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Get a psychiatrist referral online. Bulk billed

See a GP via telehealth and receive your psychiatrist referral letter by email. No out-of-pocket costs for eligible Medicare patients.

When you need a psychiatrist referral

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health conditions. You may benefit from a psychiatrist referral if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, or other mental health conditions that may require specialist assessment or medication management.

With NewDoc, you can get a psychiatrist referral online through a bulk billed GP telehealth consultation. The GP will assess your mental health concerns, discuss your symptoms and history, and provide a detailed referral letter for the psychiatrist.

The mental health referral pathway

In Australia, the pathway to seeing a psychiatrist typically starts with your GP. During a telehealth consultation, your GP will assess your mental health, discuss your symptoms, and determine the most appropriate referral. In some cases, your GP may also create a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which provides access to Medicare-rebated sessions with a psychologist in addition to the psychiatrist referral.

The referral letter your GP provides will include information about your symptoms, duration, any treatments you have tried (including medications and therapy), relevant medical history, and the reason for specialist referral. This information helps the psychiatrist prepare for your initial appointment and ensures continuity of care.

Medicare rebates for psychiatrist visits

With a valid GP referral, Medicare provides a rebate for psychiatrist consultations. The Medicare rebate covers a set amount of the consultation fee. Some psychiatrists bulk bill, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for Medicare-eligible patients. Others charge a gap fee above the Medicare rebate, which you pay yourself.

Without a GP referral, you would need to pay the full cost of the psychiatrist consultation with no Medicare rebate. A standard GP referral is valid for 12 months. If you need ongoing psychiatric care, your GP can issue an indefinite referral so you do not need to renew it annually.

When you might need a psychiatrist

A psychiatrist referral may be appropriate if you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety that have not adequately responded to initial treatment, or if your GP suspects a condition that requires specialist assessment, such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, or an eating disorder. A psychiatrist can also help if you need medication management for a mental health condition, particularly when multiple medications have been tried.

If you are experiencing difficulties with sleep, persistent low mood, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, or significant changes in behaviour or functioning, these are all reasons to discuss a psychiatrist referral with your GP. Early specialist input can sometimes help clarify a diagnosis and guide more effective treatment.

What to expect at your psychiatrist appointment

Your first psychiatrist appointment is typically a comprehensive assessment lasting 45 to 60 minutes. The psychiatrist will review your referral letter, ask about your symptoms, mental health history, medical history, family history, and current life circumstances. They may use structured assessment tools or questionnaires to help form a diagnosis.

Based on this assessment, the psychiatrist will discuss their findings and recommend a management plan. This may include medication, psychological therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches. They will communicate their findings and recommendations back to your referring GP. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter and may be spaced weeks or months apart depending on your needs.

Getting your referral through telehealth

Book a consultation on the NewDoc website and select a convenient time. During your video or phone consultation, the GP will discuss your mental health concerns in a confidential and supportive setting. There is no need to feel embarrassed or hesitant. Our GPs are experienced in mental health assessments and are here to help you access the right care.

If the GP determines a psychiatrist referral is appropriate, the referral letter will be emailed to you after the consultation. You can then contact the psychiatrist of your choice to book an appointment. The GP consultation is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients, and the referral letter is included at no extra charge.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 16 April 2026. Editorial policy

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral to see a psychiatrist?

You can see a psychiatrist without a referral, but you will not receive a Medicare rebate for the consultation. With a valid GP referral, Medicare covers a significant portion of the psychiatrist's fee. A referral is valid for 12 months and can be renewed by your GP.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and provide therapy. A psychologist provides therapy and counselling but cannot prescribe medication. Your GP can help determine which professional is most appropriate for your needs and provide the relevant referral.

Can I get a psychiatrist referral via telehealth?

Yes. A GP can assess your mental health concerns and issue a psychiatrist referral via telehealth. The consultation involves discussing your symptoms, mental health history, and current situation. The GP will provide a referral letter that includes relevant clinical information for the psychiatrist.

How long is the wait to see a psychiatrist?

Wait times for psychiatrists in Australia can be lengthy, often 2 to 6 months for non-urgent appointments depending on your location. Getting your referral quickly through telehealth means you can join the waiting list sooner. Your GP can mark the referral as urgent if your situation requires more immediate attention.

Will Medicare cover my psychiatrist appointment?

With a valid GP referral, Medicare provides a rebate for psychiatrist consultations. The Medicare rebate covers a set amount, and the psychiatrist may charge a gap fee above this. Some psychiatrists bulk bill, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost. You can ask about fees when booking your psychiatrist appointment.

What happens at a first psychiatrist appointment?

At your first appointment, the psychiatrist will review your GP referral letter and ask detailed questions about your symptoms, mental health history, medical history, family history, and current circumstances. The initial consultation is typically 45 to 60 minutes. The psychiatrist will discuss a diagnosis if appropriate and outline a management plan, which may include medication, therapy, or a combination of approaches.

Can I see a psychiatrist for ADHD assessment?

Yes. Psychiatrists can assess and diagnose ADHD in adults and children. If you or your GP suspect ADHD, a psychiatrist referral allows for a comprehensive assessment. The psychiatrist may use structured interviews, rating scales, and a detailed developmental history. If ADHD is diagnosed, they can discuss management options including behavioural strategies and medication if appropriate.

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