Navigating the Mental Health System

Navigating the Mental Health System in Australia

The UTS Counselling Service and UTS Health Service are both located in Building 1, Level 6, making it easy to access mental and physical health support in one place. All counsellors at the UTS Counselling Service are trained psychologists with AHPRA registration. To learn more about the differences between doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors, please see the information below.

Doctors

Medical Doctors (also called medical practitioners) are qualified health professionals who diagnose and work with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. Doctors specialise in many different fields. Doctors can:

• Diagnose illnesses, injuries, and mental health conditions
• Prescribe medication and provide health advice
• Refer patients to medical specialists, mental health professionals, or other healthcare services when needed

All Doctors are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

Source: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

General Practitioners (GPs)

General Practitioners (GPs) are Doctors that are usually the first healthcare professional people see when they have a health concern. They are trained to care for all people, regardless of age and can treat many common health conditions. If more specialised care is needed, your GP can refer you to the right service. All GP’s are registered with AHPRA.

GPs can help with:

• Common illnesses
• Minor injuries
• Ongoing care for chronic health conditions
• Pregnancy care
• Children's health
• Preventative health care (regular check-ups, health advice, prescriptions for some medications, vaccinations, mental health plans, STI checks)

Source: Health Direct

UTS Health Service

UTS Health Service employs both GP’s and nurses. It is a bulk billing medical practice, meaning for local students the majority of consultations come at no out of pocket cost (no gap). Most vaccinations are exceptions to this, as they are not covered by Medicare.

International students can also access UTS Health Services. If you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), your consultation costs and rebates will depend on your insurer and level of cover.

International students with Medibank Private or ahm OSHC will have their consultation billed directly to their insurer. This means, for most consultations, there will be no out of pocket cost.

International students who are with different OSHC will be required to pay upfront and will be provided a receipt to support their insurance claim.

Most OSHC providers will provide search engines/information on their website for doctors that are compatible with their service (e.g. bill directly or do not charge a gap). For example see: Bupa, Allianz, Nib. Please contact the relevant OSHC provider for information on how to make a claim.

Most vaccination costs are not covered by insurance.

Psychiatrist 

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions. Psychiatrists use a medical approach that may include:

• Conducting physical and mental health assessment
• Ordering medical investigations when necessary
• Diagnosing mental health conditions
• Prescribing and reviewing medications 
• Providing psychological therapies
• Developing treatment plans and coordinating care with GPs and other health profession

A Psychiatrist has completed a minimum of 11 years of education, has specialist training and is a qualified medical doctor registered with AHPRA. They commonly work in hospitals, community mental health services, specialist clinics, and private practice

A referral from a GP or other Doctor is generally required to access a Psychiatrist. A patient may be offered this referral if their mental health challenges are ongoing and severe. 

Psychologist

A Psychologist is a registered health professional who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental health conditions using evidence-based psychological therapies (often referred to as "talk therapies"). Unlike Psychiatrists, Psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication

Psychologists are trained to understand human behaviour, emotions, thinking patterns, and the functioning of the mind. 

Services Psychologists provide include:

• Psychological assessment
• Evidence-based therapies
• Strategies for managing emotions, stress, anxiety, and depression
• Behavioural interventions
• Psychoeducation
• Support for improving wellbeing and achieving personal goals

You do not need a referral from a doctor to see a Psychologist however a Medicare rebate is available for clients referred through the mental health care plan which is provided through a GP.

Source: Health Direct