Mental health care in South Morang
If you're finding things hard, feeling stressed or not quite yourself, a GP is a good person to talk to first. Book a longer appointment at Lakes Boulevard Medical for a private conversation, and if it would help, your GP can prepare a mental health treatment plan and refer you to a psychologist. GP appointments are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients.
Can a GP help with my mental health?
Yes. GPs help people with anxiety and worry, depression and low mood, stress, grief, poor sleep, relationship difficulties, and alcohol or drug use. Your GP will listen, help you understand what's going on, talk through the options (from changes to daily life through to talking therapy or medicine) and keep in touch with how you're going.
There's no referral needed to see a GP, and your conversation is confidential.
Need to talk to someone now? Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36, any time. In an emergency, call 000.
When should I book a GP appointment about my mental health?
You don't need to know exactly what to say before you come. It's worth booking if:
- You've felt low, anxious or stressed for more than a couple of weeks
- It's getting in the way of sleep, eating, work, study or the people close to you
- You're relying on alcohol or other drugs to cope
- You feel something isn't right, even if you can't say what
We're Open 7 days, evenings until 10pm Monday to Thursday, so you can book a time that doesn't clash with work or family.
What is a mental health treatment plan?
If you have a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, your GP can put together a mental health treatment plan with you. It's part of the Australian Government's Better Access initiative. The plan sets out your goals and the right support for you, and it allows you to claim Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist, or with an eligible social worker or occupational therapist.
Since 1 November 2025, your plan, referrals and reviews must be done by your usual GP, or by a GP at the practice you've registered with through MyMedicare.
How many psychology sessions will Medicare help pay for?
A plan lets you claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions each calendar year. Your first referral is for up to 6 sessions. After that you see your GP for a review, and they can refer you for further sessions. Psychologists charge their own fees, so check whether there's a gap when you book.
What happens at a mental health appointment?
You'll have a longer appointment than usual, so you have time to talk without rushing.
- Book a longer appointment. Book online or ring reception and ask for a long appointment. You don't need to give a reason.
- Talk it through. Your GP asks how you've been, and about your sleep, stress, support network and physical health. You choose how much to share.
- Work out a plan. You agree on next steps together. That might be a treatment plan, a referral, medicine or a follow-up visit.
- A referral, if you need one. Your GP can refer you to a psychologist or another mental health professional. Many offer both in-person and telehealth sessions.
- Check in again. After your first few sessions you come back so your GP can see how things are going.
When you book, all you need to say is: "Could I have a long appointment with a GP, please?"
What should I bring?
- Your Medicare card
- A list of the medicines you're taking
- A few notes on what's been happening and for how long, if that helps you
- Details of any psychologist or counsellor you've seen before
You're welcome to bring a partner, friend or family member.
Can I talk to a GP about my mental health by telehealth?
Telehealth can suit follow-up appointments and plan reviews. At Lakes Boulevard Medical, telehealth is by phone or video, for patients seen face to face at the clinic in the last 12 months. Read how telehealth works.
Who can I call at any time of day or night?
These confidential lines are open 24 hours:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14, crisis support
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
- MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800, for children and young people
In an emergency, call 000. The nearest emergency department is The Northern Hospital, 185 Cooper Street, Epping VIC 3076.
Are mental health appointments bulk billed?
Bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Some procedures have an out-of-pocket fee. Without a valid Medicare card, the full fee applies. This covers GP appointments to prepare and review a mental health treatment plan. Psychologists and other mental health professionals charge their own fees.
Who can I see?
Any of our GPs can talk with you about your mental health. If you have a usual GP here, seeing them keeps your plan and reviews together. GPs with an interest in mental health: [To be confirmed: which GPs have an interest in mental health]. Find a service.
Mental health questions
Bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Some procedures have an out-of-pocket fee. Without a valid Medicare card, the full fee applies. This includes GP appointments for a mental health treatment plan and its reviews.
No. Book online or ring reception and ask for a longer appointment so there's time to talk.
Yes. We're Open 7 days, evenings until 10pm Monday to Thursday. See evenings and weekends for details.
It's a plan you and your GP prepare if you have a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. Under Better Access, it lets you claim Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist or another eligible mental health professional.
Up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions each calendar year. The first referral is for up to 6, and your GP reviews your progress before referring you for more.
Since 1 November 2025, your usual GP, or a GP at the practice you're registered with through MyMedicare. The same applies to referrals and reviews.
Psychologists set their own fees. With a valid referral, Medicare pays a rebate per session, and there may still be a gap, so ask about the cost when you book.
Yes. Your conversation with your GP is confidential. There are a small number of exceptions, such as when someone's safety is at serious risk, and your GP can explain these.
Yes. You can bring a partner, friend or family member.
Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36, any time. In an emergency, call 000.