Health journalMental health
Talking to your GP about your mental health
Your GP is a good place to start if you are feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed. Here is what to expect, and how a mental health treatment plan can help.
If you are feeling low, anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, your GP is a good place to start. You do not need to have the right words or know exactly what is wrong. Saying how you have been feeling is enough. At Rutherford Doctors, mental health consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients across Rutherford, Aberglasslyn, Telarah and the wider Maitland area.
When to talk to your GP
- You have been feeling down, worried or on edge for more than a couple of weeks
- Your sleep, appetite or energy has changed
- You are finding it hard to enjoy things or get through the day
- Stress at work, home or school is affecting your health
- You are using alcohol or other drugs to cope
What happens at the appointment
Your GP will listen, ask some questions about how you have been feeling and how it is affecting your life, and talk with you about options. This might include practical strategies, lifestyle changes, talking therapy, medicine, or a combination. It can help to book a longer appointment so you have time to talk.
What is a mental health treatment plan?
If appropriate, your GP can prepare a mental health treatment plan under the Better Access initiative. This may give you access to up to 10 Medicare-rebated individual sessions each calendar year with an eligible psychologist, social worker or occupational therapist. Mental health professionals set their own fees, so there may be a gap.
Ongoing support and reviews
Your GP can review how you are going, adjust your plan and coordinate your care with other health professionals. Seeing the same GP helps keep your care consistent.
Supporting someone you care about
If you are worried about a family member or friend, encourage them to talk with their GP, and offer to help them book an appointment.
If you need support now
- In an emergency, or if you or someone else is at immediate risk, call 000
- Lifeline: 13 11 14, available 24 hours a day
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800, for young people aged 5 to 25
Book a mental health appointment in Rutherford
Book online through HotDoc and choose a longer appointment, or call reception on (02) 4061 7981. Telehealth may also be an option for mental health check-ins.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
You can see a psychologist without a referral, but a mental health treatment plan from your GP may make you eligible for Medicare rebates.
Is a mental health consultation bulk billed?
Mental health consultations are bulk billed at Rutherford Doctors for Medicare-eligible patients.
Can I talk to my GP by telehealth?
Telehealth may be suitable for some mental health appointments. Ask reception when you book.
Sources: Services Australia; Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing; Lifeline Australia; Beyond Blue.
This article is general health information written by the Rutherford Doctors team. It has not been written or reviewed by our GPs and is not a substitute for advice about your own health. Please book an appointment to discuss your situation. In an emergency, call 000.
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