Outpatient Psychiatrist Wait Time Insanely Long

snoopster on 09/01/2026 - 13:01

Hey, this request is probably quite different from the usual Ozbargain posts.. (VIC)

I've recently disclosed to my partner of 6 months that I have a serious mental health condition, and tried to reassure her and her family by these facts:

  • I only see a GP, twice yearly, to get repeat scripts
  • I don't see a psychiatrist, only saw in 2019 to change meds (diagnosed as a teenager in high school in the late 2000s)
  • I'm taking a very low nightly dose of a very gentle, recent medication (Med available on PBS only in 2019-2020+)
  • I am a highly functioning individual - great IT job, investments, social life, friends and family support. I've been told it's rare for people with my condition to be this high functioning

My partner and her family have asked me to get a psychiatric assessment done accompanied by an informal report saying where I'm at currently, fitness to work and be in a relationship, some sort of prognosis.. or along these lines. My GP did a short report on the spot however a psychiatrist report would still be the gold standard.

This is where my problem comes in, the wait times are pretty bad. My referral is with a few clinics in VIC, however they're saying 8-10 working days just to review my referral. Then, they'll call me to book an appointment and we are probably looking at early Feb - March to actually sit down with a psychiatrist.

If anyone has any ideas, or any psychiatrists out there willing to be sent my GP's referral letter, please DM me. Likely going to only reply to DMs.

Health & Beauty Psychiatrist

Comments

Search through all the comments in this post.
  • tsunamisurfer on 09/01/2026 - 13:06
    +63

    Early Feb is an extremely short wait time, in WA, even going through private, I have heard the waitlist is MONTHS.

    • Ramrunner on 11/01/2026 - 01:51
      +1

      This - consider yourself lucky. I'm in WA.

      My son has ADHD and has been without meds for 4 months because his pediatric psychologist shut her doors (therefore no more scripts), and as he's now aged out, we can't get in to to a psych to get re-evaluated or medicated for almost another 6 months.

      The system is very broken, especially as he was medicated up to that point, but he MUST see a psych to get re-evaluated.

      Even that I can live with but the length of waiting time is an absolute joke.

      • Nomad2233 on 11/01/2026 - 07:02
        +3

        If your kid is over 10 GPs can prescribe ADHD meds now and you don’t have to go to a psychiatrist. Same as in NSW and QLD, I don’t need to see a psychiatrist anymore my GP can do it.

        Edit: sorry by aged out do you mean he’s 18? A GP can do the assessment now instead you wouldn’t need to see a psychiatrist anymore.

        • omgomgomgomg on 11/01/2026 - 14:13
          +1

          From what I was aware in WA, GPs have to receive extra training to be able to diagnose and prescribe stimulants under the recent changes. Talking to my doctor a few months ago, this is very much in a trial phase and has not been widely rolled out yet.

          • Ramrunner on 13/01/2026 - 11:55
            +1

            @omgomgomgomg: It's only from 2026 onwards so it's all very new. I don't think his GP is trained yet but I'll call them this morning and check.

          • Ramrunner on 13/01/2026 - 12:15

            @omgomgomgomg: Just called my medical centre and they have NO idea what I'm talking about so I had to explain it all. The receptionist will ask all of the doctors and get back to me. Not too hopeful for a quick resolve though I'm sure if one of the 11 GPs in the centre had the required training they'd let the girls at the front desk know as one of their offered services.

          • Ramrunner on 13/01/2026 - 17:30

            @omgomgomgomg: The Medical Centre got back to me there are indeed a couple of doctors there doing the training and they should be good to go in the second half of the year!

            So apart from this $1000 visit to the psych end of February (yes really), at least any other ADHD consults will be via the GP under Medicare.

        • Muppet Detector on 11/01/2026 - 16:19

          A psychologist can diagnose. You only need a medical practitioner to prescribe any restricted sched 4 or 8 meds if it is determined they may be required or sufficiently beneficial.

        • KinderBueno on 11/01/2026 - 19:18
          +2

          From what I understand if it is repeat script gp can prescribe it. If you are changing medication you need to see psychiatrist. My mother does it too. SA here though.

          • Nomad2233 on 11/01/2026 - 20:45

            @KinderBueno: Not here in QLD, I have tested a bunch of different medications through my GP now that the walls have been taken down

          • Ramrunner on 13/01/2026 - 12:03

            @KinderBueno: True - but it's not a repeat script. Repeats aren't indefinite you have to have a psych monitor your progress. His repeats have run out.

            Also so you know there's been an immense shortage of Concierta so we actually just have not been able to puchase it for almost 6 months. Not sure whether it's available again now or not.

            Luckily he's high functioning and is generally OK but he takes it when he's at Uni as he has difficulty concentrating.

            • Muppet Detector on 13/01/2026 - 17:47
              +1

              @Ramrunner:

              Also so you know there's been an immense shortage of Concierta so we actually just have not been able to puchase it for almost 6 months. Not sure whether it's available again now or not.

              Did you know to avoid vitamin C for about 2 hours of taking the Con?

              Apparently they now know it adversely affects the absorption of the Con.

              The promotional brochures provided to the doctors by the drug reps for that and Vyvance actually tell the doctor to take them with a glass of orange juice.

              Changed their minds now, take the slow release meds two hours before or after the OJ, multi or vit c.

              Obviously, confirm with your own doctor, but catching many unawares apparently.

      • Muppet Detector on 11/01/2026 - 16:16
        -2

        Something seems off here.

        If your previous specialist knew that they were going to stop practising, did they provide you with an option to receive a referral to somewhere/someone else?

        Many ADHD meds can have scripts which last for six months of supply.

        As it is known in advance when a person is required to transfer from pediatric to adult health services, how come this transfer wasn't at least initiated before the patient aged out?

        The actual transfer only takes the exchange of a few forms to prevent this exact situation, giving new doctor/s sufficient time to examine previous history and reevaluate any diagnosis or treatment.

        It is also in place to give the patient the opportunity to find a care provider with whom they feel comfortable and want to engage to provide their ongoing care.

        Somebody dropped the ball here and I am positive that if this interruption is causing significant detriment that there are avenues to request temporary intervention and assistance.

        • Russ on 11/01/2026 - 16:37
          -1

          If your previous specialist knew that they were going to stop practising

          OP didn't say that anywhere. Their 2019 visit could have been in another state, another country, or their psychiatrist could have unexpectedly died or had a stroke. Or they could simply have retired in the six years since that one-off visit.

          • Muppet Detector on 11/01/2026 - 19:32
            +1

            @Russ: Hey? I think that you and I are responding to two different posts.

            I suspect that you are probably referring to the OP, whereas I was responding to

            https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/17264717/redir

            • Russ on 12/01/2026 - 00:46

              @Muppet Detector:

              I think that you and I are responding to two different posts.

              Oops, you're correct. Ozbargain's pagination hid the comment you were replying to, and I assumed wrongly that you were talking about the OP's situation.

              But some of my comments are applicable to the situation you were referring to "because his pediatric psychologist shut her doors". Businesses close down for many reasons, most unplanned. I listed some reasons above that are sudden, unavoidable, and unplanned. I'll add to the list unexpected lease non-renewal, and ransomware attacks.

              There's no guarantee of continuity of service when private healthcare businesses close down, and that's definitely a "broken" part of the system. Is a fix even possible?

              • Muppet Detector on 12/01/2026 - 01:48
                +1

                @Russ: Even if the business unexpectedly closed down, as long as the psychologist was in good health, I would think they would have some sort of duty of care to organise a transfer to another provider. A psychologist can probably work from home, at least to organise this. If there was a psychologist, there must also be a pediatrician (or at least a GP), somewhere in the mix unless they somehow had a perpetual referral because a referral usually only lasts for twelve months.

                Apart from that, a transfer from pediatric to adult services should have already been in contemplation, you often get 18 years notice when your kid is going to become an adult.

                Even if the parent wasn't on top of this, the psychologist or referring doctor should have been (surely they were aware of DOB), if for no other reason than to ensure a smooth change over when the transfer became inevitable if not imminent.

                As I said, somebody dropped the ball, if it was the psychologist and any harm is significantly measurable, there may be recourse via professional negligence (they do have a duty of care) and if the detriment was of a significant nature, I am sure that there would be some avenue to access some kind of short term emergency intervention until the patient can get set up with a new provider.

                • Ramrunner on 13/01/2026 - 12:11

                  @Muppet Detector: The close of doors was very sudden and without much explanation. There was no time to prepare a referral (which he now has from a GP). Even though we explained his situation fully to the new specialist, it makes no difference they're treating it as an initial diagnosis and the wait time is what it is. No special treatment.

                  The detriment is not really of a significant nature, my son functions fine he just has difficulty concentrating at Uni. He doesn't even take the meds weekends or holidays. Only when he feels himself drifting out of concentration.

                  I do appreciate your opinion, but you're making quite a few assumptions about this situation so I just thought I'd clarify. Thanks for your insight though it is helpful.

                  • Muppet Detector on 13/01/2026 - 13:14

                    @Ramrunner: My apologies if I offended you, I certainly had no intent to do so, but what did I assume?

                    Thought I covered pretty much every scenario in there so that I didn't make assumptions.

                    Somebody has dropped the ball somewhere, your son should not be without access to necessary treatment. If it's the psych or other if a multi disciplinary care team, may have recourse via professional negligence had any detriment been of a significantly measurable amount or at least answerable to their professional body.

                    Who is the psych's supervisor?

                    However, even though your psych stopped unexpectedly, they should have been able to temporarily refer you/hand you over to somebody else for the interim - usually would be whomever covers their service when they are on holiday.

                    All their other files got handed over to somebody, if for no other reason than to allocate other providers, those patients weren't just launched into some untethered abyss.

                    Health care doesn't just stop because your treating providers go on holidays or need a sick day etc, they are required to have somebody for hand over in times when they are unavailable.

                    In all likelihood, most relevant information of an immediate nature would be recorded in your file. The interim providers don't just wipe the slate clean and start from scratch.

                    They can't just toss patients to the wolves to fend for themselves, probably more so if they are reliant on some type of medication. Imagine if the medication your son requires was for a much more serious condition. Imagine if some of their patients were suicidal, diabetic or epileptic etc and they were left without access to care. Imagine saying "nope, sorry, just hold that thought for six months until you can transition to somebody else".

                    I understand that the transition can take a lot of time. I've got a kid who requires a multidisciplinary team and the complete transition to get all new providers in place took about three years.

                    Probably could have done it faster but our pedi was happy to continue acting as the primary carer and cruise director until the transition was made for all required disciplines. (just one discipline at a time at a pace that suited him).

                    Sometimes, we had to try out a few providers in each discipline before we found one/s with whom he was comfortable and who could also effectively engage with the other disciplines required for the overarching care plan for the continuation of his care.

                    So yes, transition can take quite a long time, but for what is essentially a few forms, a patient should never be left without a treating doctor, particularly for several months.

  • Wiadro on 09/01/2026 - 13:08
    +120

    My partner and her family have asked me to get a pyschiatric assessment done accompanied by an informal report saying where I'm at currently, fitness to work and be in a relationship, some sort of prognosis.. or along these lines. My GP did a short report on the spot however a psychiatrist report would still be the gold standard.

    time to get look for a new partner tbh.
    they need take you as you are now, no need to prove yourself to them.

    • Autonomic on 09/01/2026 - 13:12
      +36

      Especially if they aren't able to wait a month.

      Exception being that there have already been relationship red flags from OP.

      • CheapandUsed on 09/01/2026 - 13:24
        +9

        Exception being that there have already been relationship red flags from OP.

        Yeah this sentence stands out now that you have mentioned it..

        an informal report saying where I'm at currently, fitness to …. be in a relationship

        • Autonomic on 09/01/2026 - 15:56
          +9

          To be clear I'm not calling out OP. I'm just saying that is the only situation in which I would consider OPs partners request to be reasonable.

          If we take OPs post at face value, then I would say their partner is not being reasonable.

    • MS Paint on 09/01/2026 - 13:27
      +13

      I'd get the partners family to pay for the appointment/s as well.

      FFS

      • Wiadro on 09/01/2026 - 13:48
        +24

        I’d just break up. Not worth even pursuing tbh.

        • MS Paint on 09/01/2026 - 13:48
          +3

          That saves cents. Cheers

    • tsunamisurfer on 09/01/2026 - 16:22
      -2

      Serious question, we have seen unfortunate situations where partners are harmed by partners who have mental conditions.

      They are rare in high severity but it happens.

      Isn't a partner allowed to ask questions? Maybe not demand gold standard psych reports but ask questions about what happens if medication is not taken or fails?

      • mskeggs on 09/01/2026 - 16:28
        +19

        Sure. Sounds like the answer is the condition is well managed.
        Asking for additional urgent assessments either indicates the OP is skipping some stuff, or the partner is being unreasonable.

      • Smulder on 09/01/2026 - 17:29
        +19

        The partner, yes.
        Their family? No

        The OP doesn't state their age, but if they were in high school in the late 2000's then they are likely in their early 30's. Someone that age doesn't need to make their personal medical decisions by committee.

    • lonewolf on 09/01/2026 - 20:00
      +21

      The red flag is your partner, having been in a relationship where i was constantly asked to justify and prove my worth to my partner, i would say get out now. If this is how they are with you, they could very well be the reason or contributing to your mental health issues. Even worse is her family is this involved in your relationship with her.

      • Davo1111 on 10/01/2026 - 14:55
        +5

        Agreed. Not only did they share personal info with their parents, they teamed up to request a "permission slip" from a psychologist to date OP.

        • great IT job, investments, social life, friends and family support.

        And that speaks for itself. If OP was un-diagnosed or self diagnosed, my opinion would be different. But afaik this was only a problem when OP disclosed it.

    • lachhelix on 10/01/2026 - 01:30
      +2

      Yep - this. Ridiculous request, out of the blue.

    • Sinnerator on 10/01/2026 - 08:00
      +3

      wow, you and all the others managed to come to this conclusion with no clue what the mental health illness is?

      • Wiadro on 10/01/2026 - 09:38
        +6

        It doesn’t matter what it is, it’s the behavior and expectations of the partners family

    • eddyah on 10/01/2026 - 11:37
      -5

      No it's not.

      You hear all the time about women dying by men.

      I'm a believer OP is a highly functional person and would never, but the partner's family are completely normal to have a concern

    • savage bargain on 10/01/2026 - 13:15
      +3

      Agree. As I was reading this, before I finished reading the post, I couldn't believe you went down the path of jumping through these hoops rather than DTFMA. It's pretty common for most people to get to a point of controlling their mental health conditions well (yes, it's not 100% for many complex situations, including the stigma you're currently experiencing).

      With their way of thinking, even if you jump through these hoops now, are they going to throw your condition (which you are effectively controlling) in your face every time you have to deal with a tough situation that any person would struggle with? Or when you don't respond perfectly to a stressful situation? “You're only upset about that because of your condition.” “Any normal person would be over that by now.”

      Sometimes mental health conditions do need adjustments in treatment, just like something with asthma, diabetes, or a heart condition. Will you have to jump through the same hoops every time you change medication?

      With any other life-long health condition, there are ups and downs in managing it. Will they even stick around if you do need support at the times the condition needs extra management and focus?

    • HelpMeiCantSee on 10/01/2026 - 22:57
      +3

      This is a very complex situation. First of all, try to look at it from the perspective that the family is trying to look out for the partner, and mean no malice. I’m sure we all know the type who is completely ham-fisted.

      It could depend on what the condition is to some extent. History of medication compliance is a big thing too- it’s very common for people with significant conditions to stop meds because they feel better, want to see if the condition is still there because they have felt good for a long time, etc- and that’s when things often spiral out of control.

      I have major depression and PTSD, amongst some more “minor” issues. I have a medical background, I know the stats and dangers, yet I have been guilty of the same.

      Yes, it’s an excessive ask, but we don’t know the actual context, and in the end, we need to remember that many people have absolutely zero knowledge or experience with any MH conditions. Most likely, they are simply uninformed. A lot of shitty representations of MH comes out of Hollywood/media, and stigma is powerful and persistent.

      As to the timing, it’s unclear if there is pressure from the partner/family to have an assessment done asap. It’s simply not realistic to expect an appointment for any specialist immediately. Most can’t get to their own GP in under a week. My own psych is a 3+ month wait for unscheduled appointments.

      There is so much to this post, a simple “dump her” dos t cut it. Unless of course, there is malice behind it.

      • Thenarrator on 12/01/2026 - 08:18
        +1

        Agree. its easy and tempting to jump to conclusions. Its important to pause and think about the other perspective and think about what ifs scenarios that would justify the decisions the other person makes.

    • Randolph Duke on 09/01/2026 - 18:25
      +15

      But in reality, this is why you don't tell people you hardly know (ie 6 month g/f) about personal issues that aren't affecting your daily function

      Flip side you tell them after 12 or 18 months and they are legitimately pissed you withheld information that might have affected their earlier decision making process.

    • Muppet Detector on 09/01/2026 - 19:32
      +7

      I'm willing to bet all the money in my pocket that OP's condition is not Asperger's Syndrome.

      Not that you appear to know what it is anyway.

    • jjjaar on 09/01/2026 - 20:44

      FWIW “Asperger's syndrome” is no longer a diagnosis. It’s now part of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

      • Muppet Detector on 09/01/2026 - 22:09

        That's how I know that he doesn't have it. It was removed from the DSM V

        • huggzz2u on 10/01/2026 - 10:00
          +2

          If you not qualified don’t add to the confusion. Asperger’s exists and is in the DSM abou 12 years it was separated from the spectrum and since the has been changed again. OP. Mention rare Asperger’s is not rare.

          Be kind and thought OP deters live and compassion no matter his their mental health status.

          I stated my mental heath journey in 2014 GP, Pyschologist fortnightly and psychiatrists monthly for over 4 year now. My significant other start his in 2019 parley because he alway had his mental health condition and wanted a better understanding to help him and me. I have also live with a friend diagnosed with schizophrenia at 26 made some poor decisions disowned by family and forced meds and psychiatric help by the court. A year later he left this world because his journey was difficult. He still worked but was often socially ostracised. A family suffers from schizophrenia from around age 20 and is now in 40s with parents how think they are protecting him by denial. Is is no functioning.

          This space is buffet ffor everyone.

          OP I hope you get to keep your girlfriend

          It’s well publicised that psychiatrist are few any many are leaving the industry because of a lack of funding. Search the next watch insight , 4 corner and more current ones on 7plus.

          In NSW it can be a 4 to 6 month wait for an appointment and it’s costly. Only now my partner has built a relationship with his psychiatrist the psychiatrist has been asked by a number of professionals for his “diagnosis or records “ supposedly because they want a better understanding. They well renowned psychiatrist who sit on many boards and assists people who suffer and make a poor decision that end up in court.
          He will not disclose any records to anyone he says as it may cause “harm” to his patient ie my partner. I’ll add from years of therapy myself that is because everyone circumstance even with the same diagnosis is different and unless you a qualified person the information will not be interpreted correctly and could impact negatively on the the patient who is high functioning in society.
          The information will be released if requested in court.

          Op it’s a journey if you had cancer people would say gee sorry that’s terrible and ask you after every treatment how you’re feeling but there such a sigma and lack of knowledge by a layperson in society there is ignorance and judgement.

          I understand your girlfriend wanting understanding especially if child are or become involved.

          QLD has various places to help and are better equip. Than NSW also my GP studied in England which that country also is much better with the services offered around mental health. However this doesn’t help the fact that more and more people want to gain a better understanding of their mental health that there aren’t enough pyschatrists to go aro around.

          Stick with it OP. I wish you luck on a journey that can be difficult to navigate through. Sometimes it’s awful to say you may feel you’re suffering alone and it’s seem you are managing your health condition just as someone would managing diabetes, lack of better words. I really hope you find what you need to help people close to you treat you; for want of a better word, like a normal person.

  • freefall101 on 09/01/2026 - 13:18
    +7

    You haven't seen one in 6-7 years, surely a month or two isn't an issue?

  • joka on 09/01/2026 - 13:24
    +8

    Can I ask what the hurry is? And if you didn't talk to her about it then she'd be none the wiser, why is this such a worry for her? No judgment, but im just curious…

  • AustriaBargain on 09/01/2026 - 13:30
    +8

    That is actually a very short waiting list. Feb-March to sit with a psychiatrist. Maybe visit health spas or whatever and relax until then, if you can afford it.

  • Smulder on 09/01/2026 - 13:30
    +48

    If you tell your partner your private medical history and they go and tell their family, who now feel they are in a position to request a medical report on you, then unfortunately, they will now forever feel they have a right to know all your medical issues and give their opinions whether wanted or not. Your future with this person and their family will not be smooth.

    For anyone else in this position, I would strongly recommend you request your partner not share your personal information with anyone without your permission, including their family. They don't have a right to know.

    Speaking from experience….

    • jjjaar on 09/01/2026 - 20:45
      +7

      Speaking from experience….

      Hope all is ok with you

      • Smulder on 12/01/2026 - 11:49
        +1

        Thanks, yep all good in the end :)

    • huggzz2u on 10/01/2026 - 10:03
      -1

      Relationship are built on trust. Op clearly want to share and that his choice and now this is his journey. Personal opinions should be just that stay personal as although you have personal experience. You’re experience is different.

  • Porker on 09/01/2026 - 13:40
    +29

    I suspect the family already had some opinion of you (perhaps negative) and you've just confirmed it by acknowledging your condition. They've then sent you on your merry way chasing a unicorn before accepting you. Even then, they may find some other means/reason to disconnect from you. If your partner has aligned with the family's stance, then it's probably time to move on. Think of the old adage, when you marry someone, you also marry their family.

    We don't know what you or the other family are like to say who is correct and aggrieved, but the request speaks loudly to acceptance.

    It's a tough position to be in in terms of revealing personal information like this. Too early and you run the risk of losing the connection - too late and then a lack of trust comes into the picture (or some other combination of pro and cons).

    • kanmen on 09/01/2026 - 15:46
      +12

      It's also possible the family just have a very negative view towards mental health conditions and that it would take a lot of effort to overcome the stigma. Can't really tell as OP hasn't given that context, but I agree with you that it's unlikely the family would ever accept OP properly.

  • Garry044 on 09/01/2026 - 13:41
    +25

    I assume you've shared on the basis that the relationship is going well, you're serious about the long-term together, and you want to be upfront and not hide things that may cause problems later. All of which is honourable and decent, and probably the right thing to do at some point.

    I'd recommend a conversation about boundaries - i.e. what you are sharing between the two of you vs what she shares with her family. It's her decision about what she shares with them (in the sense that she needs to feel comfortable, and part of that includes her support network) but you've got every right to share how you feel about her sharing personal medical information, and the request to get a psychiatric report to prove you're fit to be in the relationship.

    Again, I'll assume the best - her family are trying to look out for her and make sure there's no undiscovered red flags as yet. However, after 6 months I'd probably suggest that there's enough evidence for her to decide if the relationship is worth pursuing based on her experience and instincts, without needing a psychiatric report. After all, what does it achieve? The report and her instincts might align, which will either be good or bad for the relationship. But if they don't align, then she needs to choose whether she trusts her gut or a psychiatrist more. And neither of those is good for the relationship.

    I applaud your willingness to be upfront, and to pursue this at the family's request - but make sure you're acknowledging and understanding your own feelings along the way, and deciding where the boundaries and lines should be to protect yourself as well.

    • maverickjohn on 09/01/2026 - 20:00
      +2

      This is a great and well thought out post.
      I hope OP reads your response. I reckon op should see the psychiatrist but only if it's reassurance that he is doing well. Trying to appeal to gf and her family's concerns sounds like an endless spiral that op will have to either accept if he wishes to continue or move from if it's already a concern.

  • wetsandwich on 09/01/2026 - 13:43
    +23

    "My partner and her family have asked me to get a pyschiatric assessment done accompanied by an informal report saying where I'm at currently, fitness to work and be in a relationship, some sort of prognosis.. or along these lines. "

    This is completely ridiculous, if you haven't realised from everyone else telling you the same.

    It's probably in your best interest to get far away from these people now. Most likely they are just going to weaponise your conditions against you in any family argument/dispute and treat you like a lesser person because of it. "what would you know, you're <insert condition here> anyway…"

    And yes, the mental health system is utterly broken unless you are extremely rich. Anyone who needs it can't possibly afford it because of their condition..

    • zfind on 09/01/2026 - 16:43
      +15

      Thank you for saying this, I couldn’t believe this wasn’t the first response. Her family asking for a report on your health, giving the OK for you to be in a relationship? Surely this is trolling. If not and for anyone else reading this, here is why this is messed up:

      1. No psychiatrist would take on the responsibility / liability of “okaying” another human to be in a relationship. Especially not in writing! What a conclusion to jump to.
      2. She didn’t keep this between you and her. It’s your private and probably very personal information. Immature and betraying trust.
      3. She / they are formalising what should be a face-to-face, compassionate conversation. Completely wrong approach, inhumane. She alone should be talking to you and deciding if she wants what you come with.
      4. Family is getting involved in their adult child’s life. It’s only going to get worse. She is allowing it.

      OP, if you’re legit, you shouldn’t be worried about the wait times to see a psychiatrist but rather the behaviours this person is exhibiting. None of this is good and I would be exiting yesterday.

      Not meaning to sound too harsh and I hope it works out but this is just stunningly wrong all round.

  • onetwothreefour on 09/01/2026 - 13:48
    +9

    Likely going to only reply to DMs.

    /End thread

  • MS Paint on 09/01/2026 - 13:55
    +4

    I'm guessing OP has schizophrenia.

    To the uneducated it's a big scary word with a lot of negative connotations.

    • trapper on 09/01/2026 - 14:00
      +11

      Well it's a pretty fricken serious mental disorder isn't it.

      • jv on 09/01/2026 - 14:08
        -5

        No it's not… Yes it is…

      • Muppet Detector on 09/01/2026 - 19:35

        John Nash had schizophrenia.

        • trapper on 09/01/2026 - 19:54
          +6

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Forbes_Nash_Jr.#Mental_il…

          Sounds like a pretty fricken serious mental disorder to me…

          • huggzz2u on 10/01/2026 - 10:07
            -4

            @trapper: You no whispers was established by the general population all opinions. And is now struggling to sustain itself. Wikipedia will not be here in a year or 2 and is not the go to for this kind of information

            • mskeggs on 10/01/2026 - 11:43
              +7

              @huggzz2u: lol. How do you function in the world if you think Wikipedia is unreliable. Do you have a 1905 Brittanica set from before they went woke?

      • GardenGnome on 10/01/2026 - 12:02

        Yes, it's very serious and needs constant medication and treatment but most of the problems occur in combination with drugs specifically stimulants.

        Most of terrible events you see happen on the news is because of a combination of drugs & people not taking their medication or slipping through the cracks.

        The problem is when you combine powerful stimulants, no sleep and mental illness you almost always get drug induced psychosis or schizoaffective disorder.

        When treated correctly like any illness or mental illness with correct medication, social and psychological support you can control most of the negative effects.

      • wetsandwich on 10/01/2026 - 19:43
        +1

        It can also be very manageable.

    • maverickjohn on 09/01/2026 - 20:05
      +6

      To the educated it's also a big scary word. As they also know that this condition is one of the very few conditions that progressively worsen over time.
      I also don't think it's fair to play internet doctor here. Casting potential labels isn't something someone should do. Op has intentionally left details out. We should respect that.

  • trapper on 09/01/2026 - 13:57
    +5

    Early Feb is literally one month away, this is not a long wait to see a specialist in Australia

  • jjjaar on 09/01/2026 - 14:06
    +10

    -I am a highly functioning individual

    Sorry to say, but you are likely a high masking individual.

    I've been told it's rare for people with my condition to be this high functioning

    High maskers often get told this. It will wear you down, and you will burn out. Take steps to avoid this asap.

    One of these steps is to remove red flags from your life, that is, your partner.

    • dylo on 09/01/2026 - 14:36
      +3

      Basically came to say the same thing.

      I was told I was "high functioning" when in reality I was a "high masker" and eventually crashed and burned.

      • Wiadro on 09/01/2026 - 14:40

        its better to be crazy than act like youre not

        • jjjaar on 09/01/2026 - 20:34
          +1

          For real, I’m gonna cross stitch this and hang it on my wall.

    • ihbh on 09/01/2026 - 17:41

      Gees, I learn sth new every day on OZB. Do you work in this area?

      Out of curiosity, is there anything "different" with someone who calls a spade a spade (e.g. say to your partner - your Dad is a expletive idiot).

      • jjjaar on 09/01/2026 - 20:35

        Gees, I learn sth new every day on OZB. Do you work in this area?

        I have lived experience.

        • tenpercent on 09/01/2026 - 21:02
          -3

          I have lived experience.

          Are there other kinds of experience?
          The "lived" part seems redundant since you've already linked it to yourself with the personal pronoun "I".

          • jjjaar on 09/01/2026 - 21:59
            +3

            @tenpercent: You can experience things through others. Close friends, partners, family, medical professionals. They all still experience it, just not first hand. They can be amazing advocates and supporters of others, but will never truly understand what they are going through. Hence, the adoption of the phrase “lived experience”.

            Anyway, it’s not just a me thing. It’s commonly used around the world.

            • tenpercent on 09/01/2026 - 22:52
              -4

              @jjjaar: I guess if you're speaking metaphorically you might experience things "through others". But in reality that is a just different experience entirely than what the "others" experienced. What you seem to be describing is experiencing hearsay, or experiencing anecdotes and the experience of witnessing.

              For example, a doctor, normally, wouldn't say they have experience as a schitzophrenic. They might say they have experienced dealing with patients with schitzophrenia, however. Or they have experience hearing about how schitzophrenia affects their patients. Or they have heard from colleagues about their patients with schitzophrenia. But the experience in those examples isn't the schitzophrenia, it's the hearing about another's experience or the witnessing of patients with it.

              experience
              noun
              uk /ɪkˈspɪə.ri.əns/ us /ɪkˈspɪr.i.əns/
              1. (the process of getting) knowledge or skill from doing, seeing, or feeling things
              e.g. dealing with schitzophrenic patients having an episode is very gruelling, in my experience.
              2. something that happens to you that affects how you feel
              e.g. I had a pretty unpleasant experience with that manic dentist.
              3. the way that something happens and how it makes you feel
              e.g. She went out of her way to make sure I had a great experience.

      • Wiadro on 09/01/2026 - 21:00

        i work within the industry just not directly

    • Qualidor on 10/01/2026 - 08:58

      'Masking' is an adopted term strongly implying neurodivergence. That is -definitely- not what the OP is alluding to here.

      I do agree that the family are responding in a fashion which suggest low psychological mindedness.

  • jv on 09/01/2026 - 14:07
    +8

    and we are probably looking at early Feb - March to actually sit down

    You're lucky you don't need elective surgery.

  • tenpercent on 09/01/2026 - 14:20
    +3

    My partner and her family have asked me to get a pyschiatric assessment done accompanied by an informal report saying where I'm at currently, fitness to work and be in a relationship, some sort of prognosis

    Why have they asked that though?

    Has your behaviour indicated to them that you may need one?

    Is it just because they found out you have this?

    Are they rich and/or snobby and they don't want their little princess marrying someone who has in the past struggled with a bit of anxiety or depression because it'll be bad for the family gene pool?

    Or is the condition something that is generally considered extreme like maybe schizophrenia or psychopathic personality disorder? And now that they know about it they're associating every minor thing with the condition?

    Edit: I'm guessing it's the last one based on a quick search.

    In 2020, the PBS introduced a new listing for the antipsychotic Reagila® (cariprazine), providing Australians with schizophrenia access to this medication for the first time.

  • pegaxs on 09/01/2026 - 14:35
    +8

    Insanely Long

    I see what you did there…

  • GordonD on 09/01/2026 - 14:39
    +5

    That's not actually an insanely long time to see a specialist, its an insanely short time for someone who doesn't have an urgent problem that's going to deteriorate quickly.

    A little while back I was hospitalised, and they wanted some follow up tests done at a public hospital allergy clinic. I got to jump the queue because the specialist wanted the results for an academic paper. So it only took 4 months. When I arrived for the appointment I heard people being told it would take them 20 months to get an appointment. Meanwhile they didn't know what they should avoid,

    On another occasion I had the symptoms of a serious medical condition. I never quite got to the point I needed hospitalisation. I had recovered without any medical assistance before I got to see the specialist.

    I was recently referred to an outpatients dermatologist who referred me to a vascular specialist who said the dermatologist's diagnosis was wrong and referred me to a rheumatologist. All that achieved was being put on the waiting list to be put on the waiting list to get to see one. No, that's not a typo, they have a waiting list you have to get to the top of before you even get given an appointment date. I have no idea when that will actually happen. Or even if I will live long enough for it to actually happen. I've already received correspondence once asking if I really want to see the rheumatologist, or whether I'd mind being dropped off the waiting list.

  • Checkmate3023 on 09/01/2026 - 14:50
    +6

    request is probably quite different from the usual Ozbargain posts.. (VIC)

    In fairness it shouldnt be there are a shit load of people posting on here who probably need mental health support

  • Clickbait on 09/01/2026 - 15:49

    "only saw in 2019 to change meds (diagnosed as a teenager in high school in the late 2000s)." so you went <> 10 years on the same drug without even a prescription? .

    • ricadam on 09/01/2026 - 16:26
      +1

      I only see a GP, twice yearly, to get repeat scripts

      • Clickbait on 10/01/2026 - 12:16
        +1

        so I modify my point.
        Ten years on the same drug, 20 visits, with nothing but a repeat prescription.
        You cannot tell me there is a planet anywhere that could justify such blatant non-treatment.
        Was there anything wrong? The scripts could not have worked
        You GP needs to be sued

        • Russ on 11/01/2026 - 16:27

          There are plenty of non-psychiatric conditions where ten years of the same medication is common. Just off the top of my head, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gastric reflux, atrial fibrillation, low iron.

          Surely there are some psychiatric conditions where the drug "just works", and only needs to be changed if there are side-effects?

  • soan papdi on 09/01/2026 - 16:07
    +10

    Ask her for a detailed medical history and share it with your parents and ask for official specialist confirmation. Certifications like this should go both ways.

  • smpantsonfire on 09/01/2026 - 16:46
    +8

    Tbh, should have brought it up in the beginning. It’s likely, since you needed to post this, a waste of 6-9 months time for both of you.

  • holdenmg on 09/01/2026 - 17:46
    +11

    I can't see any new Psychiatrist rendering a view, rather they will be reluctant to see a new patient when they already have a wait list.

    They will be also be reluctant to express a view over a new Patient they have no history over or with.

    Going back to the Psychiatrist you saw in 2019 would be the path of least resistance.
    They would know why they put you on the current Meds, would still have your patient file and might see you sooner and may generate a report back to your GP. They could do a proper review of what you are on and update your Patient file with them.

    Have you considered that any other Psychiatrist would probably want your existing Patient file forwarded from the one you saw in 2019, particularly if you are still taking the Meds via your Doctor.

    It will only cost more, take longer and there are no guarantees that anyone will deliver a Gold Standard report being demanded by other unrelated parties.

    There are also Patient Privacy concerns, and your existing Psychiatrist might write to your GP, but generating reports that could be misinterpreted by your partner and her family is just a recipe for disaster.

    Maybe your Partner could accompany you to an appointment with your existing Psychiatrist and they could reassure your partner.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join