key public services include:
- Community Mental Health Services: These teams provide support for people with complex mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, often involving case management, crisis intervention, and rehabilitation services.
- Public Hospitals: Brisbane’s hospitals offer mental health services through emergency departments and inpatient units for acute mental health crises.
- Mental Health Crisis Support: Queensland’s public system provides 24/7 crisis support through services like the Mental Health Access Line (1300 MH CALL), where people can receive immediate help in urgent situations.
While public services are essential, there can be limitations, such as longer wait times for non-urgent care and fewer options for regular, ongoing therapy. However, they are often a lifeline for people who need immediate assistance or intensive treatment.
Medicare and the Mental Health Care Plan
One of the key ways to access affordable mental health care in Brisbane is through Medicare’s Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). This plan allows you to receive rebates on sessions with a psychologist or mental health social worker. Under this system, you can claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year with a mental health professional.
Here’s how to access a MHCP:
- Visit Your GP: Make an appointment with your general practitioner (GP) and discuss your mental health concerns. If appropriate, they will refer you to a psychologist or counsellor and provide you with a MHCP.
- Choose a Therapist: Your GP can refer you to a mental health professional, or you can choose one yourself. Many private psychologists offer Medicare-rebated services, so it’s important to check if your chosen therapist bulk-bills or accepts Medicare rebates.
Using a MHCP can make private therapy much more affordable, particularly for those who can’t access the public system or prefer a specific therapist.
Private Mental Health Care: Flexible, Personalised Support
Private mental health care in Brisbane offers more flexibility in terms of choosing your therapist and accessing regular, ongoing care. Private psychologists, counsellors, and therapists provide a wide range of services, from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to trauma counselling, with more personalised treatment plans.
Here are the main benefits of private mental health care:
- Shorter Wait Times: Unlike public services, private practitioners typically have much shorter wait times, allowing you to start treatment sooner.
- Choice of Therapist: Private care gives you the freedom to select a therapist who best suits your needs, whether based on their speciality, location, or approach.
- Customised Treatment: Private therapists can offer more tailored treatment options, focusing on your specific concerns such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues.
However, private therapy can be expensive, especially if your therapist doesn’t offer bulk-billing. Many clinics do offer sliding scales for fees, making therapy more affordable depending on your income.
Differences Between Public and Private Mental Health Support
While both public and private mental health services are crucial, there are clear differences that might influence your decision:
| Public Mental Health | Private Mental Health |
| Free or low-cost through Medicare | Can be expensive without Medicare rebates |
| Longer wait times for non-urgent cases | Shorter wait times for appointments |
| Services for severe, complex mental health issues | Services for a wide range of mental health concerns |
| Limited choice of therapist | Freedom to choose your therapist |
| Crisis intervention available 24/7 | Not typically for acute crises, more for ongoing care |
Finding the Right Mental Health Care for You
Deciding between public and private mental health care comes down to your specific needs, budget, and urgency of care. Here are some tips for making an informed choice:
- If you’re in crisis: Contact a public mental health service or visit the emergency department at your local hospital.
- For regular therapy: Consider using a Mental Health Care Plan to access affordable private therapy, especially if you want to choose your therapist or need regular appointments.
- If affordability is key: Look into public mental health services, community health centers, or clinics that offer bulk-billing.
Local Mental Health Resources and Services in Queensland
Brisbane has a wealth of resources available for residents seeking mental health care. Some local options include:
- Queensland Health Mental Health Services: Provides comprehensive public mental health care across Brisbane.
- MindSpot: A free online service that offers assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression.
- The Brisbane Mental Health Foundation: Connects individuals to local mental health programs and support networks.
- Headspace: Provides mental health support for young people aged 12-25 in various Brisbane locations.
Taking the Next Step for your Wellbeing
If you’re unsure about which mental health care option is right for you, talking to a professional can help guide you. At Takes Care Specialist Centre, we offer private therapy with Medicare rebates, ensuring you can access personalised mental health care without long wait times.
Ready to take control of your mental health? Contact Takes Care Specialist Centre at 07 3870 9388 or visit us at Suite 14/40 Annerley Road, Woolloongabba QLD 4120 to discuss your options and get started on your journey to well-being.