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Antidepressant Prescription Online

See a bulk billed telehealth GP about antidepressant medication. If a script is clinically appropriate, the eScript is sent to your phone for any Australian pharmacy.

Can I get an antidepressant prescription online in Australia?

Yes. An AHPRA-registered GP at NewDoc can assess you during a telehealth consultation and, if clinically appropriate, prescribe an antidepressant as an eScript sent to your phone. The script is part of the consult: no separate per-script fee.

Your GP can also issue a psychiatrist referral in the same appointment, bulk billed. If psychology is part of your care, a NewDoc GP can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan where clinically appropriate, in its own, longer consult. Choose Mental Health Care Plan when you book.

Getting an antidepressant prescription online

Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed medications in Australia, used to manage depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are commonly prescribed and are well within standard GP prescribing scope.

A NewDoc telehealth consultation lets you discuss your symptoms with an AHPRA-registered GP and, where clinically appropriate, receive an eScript sent to your phone.

What your GP will discuss

Your GP will take a structured mental health history covering current symptoms, when they started, severity, impact on daily life, any prior episodes, current and past medications, family history of mental illness, and any other relevant medical conditions. The GP will also assess for safety concerns, alcohol or substance use, and current life stressors.

If antidepressant treatment is clinically appropriate, the GP will discuss medication options, expected timeline for response (typically 2 to 4 weeks for early improvement, 6 to 8 weeks for full effect), common side effects, and when to book a review. Psychology is often recommended alongside medication. For Medicare-rebated psychology sessions, a NewDoc GP can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan and the referral that goes with it, where clinically appropriate, in a separate Mental Health Care Plan consult. The antidepressant consultation itself is bulk billed at no extra cost for eligible Medicare cardholders.

How NewDoc compares for antidepressant scripts

NewDoc bulk bills the consultation that issues your antidepressant eScript at $0 for eligible Medicare cardholders, with operating hours generally 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week. InstantScripts prescriptions are private-pay.

Per-provider pricing table.
ProviderLowest published cost to get a scriptBulk billed?
NewDoc$0 (Medicare)Yes
InstantScripts$19 per scriptNo for consultations; their FAQ notes Medicare-funded mental health care plans for eligible patients
Doctors on DemandFrom $29.90 (QuickScript repeat)No
hub.health$35 (prescription)No
QoctorFrom $24.99 (online prescription)No
Medmate$25 (online prescription)No

Cell values reflect each provider's lowest publicly listed pathway to a prescription as at the page review date shown below. Doctors on Demand operates 24/7 and lists QuickScript repeats at $29.90. hub.health operates 8 am to 8 pm 7 days and lists prescriptions at $35. Prices change. Check each provider's own website for current pricing before booking.

Switching, dose changes, and tapering

Many patients eventually need to adjust antidepressant treatment: increasing the dose, switching to a different medication if the first does not work or causes side effects, adding an adjunct, or tapering off when symptoms have remitted. All of these adjustments are well within GP scope and can be managed via telehealth review consultations.

Stopping an antidepressant suddenly can cause discontinuation symptoms (dizziness, nausea, flu-like feeling, mood changes). Your GP will recommend a structured taper rather than an abrupt stop. If switching between agents, a cross-taper is often safer than a straight switch. The same telehealth pathway covers all of these scenarios.

When telehealth may not be suitable

Telehealth is well suited to most antidepressant prescribing and review. Your GP may recommend an in-person consultation or referral to a psychiatrist if your situation is complex or treatment-resistant, if a physical examination is clinically necessary, if you require medication outside standard GP scope (such as certain stimulants or mood-stabilising agents), or if there are safety concerns that need hands-on assessment.

If you are experiencing an acute mental health crisis, telehealth is not appropriate. Call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department. The 24/7 phone supports listed in the FAQ above (Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Suicide Call Back Service, 13YARN, Kids Helpline, PANDA) provide free immediate crisis support. You can also check ED wait times if you need to decide where to go for in-person 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 30 August 2026. Editorial policy

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get an antidepressant prescription online in Australia?

Yes. An AHPRA-registered GP can assess you during a telehealth consultation and, if clinically appropriate, prescribe antidepressant medication as an eScript sent to your phone.

Is the antidepressant consultation bulk billed?

Yes, for eligible Medicare cardholders. NewDoc bulk bills the consultation to Medicare at no out-of-pocket cost, and the eScript is included. You only pay the pharmacy dispensing fee at the time of collection. PBS-listed antidepressants are subsidised: the standard PBS co-payment applies, with a lower fee for concession cardholders.

Which antidepressants can a GP prescribe via telehealth?

GPs can prescribe most commonly used antidepressants via telehealth where clinically appropriate, including the SSRI, SNRI, and atypical antidepressant classes. Some medications, particularly certain controlled substances and stimulants used in psychiatric care, may require an in-person prescriber relationship or a psychiatrist referral. Your GP will explain what is appropriate for your situation.

Can I start a new antidepressant via telehealth, or only get repeats?

Both. A GP can initiate a new antidepressant during a telehealth consultation if clinically appropriate, and can also issue repeat prescriptions for medication you are already taking. Starting a new antidepressant typically involves a longer initial consultation to take a full mental health history, discuss treatment options, and explain side effects and timeframes for response.

How long does it take an antidepressant to work?

Most SSRIs and SNRIs take 2 to 4 weeks before mood symptoms start to improve, and up to 6 to 8 weeks for the full effect. Some side effects (such as nausea, sleep changes, or anxiety) can occur in the first 1 to 2 weeks before improvement begins. Your GP will explain what to expect and when to book a review consultation.

Can I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan during the same consultation?

Not in a standard consult. A Mental Health Care Plan (also called a Mental Health Treatment Plan) needs its own, longer consult. Choose Mental Health Care Plan when you book, and your GP will decide with you whether a plan is right for you. A plan lets you claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year with a psychologist or other eligible mental health professional.

Can I switch antidepressants via telehealth?

Yes. If you are currently on an antidepressant and want to change to a different medication or dose (because of side effects, inadequate response, or other reasons), your GP can discuss the options during a telehealth consultation and issue a new eScript if clinically appropriate. Switching antidepressants often involves a structured taper or cross-taper rather than an abrupt change; your GP will explain the process.

What information should I have ready for the consult?

Have your Medicare card, the names and doses of any current medications (including any current or past antidepressants), notes on your symptoms (when they started, severity, what helps or worsens them), and any relevant family history. If you have seen a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist about mental health before, having those details available helps the consultation.

When should I see a psychiatrist instead of a GP?

GPs commonly prescribe antidepressants in Australia and manage most cases successfully. A psychiatrist referral may be appropriate for complex or treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, certain psychiatric medications outside standard GP scope, or where diagnostic clarification is needed. Your NewDoc GP can issue a psychiatrist referral via telehealth at no extra charge if clinically indicated.

What if I am in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm?

Telehealth is not appropriate for acute mental health crisis care. If you are in immediate danger, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department. Free 24/7 phone support is available from 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) for 5 to 25 year olds, and PANDA (1300 726 306) for perinatal mental health.

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