Is therapy really what it is

[Mrsomebody]

After a string of bad experiences with psychologists it's got me thinking about the dynamics of it. Let's first talk about the income they charge $220 an hour they see about 7 people a day that's $1,540 a day. Let's be real do they care they say they're 50-minute sessions but in reality well for me anyway they would turn up 5 minutes late and at the 45 minute bark they will talk about how they are wrapping up you do that maths on bad that's 40 minutes for $220. Now these people are doing telehealth they're making $220 for 40 minutes from their bedrooms yes they study for 4 years but so do the tradespeople there is no difference. If you see a mechanic they will charge you $200 to service your car it will take a complete our and they are using parts out of that $50 would be parts. I've been speaking to older psychologists they say sometimes when you're talking and their writing they're not writing about you they're writing about the other people to save time. It is definitely not a virtuous industry that is a massive amount of money to talk to someone for 40 to 45 minutes. It is not uncommon nowadays for a basic psychologist who does the maths right with their ABN numbers to be pulling in $4,000 a week after tax working from their bedrooms in their pyjamas does that sound like a virtuous industry where they truly care. You could be seeing someone for a year if you can't afford one payment they won't see you anymore does that sound virtuous. Nowadays there are no bills there are no overheads people are working from home on their mobile phones. People say you need to find a psychologist you click with wow that's great isn't it you see 10 people who have wasted your time there's $2,220 gone that's a great investment. You know what I honestly believe psychologists want to see people they know they have power over what I mean by that is they want to see people who they know will be enthralled by them in other words you listen to whatever they say with a big small on your face because they're making you happy. Does that sound like psychology or control. When I speak to the seasoned veterans the older men and the women who have been in the industry for 40 years what they tell me is very disappointing. Remember this your psychologist wants that new car she wants to house on the beach could that possibly be their primary focus.

Although I will have to add basic therapists are not like this that is a lot more of a regulated industry these people I believe honestly do care especially the people from the sane website they don't charge you a cent, just venting but that is my honest opinion what do you think do you have a different look on it and if so how do you explain the massive profit margins they make for talking to people over the phone.

[Historylover]

👍Nice vent, @Mrsomebody.👍👍👍

[moxi]

Hi there @Mrsomebody 

It sounds like you've had some really negative experiences with psychologists in the past, I'm really sorry to hear that. I know it can be disheartening and frustrating when you’re not finding your psychologist/ psychiatrist helpful, or you feel like they're not committed to helping you reach your goals.

I think it's worth noting that for each client, the psych does significant work outside of the session because psychology is a highly regulated industry with significant financial costs as well as emotional costs that may not be obvious to us. Many people find connecting with a psychologist helpful in reaching their goals, so it's important not to discourage people from reaching out for support when they need it.

I'm really glad to hear that you've had more positive experiences with other therapists and on the SANE forums 🙂 

[cloudcore]

Hi @Mrsomebody ,

I hear you. It is really disheartening to feel like the only help we can get will cost us everything, and even more so that some of the help we can afford won't be right for us. It frustrating and disappointing for sure, I believe mental health support should be accessible for everyone. 💛

I'm wondering if you have ever been to the GP for a mental health care plan? I had to visit my GP for a MHCP so that I could afford to find a psychologist throughout my teens, and I could renew it each year once I did. It saved me a lot of money.

Here with you,

cloudcore ⛅

[Bushman]

I understand the frustration with cost. I had to see a specialist in podiatry. He would charge $175 for about 10 minutes. But remember, there's the cost of the staff- receptionists etc. There's the time spent after the consultation- mine would spend 5-15 minutes afterwards. Sometimes there's follow up with other agencies etc. And....they are a doctor. It's a very high paying profession. 

In regards to my counsellor/therapist. She was worth every cent- but that was a very positive experience for me. I think if you are unhappy with the amount you are paying try to find another therapist and you might find a positive experience. Then it's worth it. 

[utopia]

Wow @Mrsomebody I've been working with my Psychologist since 2016. Saw different ones before that. 

I had Therapy a few times in my late teens and 20's.  So I knew what I didn't want from a Therapist and what I did need. 

So when I started seeing my current Psychologist I told him what i wanted and needed.  I told him i didn't want someone to just agree with what I said,  I didn't want one that expected me to just agree with them.  I needed someone who would push me to do the homework they set,  because I can be lazy,  I needed them to not care if I swore,  because that's my languages,  I need them to offer me advice,  techniques to learn,  education about my brain and disorders etc.  He agreed that he was happy with that. 

Often I would tell him I didn't agree with him,  or I thought what he was saying was bulls**t.  But when he explained things well,  I told him so. He knew when to push me to dig a bit deeper,  and when to back off and have a nurturing session instead. 

Therapy is a very intimate relationship.  It requires  give and take and flexibility on both sides. 

As for the costs,  that hourly rate for the session they spend with you,  really isn't for an hour.  It tends to be an hour and a half or two hours,  to write their notes,  contact letters or phone calls to my doctor,  my psychiatrist,  WorkCover and occasionally CentreLink when  I've had trouble with them.  He plans for what he may teach me next visit,  gets handout instruction sheets printed,  so I can take them home.  He had monitored my suicidal urges carefully and keeps track of my moods. 

Psychologists and Psychiatrists, they are expensive. And if you don't have private insurance or lots of money,  many limit the time they will see them,  or miss out on Therapy all together. The public mental health system is understaffed and underfunded and tends to be for crisis only.  Instead of help navigating life with a mental disorder.  

In every occupation there are great people,  good people,  and those that need a different occupation.  That's life. 

But I have found if you listen,  work hard and daily do the exercises they teach you,  it can help you live a little easier.  Maybe not the cure that many expect, but some lifestyle changes can make a difference. 

I'm sorry your experience has not been good. I hope you manage to find one that you can work well with and feel they are skilled in helping you. 

[perspective]

Hi there, 

im 55 and I’ve been in the so called system for 25 years. I’ve seen psychiatrists mainly. Did they get me a job? Nope. Did they give me advice? Not particularly- just talk therapy and lots of medication.  If I had my time again , which will never happen -I’d be questioning everything. I would be pushing for help with work and getting a real job , not a cleaning job but one that suited my qualifications. I would be asking them if they believe what I’m telling them or has everything been evaluated as psychosis.  Psychiatry is a mess in my opinion , they don’t have any idea about the dynamics of your family but are willing to drug you as an answer to your issues.  My parents made sure I had a house to live in after they died because my illness prevented me from working full time. My sister took me to the Supreme Court on the basis that I had faked my illness ( I kid you not) .  She tried unsuccessfully to destroy the Estate. She and her husband are worth a lot of money. What I will never get over is the fact that every session I would see my shrink I would speak of my sister's abuse. They did nothing but write notes and give drugs. So Ye my advice is to be the squeaky wheel and push for a life and make your therapist work for your future. 

[Former-Member]

@perspective your post made me stop in my tracks this afternoon. Thank you so much for sharing your story, and I'm so sorry that you've endured so much. I think you're right – our mental health is about so much more than symptoms (though I get that can be a pretty big component at times), it's also about that wellness component, and this doesn't only mean going for a walk or doing something nice for ourselves (though it is that too). It means providing assistance for the whole of the person, and yes that means aspects such as education and employment opportunities, as you so rightly state.

I just want to say that I heard you today, and I'm sitting here with you in support of what you've been through, and it sounds like also some of the things you may have lost 💙

[Owen45]

Very interesting post, I can identify.  I gave up therapy and psychologists long ago, just doing my

own personal mental health management from here on, e.g. support groups.

[Marijandel]

I have to agree with much of what you have written. I certainly believe that mental health treatment should be better funded and less expensive. I've had the Mental Health Care Plan and still had to pay high additional costs. I have found there are therapists/psychologists with whom I can discuss my issues with and feel assisted and those who just don't gel. A "don't gel" is worse than just a waste of money, it adds to your concerns because at first you tend to blame yourself.

I think there are a great many of us in the community who would appreciate a few months of help but the cost prevents us from walking that path.