Mental health support through telehealth
Accessing mental health care can be difficult. Long wait times, limited GP availability, and the effort of attending a clinic when you are already struggling. NewDoc offers bulk billed telehealth consultations with qualified GPs who can help with mental health assessments, medication management, and referrals to psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals.
Your consultation is conducted via video or phone call with an AHPRA-registered GP. The conversation is confidential, conducted from wherever you feel comfortable, and bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients.
What your GP can help with
A GP telehealth consultation for mental health can cover a range of needs. Your doctor can assess your mental health and discuss how you are feeling, review or prescribe medication for conditions such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia, create a referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counsellor, discuss your options for ongoing mental health care, and provide advice on managing stress, sleep, and wellbeing.
If your GP determines that you need ongoing specialist mental health support, they can provide a referral that may entitle you to Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist or other allied health professional.
Mental Health Treatment Plans
Under Medicare, GPs can create Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTPs) that give you access to up to 10 subsidised sessions with a psychologist or other mental health professional per calendar year. Your NewDoc GP can discuss whether an MHTP is appropriate for your situation during your consultation.
Please note that due to changes in Medicare rules, the availability of Mental Health Treatment Plans via telehealth may depend on your specific circumstances and eligibility. Your GP will advise you on the best pathway during your consultation.
Medication management
If you are already taking medication for a mental health condition, your NewDoc GP can review your current treatment, discuss how it is working for you, and issue a repeat prescription if appropriate. If you are considering starting medication, your GP can discuss the options, benefits, and potential side effects with you.
All prescriptions are issued as eScripts sent directly to your phone. There is no extra charge for prescriptions. They are included in the bulk billed consultation.
Privacy and confidentiality
All NewDoc consultations are confidential. Your telehealth appointment is conducted in a private, secure environment, and your health information is protected under the Australian Privacy Principles. Speaking to a GP from home can feel more comfortable and private than visiting a clinic, which is one reason many people prefer telehealth for mental health consultations.