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Get a stress leave medical certificate online

See an AHPRA-registered GP via telehealth and receive your medical certificate by email the same day. Bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders. No diagnosis disclosed to your employer.

How does a stress leave medical certificate work in Australia?

"Stress leave" is not a separate workplace entitlement — it is taken as personal leave under the National Employment Standards, the same 10-day-per-year accrual used for any other illness. After a telehealth consultation, an AHPRA-registered GP can issue a medical certificate stating you are unfit for work for a specified period. The certificate does not need to state the reason.

Bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders. If symptoms are likely to persist, ask the GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan for up to 10 subsidised psychology sessions on top of the certificate.

"Stress leave" is personal leave

There is no separate "stress leave" entitlement under Australian workplace law. Personal leave (the National Employment Standards entitlement of 10 paid days per year for full-time employees, pro-rated for part-timers) covers any illness or injury — including mental health symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, burnout, or acute stress. A medical certificate from a GP is the standard evidence employers can request.

The certificate confirms that you are unfit for work for a specified period. It does not disclose the underlying medical reason and does not need to use the word "stress". Your privacy is protected under Australian law — your employer cannot lawfully require you to reveal the diagnosis behind a personal leave absence.

How a NewDoc telehealth consultation works

Book a consultation, choose a same-day appointment with a FRACGP-qualified General Practitioner, and connect by video or phone. The GP will take a structured history of your symptoms, screen for safety concerns, and discuss what time off is clinically appropriate. If a medical certificate is indicated, it is emailed to you immediately after the consultation.

For eligible Medicare cardholders, the consultation and the certificate are bulk billed — $0 out of pocket. NewDoc does not charge an extra fee for medical certificates.

When the GP may suggest a Mental Health Treatment Plan

A short medical certificate covers an immediate absence. If symptoms are more than transient — for example, persistent low mood, ongoing anxiety, or sleep disturbance lasting weeks — the GP may recommend a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). This is a separate Medicare-funded plan that allows up to 10 bulk-billed sessions with a registered psychologist (or other eligible allied mental health practitioner) per calendar year.

Both can be arranged in the same telehealth consultation: a certificate to cover the immediate absence, plus a referral to access ongoing psychological support. NewDoc also offers consultations specifically for mental health telehealth if you would like to discuss treatment options before deciding on time off.

What employers can and can't ask

Under the Fair Work Act, an employer can ask for "evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person" that the leave was taken for a permitted reason. A medical certificate from an AHPRA-registered GP meets this test. Telehealth-issued certificates are explicitly recognised as valid by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Employers cannot:

  • Require you to disclose your specific diagnosis.
  • Insist you see a particular doctor or attend a nominated clinic.
  • Reject a valid medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner because the consultation was via telehealth.
  • Take adverse action (such as dismissal or demotion) because you exercised a workplace right to take personal leave with proper evidence.

If you believe your employer is acting outside these rules, the Fair Work Ombudsman publishes free guidance and can investigate.

When telehealth may not be appropriate

Telehealth is suitable for assessment, certificates, scripts, and care planning. If the GP identifies acute risk to your safety or to others, or symptoms that need a hands-on physical examination, you will be advised to attend a local in-person clinic or emergency department. If you are in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, or 000 in an emergency.

For a longer view of options if the immediate question is "where should I be seen right now," see where to get care.

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 4 May 2026. Editorial policy

Ready to see a GP?

Book a bulk-billed telehealth consult in under 2 minutes — $0 with Medicare if eligible.

Or call 0481 615 998

Frequently asked questions

Is stress leave a separate entitlement under Fair Work?

No. There is no separate "stress leave" entitlement in Australian workplace law. Time off for stress, anxiety, burnout, or other mental health reasons is taken as personal leave (sick leave) under the National Employment Standards, the same entitlement used for any other illness. Full-time employees accrue 10 days of paid personal/carer's leave per year. The medical certificate confirms you are unfit for work without disclosing the reason.

Can a telehealth GP issue a medical certificate for stress?

Yes, when clinically appropriate. After a structured consultation, an AHPRA-registered GP can issue a medical certificate stating that you are unfit for work for a specified period. The certificate does not state the diagnosis and does not need to use the word "stress".

Does my employer have to know I'm taking stress leave?

No. Under Australian privacy law, your medical certificate confirms you are unfit for work and the dates you are unable to attend, but does not need to disclose the reason or the diagnosis. Your employer cannot lawfully require you to reveal the specific medical condition behind a personal leave absence.

How long can a stress-related medical certificate cover?

The duration is a clinical decision made by the GP based on the consultation. Short certificates (1–3 days) are appropriate for acute, transient stress; longer periods may be considered when symptoms are more significant. If extended time off looks likely, the GP may discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan to coordinate ongoing support.

What's the difference between a stress leave certificate and a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A medical certificate is short-term documentation that you are unfit for work. A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a separate Medicare-funded plan that allows up to 10 bulk-billed sessions per calendar year with a registered psychologist or other allied mental health practitioner. Many patients need both — a certificate to cover their immediate absence, plus an MHTP to access ongoing support. Both can be arranged through NewDoc telehealth.

Will a telehealth stress leave certificate be accepted by my employer?

Yes. Under the Fair Work Act, an employer must accept a valid medical certificate from any AHPRA-registered medical practitioner, regardless of whether the consultation was in person or via telehealth. NewDoc certificates include the GP's name and AHPRA registration number, and the Fair Work Ombudsman has confirmed certificates issued via telehealth are valid evidence of personal leave.

Can my employer require me to provide more information than the certificate?

Generally no. Your employer can ask for evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person that the leave was taken for a permitted reason — a medical certificate from an AHPRA-registered GP meets this test. Employers cannot require disclosure of your diagnosis. If your employer is requesting additional medical information that you believe is unreasonable, the Fair Work Ombudsman can provide guidance.

Is the consultation really bulk billed?

Yes, for eligible Medicare cardholders. NewDoc bulk bills the consultation directly to Medicare, so the consultation and the medical certificate are issued at no out-of-pocket cost. There is no extra fee for the certificate.

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