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Depression Treatment & Support Online

Depression is common, treatable, and often gets better with the right support. A NewDoc GP can take a history, discuss treatment options, and arrange a Mental Health Treatment Plan for Medicare-rebated psychology.

Can a telehealth GP help with depression?

Yes. An AHPRA-registered GP at NewDoc can assess depression by video or phone using validated screening tools, prescribe first-line antidepressants (typically SSRIs or SNRIs) where clinically appropriate, and create a Mental Health Treatment Plan giving you up to 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year.

The consultation, eScript, MHTP, and psychology or psychiatrist referrals are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, 000, or attend your nearest emergency department; telehealth is not appropriate for acute crisis care.

What is depression?

Per Healthdirect Australia and the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in Australia, affecting approximately one million adults each year — around one in twenty in any 12-month period and one in seven over a lifetime. Onset peaks in late adolescence and early adulthood, and women are diagnosed roughly twice as often as men. It is a serious medical condition, not a personal weakness or passing mood. Clinical depression involves persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and other symptoms that last at least two weeks and significantly affect daily function.

Depression is highly treatable. With the right combination of psychological therapy, medication where appropriate, and lifestyle support, many people achieve meaningful improvement. A bulk billed telehealth consultation is often the most accessible first step, particularly when low motivation makes leaving home difficult.

Symptoms of depression

Depression presents as a mix of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. Common features include:

  • Persistent low mood, sadness, or emptiness lasting more than two weeks
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you previously enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite or weight (either increased or decreased)
  • Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling asleep, waking early, or sleeping too much)
  • Fatigue or low energy, even after rest
  • Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or self-criticism
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Slowed movement or speech, or agitation and restlessness
  • Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide

Not everyone experiences every symptom. Your GP will take a structured history to understand the pattern that fits your situation and rule out contributing physical causes such as thyroid problems, iron deficiency, or medication side effects.

When to see a doctor about depression

Book a GP (in person or via bulk billed telehealth) if any of the following apply:

  • Low mood or loss of interest has lasted more than two weeks
  • Depression is affecting your work, study, or relationships
  • Your sleep, appetite, or energy have significantly changed
  • You are using alcohol or other substances to cope
  • You have previously had depression and notice symptoms returning
  • You have recently given birth and feel persistently low, anxious, or disconnected

Get urgent help now if you are:

  • Having thoughts of suicide or self-harm
  • Unable to keep yourself safe
  • Experiencing a mental health crisis (call 000 or go to an emergency department)

Crisis lines:

  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
  • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
  • 13YARN 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
  • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (5 to 25 year olds)
  • PANDA 1300 726 306 (perinatal mental health)

Telehealth is not for acute crisis care. If you are in immediate danger, please call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.

How a telehealth GP can help with depression

Depression assessment is built on conversation and validated screening, which makes telehealth well suited. During the consult, your GP can:

  • Take a structured mental health history and use tools such as the PHQ-9
  • Create a Mental Health Treatment Plan for up to 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year
  • Refer you to a psychologist (typically first-line for mild to moderate depression) or a psychiatrist for complex or treatment-resistant cases
  • Send an eScript for first-line antidepressant medication (typically SSRIs or SNRIs) where clinically appropriate
  • Issue a medical certificate if depression is affecting work or study
  • Order blood tests to screen for contributing physical causes (thyroid function, iron, B12, vitamin D)
  • Schedule follow-up to review response, side effects, and adjust the plan

For eligible Medicare cardholders, the consultation and everything issued during it are bulk billed at no out-of-pocket cost.

Common types of depression

  • Major depressive disorder: one or more episodes of persistent low mood and loss of interest lasting at least two weeks
  • Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): chronic, lower-grade depressed mood lasting two years or more
  • Postnatal depression: depression in the weeks or months after childbirth, affecting roughly one in seven new mothers in Australia
  • Seasonal patterns: mood symptoms that recur at the same time of year, more common in winter
  • Depression in bipolar disorder: low mood episodes alternating with periods of elevated mood or energy; treatment differs from unipolar depression
  • Situational (adjustment) low mood: depressed mood in response to a specific stressor; often improves with support and time

Depression often co-occurs with anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain. Your GP will identify the pattern that fits your situation and tailor treatment accordingly.

Risk factors for depression

  • Family history of depression or other mental health conditions
  • Previous episodes of depression
  • Trauma, grief, or adverse childhood experiences
  • Major life stressors (relationship breakdown, job loss, financial strain, housing)
  • Chronic physical illness or persistent pain
  • Coexisting anxiety, substance use, or sleep problems
  • Hormonal changes (postnatal period, perimenopause, thyroid dysfunction)
  • Social isolation or limited close relationships
  • Some medications (certain blood pressure, steroid, or hormonal treatments)

Depression can affect anyone, including people with no obvious risk factors. Your GP will consider the combination of factors in your situation and screen for contributing physical causes.

Treatment options for depression

The Australian Therapeutic Guidelines and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) recommend a stepped-care approach to depression, with psychological therapy as first-line for mild-to-moderate cases and antidepressant medication added or used as an alternative for moderate-to-severe cases.

  • Psychological therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and behavioural activation are evidence-based first-line options. Accessible via a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a psychologist referral.
  • Medication. First-line antidepressants include SSRIs and SNRIs. Your GP will discuss the expected timeframe, possible side effects, and how to monitor response.
  • Lifestyle support. Regular physical activity, consistent sleep, reducing alcohol, and maintaining social connection all support recovery.
  • Treating coexisting conditions. Anxiety, sleep problems, and chronic pain often need to be addressed alongside depression.
  • Specialist input. A psychiatrist may be helpful for treatment-resistant depression, bipolar presentations, or when medication optimisation needs specialist guidance.

A combined approach usually works best. Your GP will help you decide where to start and how to sequence treatment over time.

Day-to-day tips for managing depression

  • Set small, achievable daily goals (a short walk, a shower, preparing one meal) to build momentum
  • Keep a regular sleep schedule and limit screen time before bed
  • Move regularly: walking, swimming, yoga, or cycling all support mood
  • Reduce alcohol and recreational drugs, both of which can worsen mood and interact with medication
  • Stay socially connected even when it feels easier to withdraw; a brief call counts
  • Practise self-compassion: recovery is rarely linear and set-backs are a normal part of the process
  • Limit doom-scrolling and news consumption if it worsens your mood
  • Consider brief journaling or mood tracking to notice patterns and share them with your GP or psychologist

These strategies are supports, not substitutes for professional care. Your GP or psychologist can help build a plan that combines clinical treatment with day-to-day strategies suited to your situation.

References

This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 12 May 2026. Editorial policy

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Frequently asked questions

Can a telehealth GP diagnose depression?

Yes. A GP can assess your symptoms during a telehealth consultation using validated screening tools (such as the PHQ-9) and clinical judgement. If a diagnosis is made, your GP can develop a treatment plan tailored to your situation, which may include psychological therapy, medication where appropriate, or referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Can I get antidepressants prescribed via telehealth?

Yes. If your GP determines that antidepressant medication is clinically appropriate, they can send an eScript to your phone during the consultation. First-line medications for depression are typically SSRIs or SNRIs; your GP will discuss the options with you. Some restricted substances may require an in-person appointment rather than telehealth.

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a GP-created plan that gives you access to up to 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions per calendar year with a registered psychologist or other allied mental health professional. Your GP can create one during a telehealth appointment, and you can choose any registered psychologist in Australia.

How long do antidepressants take to work?

Antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs typically take 2 to 6 weeks for a meaningful effect on mood, with some side effects often more noticeable in the first one to two weeks. Your GP will usually review progress within 2 to 4 weeks and adjust the plan if needed. Individual response varies, so follow-up is an important part of treatment.

Are antidepressants addictive?

No. SSRIs, SNRIs, and other first-line antidepressants are not classified as addictive in the way opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol are — they don't produce cravings, tolerance escalation, or compulsive use. They can, however, cause physical adaptation, which means stopping abruptly can produce temporary discontinuation symptoms (such as dizziness, flu-like feelings, vivid dreams, or low mood) for a few days to a couple of weeks. The Australian Therapeutic Guidelines and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners therefore recommend tapering antidepressants gradually under GP supervision rather than stopping suddenly. A telehealth GP can discuss timing, taper schedules, and how to distinguish discontinuation effects from a return of depression itself.

Can depression be cured?

There is no guaranteed cure, but depression is highly treatable and many people achieve substantial improvement with the right combination of psychological therapy, medication where appropriate, and lifestyle support. Some people have a single episode and recover; others experience recurrent episodes and benefit from longer-term support. Your GP will help you understand what to expect.

What is the difference between depression and feeling sad?

Sadness is a normal response to difficult events and usually lifts over days or weeks. Clinical depression involves persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and other symptoms that last for at least two weeks and interfere with work, relationships, or daily function. If low mood has lasted more than two weeks and is affecting your life, it is worth speaking with a GP.

What types of depression are there?

Common forms include major depressive disorder (episodes lasting two weeks or longer), persistent depressive disorder (chronic low mood over two years or more), postnatal depression (after childbirth), seasonal patterns (more common in winter), and depression as part of bipolar disorder. Depression can also co-occur with anxiety or chronic illness. Your GP will identify the pattern that fits your experience.

Can a GP refer me to a psychologist for depression?

Yes. Your GP can create a Mental Health Treatment Plan and refer you to a psychologist for Medicare-rebated sessions. For more complex or treatment-resistant depression, a psychiatrist referral may be appropriate. You can choose any registered psychologist or psychiatrist in Australia.

Is the consultation bulk billed?

Yes. For eligible Medicare cardholders, NewDoc bulk bills telehealth consultations with no out-of-pocket cost. Any eScript, Mental Health Treatment Plan, psychology referral, or medical certificate issued during the consultation is included at no extra charge.

Can I get a follow-up appointment to monitor my depression treatment?

Yes. Follow-up is an important part of depression management. Your GP can review your response to medication or therapy, check on side effects, and adjust the plan as needed. NewDoc bulk bills follow-up telehealth consultations for eligible Medicare cardholders.

What should I do in a mental health crisis?

If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or you feel unable to keep yourself safe, please call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department. Lifeline (13 11 14), Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are also free 24/7 phone services. 13YARN (13 92 76) is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. PANDA (1300 726 306) supports perinatal mental health. Telehealth is not appropriate for acute crisis care.

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