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HELP
Hi! <3
Ive decided to finally get my mental health checked. I don't have any experiences on getting any mental health check ups. Im at a point where I really want to know if I have a mental disability.
What happens in their initial consultation? Will I get a diagnosis on my mental health right after the consultation?
Any cheaper alternatives? Also since its ECQ right now, does having consultations virtual make it less effective?
Looking forward to comments and discussions. I kinda had a difficult time articulating my thoughts so I hope people reading this can understand and Im sorry with the handful of questions. 😅
Thank you!
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Hello!
I've been with a Graymatters therapist for a while now and I can say na it's very helpful and effective. Pero it all boils down to how willing you are to cooperate. I don't know about cheaper alternatives kasi I've only been to Graymatters for therapy.
I started with F2F sessions back in February. For the first session, it was about 2 hours of interview-type questions. Be prepared and now what issues you currently have that need the most attention. My therapist also asked me at least 3 major conflicts in my life for the past 3-5 years. He also asked about my childhood, family background, academic background, etc. Make a list, or at least mentally, of these para mas efficient and first session. I was not prepared enough so I had to answer on the spot. Pero IMO it helps din to be spontaneous kasi I learned a lot about myself from that session. There's also a depression scale where the therapist will ask you common symptoms and you'll answer on a scale. It helps the therapist to know what state you are in now. I don't know if there is something similar for anxiety kasi I don't experience it naman regularly. Also, prepare a list of medications you're currently in kasi when I had my first session, my therapist asked about it kasi I mentioned that I'm already taking medications for Bipolar disorder. Mention din if you tried taking psych meds in the past. Pero if this is your first time with a mental heath professional naman, that's all good.
I also assumed that F2F therapy sessions would be better pero I think it wouldn't be for everyone. It's a bit nerve-wracking kasi it's a new place with a new person then suddenly you have to open up with your life. Pero once you get over those firsts, F2F is really good. In April, we were forced to go back to online consultations and I guess it's really not bad. It's really convenient. I didn't have to travel 1 hour just to reach the venue. Plus, it gave us the option to share screens which is really good. We created my daily schedule by sharing screens which TBH, I don't how we'd be able to do that F2F.
Regarding the diagnosis, yes, they will give that to you at the end of the first session. I don't know if this is universal but my therapist said that it is only his hypothesis and it may change overtime. It did for me. In our first session he diagnosed me with Bipolar 1 disorder but after three sessions he added ADHD to my diagnosis.
Also, be prepared din how often you'd like to meet with you therapist. When he asked me, I said I would like to meet twice a month and that's fine with him. I can't afford to meet every week and I think once a month won't be as effective for me. Kaya I chose twice a month and that was also his suggestion.
Sorry if this has become a long post. Pero good luck OP! I'm proud of you for taking a step! I hope you have a strong support system either your family or close friends kasi TBH you'll learn a lot about yourself in therapy, even things you won't be happy about. So I hope you have a support system to help you when it gets difficult. But don't be scared, Graymatters therapists are really good, even the staff are.
I'm hoping the best for you! Just reach out to me if you need someone. Thanks!
Im sorry I havent replied for a week. It's all good, I actually appreciate your feedback it's very encouraging to hear!
I haven't proceeded yet with my initial consultation as I tried exploring my options past couple of days.. which lead me to a realization that getting a consultation is harder than I thought it would be.. and definitely very expensive! This whole process is actually making me anxious 😅🤣 As I want to get the most out of the payments..
Also what do you think about patient's confidentiality? Im actually really worried about opening up about myself to a stranger.. the thought of somebody knowing all my flaws is scary haha
Hi! Not OP, but do they require you to live with someone? I tried consulting with another clinic last year but they said they can’t give me a consultation because I live alone and have no one to regularly check in on me in case they recommend meds. 😔
Hello! Can therapists issue medical certificates detailing diagnoses for PWD ID application?
Hi, can I ask who your psychologist is if you don't mind? And are you already an adult when you got diagnosed with ADHD? Was wondering cos I'm thinking of getting checked for ADHD but my psychiatrist's method isn't up-to-date and the tests done to me is like the tests done for a child. Parang konti pa lang yung progressive health care providers sa PH na up to date sa current research about ADHD.
Anyway, sorry dami kong nasabi. But basically I would appreciate if you could tell me the first two questions. Thank you!
Edit: you can DM me for more discretion.
Online consultation is done via Zoom. To get the most out of it, you should have a fast and stable internet connection. Get good headphones, microphone, webcam, and be in a quiet and private space. I suppose a phone will be sufficient but the quality of your internet will be very important.
Answer the 2 free screening tests before booking a consultation.
I have no info to contribute but I hope your consult goes well. All the best x
Can i ask how much for initial consultation? Thanks
Mine was 900 for a 30-minute consult. I don't know if that's a flat rate or if it depends on who the psychologist is.
You can sign up for free and take the the screening test for free. You'll see the price when you book a consultation just before you select your payment option so you can still change your mind before paying.