It’s really important to talk about how combining psychotherapy with medication can lead to better mental health outcomes. While medication can be quite effective in managing symptoms, adding therapy to the mix often leads to more thorough and lasting improvements.
When patients engage in therapy along with taking medication, they can enjoy some amazing benefits! For one, therapy provides helpful tools and coping strategies that make it easier to handle symptoms and life’s ups and downs. Medication helps with the biological side of mental health conditions, but therapy goes deeper, focusing on the psychological and emotional aspects. It teaches individuals how to recognize and change those unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
Research even indicates that using both medication and therapy together typically results in better outcomes than relying on just one of them. Patients who receive both often find they have a lower chance of relapse, better control over their symptoms, and improved overall functioning. This combined approach is particularly effective for conditions like depression and anxiety, where medication alone might not address the deeper issues at play.
If you’re in Western Australia and seeking help, you can connect with either a psychologist or a counsellor.
Psychologists are highly trained professionals with at least six years of university education and registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. They can diagnose and treat more serious mental health issues using evidence-based techniques.
Counsellors, on the other hand, focus on support for everyday challenges like relationships, stress management, and personal growth. They may have various training levels but don’t require the same extensive qualifications as psychologists.
Both offer valuable support, but if you’re facing more serious mental health concerns, a psychologist may be the better choice for a wider range of therapeutic options.
Find a therapist:
Consultations:
Psychology Today Australia (click here). Looking for a therapist? This website makes it easy. Just enter your postcode to discover therapists in your area. Plus, you can call them to chat about your therapy goals before booking an appointment. It’s a great way to find the right fit for you!
If you’re considering therapy with a psychologist in Western Australia, you can make it more affordable with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). Just schedule a longer appointment with your GP and mention you want to discuss this plan. Be open about your mental health concerns, and your GP will assess your needs.
With an MHCP, you can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per year—typically starting with six sessions followed by a review. Your GP will refer you to a psychologist, so remember to bring that referral to your first appointment.
This plan helps you cover only the gap between the psychologist’s fee and the Medicare rebate, making mental health support more accessible. You’re taking a positive step for your well-being!
Online:
This Way Up is an Australian mental health initiative offering clinically-proven online courses to help individuals manage mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, through accessible, evidence-based resources.
Mindspot it is an Australian online mental health clinic providing free, confidential support for people experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress. It offers assessments, treatment courses, and resources to help improve mental well-being.
Apps:
The Healthy Minds Program app (click here) is a science-based tool developed by renowned neuroscientists to help cultivate well-being through training your mind. It is based on decades of research showing that qualities like awareness, connection, insight, and purpose are key pillars of wellbeing that can be strengthened through meditation and other practices.
Clarity CBT (click here) is a self-help journal app designed to support mental health by using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques. It helps users track their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, providing tools for better mental wellbeing.
Frans Hugo 