The First Hurdle: Challenges in Getting a GP Referral for Trauma Counselling in Melbourne (And How We Can Help)

For many seeking trauma support, the first official step often involves visiting a General Practitioner (GP) to obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and a referral for psychological therapy. This pathway is crucial for accessing Medicare rebates and making therapy more affordable. However, for survivors of trauma, especially complex or developmental trauma, this initial consultation can sometimes feel like a significant hurdle in itself.

At Shaw Psychology, we understand that discussing trauma is deeply personal and can be incredibly difficult. We also recognise that navigating the GP system to get the most appropriate referral for specialised trauma care isn't always straightforward.

It can be extremely difficult to navigate the health system while also trying to talk about your trauma and why you want help.

Why is a GP Referral Usually the Starting Point?

As outlined in our article Accessing Trauma Counselling in Melbourne: Medicare Rebates and Costs Explained, a GP referral with an MHTP is the standard way to access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. This plan acknowledges your mental health needs and allows for a collaborative approach between your GP and your psychologist.

Common Challenges When Discussing Trauma with a GP

While GPs are dedicated professionals, several factors can make the referral process for trauma challenging:

1. Difficulty Articulating Your Experience: Trauma can be challenging to express in words. You might struggle to explain the nuances of your experiences, the full extent of your symptoms, or even connect current difficulties (like anxiety, depression, or relationship issues) back to past trauma.

2. Time Constraints in GP Appointments: Standard GP appointments in busy Melbourne clinics are often brief (10-15 minutes). This may not feel like enough time to build rapport, disclose sensitive information, and thoroughly discuss the complexities of trauma.

3. Varying GP Familiarity with Complex Trauma: While most GPs understand mental health basics, the depth of specific training and experience in identifying and understanding complex trauma (C-PTSD), dissociation, or the subtle signs of developmental trauma can vary. The focus might sometimes be on more immediately apparent symptoms like anxiety or depression without a deeper exploration of trauma history.

4. Fear, Shame, or Stigma: Despite growing awareness, stigma around mental health, and particularly around experiences of abuse or trauma, can make disclosure incredibly daunting. Fear of judgment or not being believed can be powerful deterrents.

5. Not Realising Symptoms are Trauma-Related: Many people don't immediately connect their current struggles (e.g., chronic pain, emotional reactivity, addictions, eating disorders) with past traumatic experiences. If you don't make the link, it's harder to guide the GP towards a trauma-specific referral.

6. Uncertainty About What to Ask For: You might not be aware that you can request a referral to a general or clinical psychologist who specialises in trauma, which is often the most beneficial path for trauma recovery.

   
   

Tips for Talking to Your GP in Melbourne About a Trauma Referral

• Prepare Beforehand: If possible, jot down some notes: main symptoms, how they impact your daily life, and any specific concerns about past trauma (even if you don't go into detail). If you feel overwhelmed or can't bring yourself to say what happened out loud, please feel welcome to give the GP your preparation note and they can work from that.

• Book a Longer Appointment: When booking, mention you'd like to discuss a mental health concern or a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and ask if a longer consultation is possible, as many clinics require it for the development of an MHTP.

• Be as Direct as You Feel Comfortable Being: You could say something like, "I've been experiencing [symptoms] and I think it might be related to some difficult experiences from my past," or "I'm looking for support to deal with past trauma." Remember that at this early stage, you do not need to disclose the trauma to get a referral; simply experiencing anxiety, low mood, or problematic stress is sufficient for a referral.

• Specifically Request a General or Clinical Psychologist Experienced in Trauma: This is key. You can say, "I would prefer a referral to a General or Clinical Psychologist who specialises in treating trauma and PTSD/C-PTSD."

• Mention a Clinic if You Have One in Mind: If you've researched and found a clinic like Shaw Psychology, you can let your GP know. They can make the referral directly to the clinic or a specific psychologist there.

An example:

Aisha lives in a busy Melbourne suburb and works as a graphic designer. She had been struggling for years with intense anxiety, difficulty trusting people, and overwhelming emotional waves she couldn't explain, all stemming from a difficult and emotionally abusive childhood. She built up the courage to see her GP. During the short appointment, Aisha found it hard to articulate the depth of her past experiences, focusing instead on her current anxiety and sleep problems. Her GP, kind but pressed for time, suggested an MHTP for "anxiety" and referred her to a general psychologist. After a few sessions, Aisha felt the therapy wasn't quite reaching the core issues. She later read about C-PTSD and realised her experiences aligned closely. She called a clinic with trauma-informed practices for advice. The intake coordinator listened compassionately, explained that Aisha's feelings were common, and outlined how she could see a psychologist with her current plan. Then, later, she approached her GP again, with a letter from her psychologist, outlining her request for a referral for assessment and treatment of complex trauma. Aisha felt validated and more empowered to seek the focused care she needed.

(Please note: This is a fictional vignette created for illustrative purposes only.)

What If You Don't Get the Ideal Referral or Feel Unheard?

It's okay if the first attempt doesn't result in the referral you feel you need. You have options:

• Seek a Second Opinion: You are entitled to see another GP to discuss your concerns.

• Contact Psychology Clinics Directly: You can always reach out to psychology clinics like Shaw Psychology directly, even before you have a referral.

• Our intake team can:

  • Listen to your concerns and provide information about our services.

  • Help you determine if our trauma specialists are a good fit for you.

  • Recommend the best approach to discuss with your GP for an appropriate MHTP.

  • Explain options for an initial consultation (which might be privately funded if you don't yet have an MHTP) to determine your needs, after which we can liaise with your GP.

Shaw Psychology Can Help You Navigate the Process

At Shaw Psychology in the Melbourne CBD, we understand that the journey to finding the right trauma support can have its challenges, starting with the referral process. Our general and clinical psychologists are experienced in assessing and treating the full spectrum of trauma-related conditions, from PTSD to C-PTSD.

We encourage you not to be disheartened if your initial attempts to get a referral for specialised trauma care are difficult. Your well-being is paramount, and finding a therapist who truly understands trauma is worth the effort.

If you're finding it challenging to get a GP referral, or if you'd like to discuss your needs and how our specialised trauma services might help:

Contact us today on (03) 9969 2190, visit our website at www.shawpsychology.com to learn more, or book an initial consultation directly online here: https://bit.ly/bookshawpsychology. Our supportive team can discuss your situation and guide you on the best next steps.