Mental Health Care at Southern Doctors Clinic
Your mental health is an important part of your overall health. Our GPs provide confidential, supportive care for a range of mental health concerns, from everyday challenges through to diagnosed mental health conditions.
You don't have to manage it alone
Everyone experiences ups and downs, but sometimes changes in your mood, thoughts, sleep or ability to cope can start affecting your everyday life. Speaking with your GP is a good place to start.
It's okay to ask for help
You don't need to wait until things become overwhelming before seeking support. Your GP can listen to your concerns, assess your needs and discuss the options available to you.
How We Can Help
Our GPs can provide assessment and ongoing care for a range of mental health concerns, including:
Anxiety
Depression
ADHD
PTSD
Bipolar Disorder
Eating Disorders
Schizophrenia
How Your GP Can Support You
Mental health care is different for everyone. Your GP can work with you to understand what you're experiencing and develop a plan that suits your individual needs.
Assessment
Talk through your symptoms, concerns and how they are affecting your everyday life.
Treatment options
Discuss appropriate treatment and support options based on your individual circumstances.
Referrals
Where appropriate, your GP can refer you to a psychologist, counsellor, psychiatrist or other mental health professional.
Ongoing care
Your GP can continue to support you and review your progress over time.
Mental Health Treatment Plans
A Mental Health Treatment Plan can help eligible patients access Medicare rebates for sessions with eligible mental health professionals through the Better Access initiative.
Talk with your GP
Your GP will ask about your mental health, your concerns and how you have been feeling.
Develop a plan
If appropriate, your GP will work with you to develop a treatment plan and discuss your goals and treatment options.
Connect with support
Your GP can provide a referral to an eligible mental health professional where appropriate.
Better Access Initiative
The Better Access initiative provides Medicare benefits for eligible patients accessing mental health treatment services. Your GP can discuss whether this pathway is appropriate for you.
What to Expect
Your mental health appointment is a private opportunity to talk openly with your GP. There is no need to prepare the "right" things to say.
Talk openly
Your GP will ask questions about how you have been feeling and how your mental health is affecting your day-to-day life.
Discuss your goals
You can talk about what you would like help with and what you hope to achieve through treatment or support.
Make a plan together
Your GP will discuss appropriate next steps with you, which may include ongoing GP care, treatment or referral to another service.
Ready to Talk?
If something has been affecting your mood, thoughts or ability to cope, speaking with your GP can be a helpful first step.
Book an Appointment