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.
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.