Should psychologists provide help over the telephone?

Question

Having been depressed at some stage in my life, I wondered how many other Australians suffered alone because either they were too afraid to sit face to face with a psychologist or that the cost was just too high. I would like to see how many people believe that a cheaper yet just as effective help service could/should be created.

Answer 1

nope, I much prefer to sit face to face. Internet and phone are good for getting a little bit of info, but if it's a big/deeper problem the only way to go is face to face.

I lie if I'm not face to face as well...but you're right about the expensive bit.

Answer 2

They should - with gas prices being so high, transportation a pain and having to take time off work to see them, etc. etc.  A lot of people might even be more comfortable sharing their deepest thoughts without the pressure of sitting face to face with someone.  

Answer 3

then it would be commercialised and the game is money, so they are taking your wallet not helping you, ask your doctor for some medicine

Answer 4

I think that would be hard only because some people are really good at being deceptive when they aren't face to face. The psych can't see the person or his expressions/emotions and that is part of the diagnosis. I agree with what you are saying because i used to be painfully shy so sitting across from a stranger and pouring my guts out would have been excruciating for me. But there are people out there that would try to do this to get medications otherwise unavailable to them. Also say the person is hurting themselves by cutting or something - how would the Dr know if he couldn't see them and his patient didn't tell him.

Answer 5

only if the patient is comfortable with it

and i dont thin anyone will be up to that idea

or maybe they will but i wont.

Answer 6

You have raised an interesting question Marc, and I'm sorry to hear that you have suffered bouts of depression alone.  Fear and cost are huge barriers to so many of life's solutions.

Psycology isn't just about talking though.  As they also deal in behaviour therapy they can learn alot about how to help you by observing your body language, especially in reponse to certain topics.

In Australia you can access a psycologist as part of the Enhanced Primary Care initiative at no cost.  You need a GP referral and can have up to twelve visits for the swipe of your medicare card.  

The other option that many people find useful are support groups, which are available through community health centres usually.

I guess both of these things will be trialled on the internet or by phone at some point.  The 13HEALTH phone number is going strong, even if most of the time they say "see your doctor" or "go to the hospital"  

Answer 7

it would be impossible to diagnose properly.  You need to see visual symptoms and build a repor with someone, it would never work, and more than likely cause the helpers to become the needing help.

Answer 8

Some will, but I'm not sure about Oz: unlikely, except possibly in cases of agoraphobia, or physical disability/distance, where special circumstances apply.

Since found:  Chris White - Counsellor

www.ntpages.com.au/therapist/18764      Depressed, Stressed or Just Unhappy Professional Help is Available. . .

Therapy

www.connectedself.com.au      Stressed...Feeling Down...Angry Anxious. Professional Help is Here

See www.psychology.com & www.kasamba.com & www.onestepatatime.com for online therapy. Depression is addressed in section 2 of my website, which has dozens of webpages of various treatments & weblinks: view page R first, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris.