Seeking help for your mental health takes courage, and it can be disheartening to discover that many experienced psychologists in Adelaide currently have wait times of approximately 10 weeks for regular appointments. If you’re struggling right now, 10 weeks can feel impossibly long.

This wait time has become common across Adelaide’s mental health system, reflecting both the quality of care these professionals provide and the genuine need for mental health support in our community. However, if waiting feels too difficult given what you’re going through, it’s worth understanding all your options.

When Waiting Feels Too Hard

If you’re dealing with relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, life changes, or other challenges, waiting can sometimes make things feel more overwhelming. You might worry that your motivation to seek help will fade, or that your situation might worsen during the wait.

These concerns are completely understandable, and you’re not alone in feeling this way.

Private Counselling as an Alternative

As a private counsellor and sex therapist, I currently have availability for new clients without the extended wait times. This doesn’t mean psychology isn’t valuable – it simply means there may be another path forward if immediate support feels important for your situation.

If You’ve Already Received a Diagnosis

Many people don’t realise that if your GP has already diagnosed you with depression, anxiety, or other conditions, you may not need additional clinical diagnosis from a psychologist. Often GP’s refer to a psychologist because thats what is recognised under a Mental Health Care plan, and the Medicare system. However, private counselling can provide therapeutic support for the challenges you’re facing, working with the diagnosis you already have.

The exception  for example, might be if you specifically require Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for certain mental health conditions, as this requires specialised training. However, for most therapeutic needs, integrative counselling can offer effective support regardless of whether you have an existing diagnosis, and this includes behavioural modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Working with neurodiverse clients. And the list goes on. Check out my professional services page for more information here.

Similar Support, Different Path

Counselling offers many of the same therapeutic benefits as psychology – the opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, work through relationship issues, and create positive changes in your life. As a trauma-informed and trauma-practicing counsellor, I work as an integrative practitioner, drawing from many different therapeutic approaches/modalities to tailor support that best fits your individual needs and circumstances.

The main difference is often the setting and structure, rather than the quality of support you receive.

Privacy and Flexibility

Some people appreciate that private counselling offers additional privacy, with no Medicare records. Others value the flexibility to have sessions when they need them most, rather than being restricted to set timeframes determined by external systems. And thats ok, whatever works best for you.

Sometimes just knowing our options can help clarify what feels right for you, whether that’s counselling, psychology, social work, psychiatry or a combination of different mental health supports.

Financial Considerations

While private sessions do require upfront payment, many people find that the ability to work at their own pace – having more sessions when things are difficult and fewer when they’re managing well – can be cost-effective over time.

If finances are a concern, please don’t let this be a barrier to getting support. I offer various packages and payment plans designed to make counselling more accessible. Every situation is different, so I encourage you to reach out and discuss what might work for your circumstances.

Specialised Areas of Support

In addition to general mental health care and counselling, I also provide specialised support in several areas including trauma therapy, pain management therapy, and sex therapy for individuals and couples. These types of specialised support mean you have immediate access, this can be especially valuable for those dealing with specific concerns.

Making the Right Choice for You

There’s no single right answer when choosing mental health support. Some people prefer to wait for psychology services, while others find private counselling better suits their needs and timeline. What matters most is finding support that feels right for your situation.

I’ll never discourage you from seeing a psychologist—we all bring something unique to the mental health profession. If that’s what you need, you have my full support.

However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by current wait times or dealing with urgent concerns that feel too pressing to put on hold, private counselling might be worth considering. You have several options:

• Use private counselling as a bridge while waiting for psychology services.
• See both a counsellor and psychologist simultaneously (many of my clients do this successfully).
• Choose private counselling as your primary support.

The choice is entirely yours, and there’s no wrong decision when it comes to prioritising your mental health.

Moving Forward

Whatever path you choose, the most important thing is that you’re taking steps to care for your mental health. If you think private counselling might be a good fit for your particular situation, feel free to sign up as new client. Can’t wait? Don’t wait. Book today. Schedule time to see me. I look forward to working with you whatever choice you make.

Medical and Mental Health Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or mental health advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or care from qualified healthcare providers. If you have medical concerns or mental health issues, please consult with a credentialed mental health professional, such as myself, and schedule an intake session, or seek care from other qualified healthcare providers. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment based on information provided here. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, contact 000 immediately or visit your nearest emergency department. 

AI Disclosure: Some articles use AI assistance from Claude.ai for research and drafting. Polysoma reviews and edits all content, maintaining full editorial control and responsibility.