Mental health care
Mental health care in Rutherford, starting with a conversation.
Bulk billed support for anxiety, depression, stress and more, with GPs who listen and help you find the right care.
Your GP is a good place to start.
If you are feeling low, anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, you do not need to know exactly what is wrong. Talking with a GP is a confidential first step, and together you can work out the support that suits you.
Rutherford Doctors is a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice on Hillview Street, caring for people across Rutherford, Aberglasslyn, Telarah and the wider Maitland area. Mental health consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients.
Ready to talk? Book a longer appointment.
How we can help.
Choose a topic to learn what is involved and when to see a GP.
Anxiety
Worry, nervousness or panic that is hard to control and affects daily life.
Racing thoughts, restlessness, trouble sleeping, tense muscles or panic attacks.
Talking therapies such as CBT, self-help strategies and sometimes medicine.
Your GP can refer you to a psychologist under a mental health treatment plan.
Depression
Feeling sad, flat or empty for two weeks or more, or losing interest in things you enjoy.
Low mood, tiredness, changes in sleep or appetite, and feeling hopeless.
Talking therapy, lifestyle changes and, for some people, medicine.
Regular reviews with your GP help track how you are going.
Stress and sleep
Work, money, relationships and life changes can all take a toll.
Your GP can help with sleep problems and practical strategies.
Feeling exhausted and detached from work is worth talking about.
Using alcohol or drugs to cope is common. Your GP can help without judgement.
Young people
Support for teenagers and young adults, with confidential care.
Young people can see a GP confidentially.
headspace offers support for people aged 12 to 25.
Free phone support on 1800 55 1800 for ages 5 to 25.
Pregnancy and new parents
Low mood and anxiety during pregnancy or after birth are common.
Your GP can help you find the right support.
The PANDA helpline is available on 1300 726 306.
Partners can be affected too, and support is available.
Grief and life changes
Loss, separation, illness and other changes can be hard.
Grief can affect sleep, appetite and energy. Support helps.
Moving, retirement or caring for someone can be stressful.
Your GP can help you connect with counselling and community support.
Something else on your mind? Our GPs can help.
Your support options.
Different kinds of support for different needs. Your GP can help you choose.
First step
GP consultation
Your GP listens, checks your physical health and helps plan your care.
Book a longer appointment so you have time to talk.
Better Access
Mental health treatment plan
Your GP prepares a plan that may give access to up to 10 Medicare-rebated individual sessions each calendar year.
Psychologists set their own fees, so there may be a gap.
Talking therapy
Psychologist or counsellor
Talking therapies such as CBT are effective for many people.
Your GP can recommend local practitioners.
1800 595 212
Medicare Mental Health
A free phone service that helps you find mental health support in your area.
Available on weekdays.
Online programs
MindSpot
Free assessment and online treatment courses for adults.
Visit mindspot.org.au.
13 11 14
Lifeline
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.
Text and chat are also available.
000
Emergency
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Do not wait for an appointment.
If you are in crisis, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. You do not need a referral or appointment.
Not sure where to start? Start with your GP.
Getting a mental health treatment plan.
How a plan works at Rutherford Doctors.
Book a longer appointment
Time to talk
Preparing a plan usually takes a longer appointment. Ask reception when you book.
Telehealth
For some follow-ups
Some follow-up appointments can be done by phone or video.
Get help now if
- You are thinking about harming yourself
- You feel unsafe or out of control
- Someone else is at immediate risk
- Call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14
Step by step
- 1Talk
Your GP asks how you have been feeling, how it is affecting your life and what support you would like.
- 2Assess
Your GP may use a short questionnaire and check your physical health.
- 3Plan
Together you agree goals and a plan, which may include a referral to a psychologist.
- 4Review
You come back to review how you are going and adjust the plan.
Ready to make a plan? Book a longer appointment.
Confidential care
What you discuss with your GP is confidential, except in limited situations where someone's safety is at risk. Your GP will explain this.
Ongoing support
Regular reviews with the same GP help keep your care consistent.
Costs
GP consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Psychologists and counsellors set their own fees, and a Medicare rebate may apply with a treatment plan.
Book a mental health appointmentWhat kind of support do you need?
Select the option that sounds most like you.
Support is available.
Our GPs.
All of our GPs provide mental health care. Choose a GP you feel comfortable with.
No preference? Book the first available GP.
Mental health care questions.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
No, but a mental health treatment plan from your GP may make you eligible for Medicare rebates.
How many sessions does a treatment plan cover?
Up to 10 Medicare-rebated individual sessions each calendar year, through the Better Access initiative.
Is a mental health appointment bulk billed?
GP consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients.
Can I have a mental health appointment by telehealth?
Some appointments, especially follow-ups, may be suitable for telehealth. Ask reception.
What if I need help now?
Call 000 in an emergency, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 any time.
This page provides general information about mental health care services at Rutherford Doctors. It is not a substitute for advice about your own health. Please book an appointment to discuss your situation. In an emergency, call 000.
