Teens
The role of a GP in the health and well-being of young people can’t be understated. If you are a teenager experiencing challenges with your mental health or you’re a parent or loved one concerned about a teen, it can be confusing and overwhelming to know who to turn to for help.
The pressures facing teens today are immense and in many ways it’s a completely different landscape to that which we as parents experienced growing up. The subtle signs of a young person struggling need to be addressed, held and validated.
It’s totally normal to have times in our lives when we struggle, when we don’t feel like socialising, when we have some anxiety and have trouble sleeping or concentrating. It’s normal to have times when our motivation is a little low and things feel like more of a struggle.
When these problems start to become more frequent and impact on our functioning and living the life we want, then it’s time to seek help. Even if you feel like the problems aren’t “that bad”. Your family GP is a great place to go for help and support. Mental Health skills training is something that most GP’s have developed. However, the way mainstream General Practice is set up, it is really difficult for a GP to offer long consultations delivering whole-person mental health care in a GP setting.
What I offer at Sea Change Therapy is whole-person mental health care, directed at connecting with young people struggling. I feel incredibly passionate about delivering quality, evidenced-based mental health care in an environment that welcomes and encourages each person to express themselves in a safe environment. This time in a young person’s life needs to be held gently and carefully and by having a safe place to feel heard, this can help a young person to connect with their values and take action to live a life aligned with those values.
FAQs
Can I bring a parent to my appointment?
Absolutely! If you are a teen I would encourage you to have a parent with you. The first part of the consultation may include your parent and then in most cases I would prefer to continue the appointment with you alone. If you are an adult you are welcome to bring your spouse or support person.
Is getting therapy normal for a teenager?
Being able to help teenagers with their challenges is an incredible privilege. Too often teens and young adults suffer in silence and something I feel passionate about is offering help to teens when they truly need it. This help can be instrumental in helping a young person make decisions that support living a life according to their values. Sometimes medical professionals might be intimidating to teenagers. My aim is to provide a safe, non-threatening and non-judgemental space where teens can feel heard and understood.
Are there appointments available out of school hours?
I do offer appointments out of school hours. These appointments can be early morning before school or in the afternoon after school.
What fees can I expect?
Fees are payable at the time of your appointment. Face to face appointments require payment, in person, at your visit. This payment can be made via credit card, debit card or EFTPOS. Telehealth consultations also require payment at the time of your visit via credit card. Once payment is made, you will be issued with an invoice including the item number for the service provided and my provider number. This will allow you to access a Medicare Rebate for your session.
Medicare rebates can be obtained by using the Express Plus Medicare App or via your Medicare Online Account on mygov. Visit our fees and referral page for more.
Useful Links
HSC FAQs
The senior years at a school are a time of huge transition and a lot of anxiety for many, if not most, young adults. You’ve got the pressure of juggling exams and assessments, family commitments, friends, boyfriends/girlfriends/partners and in many cases a casual job. There’s the pressure of the HSC…