How do you balance work and psychological treatment?

[florencefifty]

I have been seeing a psychologist; we’ve had two sessions so far. We’ve covered a lot, including a test for a condition. 

I recently found a new job, and I start next week. My next psychologist’s appointment is in two weeks. 

My Mum says I should ask my psychologist whether she has any appointments available after work. She only works Monday and Tuesday, so going to an appointment on the weekend is not an option. 

If I was to go, I would only miss two or three hours, between travel and the appointment itself. But two or three hours a day every two weeks is a lot to miss when you are brand new on the job. It could get in the way of my learning the job, and it could make a bad impression on my manager. It shouldn’t, but I have had two managers that hated me and vice versa, so I would like to at least give myself the best chance of having a good relationship with my next manager.

I could do telehealth, but that’s not the same. My brother says I should take advantage of the EAP, but short-term counselling is not necessarily the same thing as seeing a psychologist. I would change psychologists, but that’s irritating, because you have to start again.

Besides, finding a psychologist who does outside-work hours AND has a decent Medicare rebate could be tough.

All of the options on the table suck, but trying to find the least sucky.

[tyme]

Hey @florencefifty ,

I've certainly come across a very similar situation - juggling work and psychological treatment.

For me, I plan things out well in advance. As soon as I have some time off work, I book in a psych appointment. Sometimes, I book a few in advance and then cancel closer to the time. I used to book 6 appointments in advance at any one time.

Also, after seeing my psychologist for so long, I now only have telehealth sessions (zoom etc). That saves travel time. So sometimes I take an hour off or so, and have a telehealth appointment (not sure if your psychologist/s would be willing). Your psych works Mon and Tues.... mine only works Mondays... 

From experience, I have noticed that EAP is very 'work' focused. Whereas, like you said, a private psychologist is quite different. That's my experience anyway. Some people have different experiences.

So yes, balancing treatment and work is certainly very possible.

Over the years, I have certainly seen you make so much progress in your recovery - good on you, and thank you for sharing.

[CrazyChick]

@florencefifty 

I have found that telehealth can be convenient to fit in with work. One job I had an hour lunch break, so I could have my appointment in my break. To start with I didn't tell my boss, but then I kept having my lunch breaks changed at the last minute and would have to cancel my scheduled appointments. Once I told my boss, I was scheduled for the same time lunch break each day, so I could book my appointments. In that job I lived close to home, so could go home for my appointments, but I have heard of others using a private office space at work, or going to a nearby park, library meeting room or other private spot.

Another job I would have appointments after work, so I would have to leave work a little early to get there. Other people schedule appointments for RDOs (rostered days off), or if they are part-time for days they aren't working.

I used to think that I preferred face-to-face (F2F) than telehealth. But now my preference is video telehealth. With my current psychologist I started seeing her F2F, but then she changed to 100% telehealth. The change was a bit of a challenge at first as I had difficulties with the technology and was only able to do phone. The lack of visual feedback meant my psychologist couldn't tell my reaction as easily, so I felt she wasn't understanding me as well. But once we got the video technology working it went back to how it had been with F2F. Another challenge was that I would often share with her written resources & I was worried that wouldn't be possible over telehealth, but as we both were on computers with access to email & internet - we could send each other written resources to read and discuss. Now she does do some days F2F I will probably do an occasional day F2F, but mostly telehealth as much more convenient for me.

I'd reccomend you try telehealth with your current psychologist and see if you can get it to work for you. May need a couple of sessions to problem-solve any difficulties.

Employers do have a responsibility to manage psychosocial (mental health) risks in the workplace. This would include allowing you any accommodations you need to access appropriate psychological services to support your mental health. And it is their best interests to have you accessing this support to optimise you mental health which would in turn optimise you ability to do your job.