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, together with you, we devise a plan forward. 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. I do not make the decision to offer medication lightly, and I always review it to see if it is still appropriate.

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 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:

You can choose your own psychologist, or I can help you. 

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. 

You can choose your own psychiatrist, or I can help you. 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 

Lifeline

Suicide Call Back Service

Kids Help Line (5-25 years old)

Emergency services