Seeing a mental health professional

If you’re looking for professional help to work through your mental health journey, your doctor or general practitioner (GP) is a great place to start. 

They can provide support themselves or help refer you to a mental health specialist.

At any stage during a consultation with a health professional, you can ask them to clarify a point if it is unclear. They are there to support you in navigating life’s struggles.

Information you may be asked to provide when seeing a mental health professional

  • how you’ve been feeling and for how long
  • what’s been happening in your life
  • whether there was a specific reason you wanted to have a conversation
  • how your mental health is affecting your daily life
  • your physical health, lifestyle and any current medication
  • whether you have spoken to a health professional before about your mental health
  • stress levels in your life including work, family or finances.

Everything you share with your doctor is confidential. Your doctor will not share your information unless you agree to it. This can give you peace of mind to speak freely about how you’re feeling and work through coping strategies to support it.

Mental Health Treatment Plans

A mental health treatment plan is there to support people with a mental health condition. It can help cover the cost of seeing a specialised mental health professional.

Once you have booked in to see your doctor about your mental health concerns, ask for a mental health treatment plan. Your doctor can refer you to one of the following mental health professionals:

  • Psychologist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Counsellor
  • Mental health nurse
  • Social worker

These health professionals can help you navigate life’s issues.

A mental health treatment plan most often starts with 6 sessions between you and a mental health professional. 

The plan lets you claim up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions each calendar year. 

If you feel you need further support, visit your doctor to discuss.

If you are someone who lives in a rural or regional area, booking in with a doctor or psychologist is now easier via telehealth video consultations. You can still claim these telehealth sessions through the same mental health treatment plan process.

You’re not alone

Over 3.4 million Australians seek mental health support each year from a health professional. It is an important step in looking after yourself and your family.

See Accessing services for parents and children for more information.