Mental Health
Mental Health Doctors Melbourne
Help with Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Concerns
Most of us tackle mental health challenges at some point in our lives — for some it’s occasional, for others it can be ongoing.
No matter what you’re going through, you don’t have to face it alone. Many people, just like you, turn to their GP as the first step toward feeling better.
Whether you’d like a trusted person to talk to or need a referral to a specialist, each GP at Doctors of South Melbourne is here for you.
They can also assess your eligibility for a Mental Health Care Plan. This plan entitles you to rebates for up to 20 counselling sessions a year, meaning Medicare helps cover some of the costs of appointments with mental health professionals.
The GPs at our clinic care for people who are struggling with:
- Anxiety and depression
- Eating disorders (including anorexia and bulimia)
- Grief and loss
- Personality disorders
- Pornography addiction
- Relationship issues
- Stress
- Substance abuse
If you’d like help with any mental health concerns, please book online or call us at 8579 6838.
A compassionate doctor is ready to listen to and offer you support.
Finding the Right GP for You
Looking for a doctor who offers a specialised mental health service?
Dr Andrea Hickman and Dr Andrew Nolen can help care for neurodivergent individuals of all ages.
Dr Ravi Arya and Dr Jackie Fankhauser offer patients Focussed Psychological
Strategies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a GP diagnose and treat anxiety and depression?
Yes, a GP is usually the first healthcare professional people seek help from to diagnose and treat anxiety and depression.
Your doctor can assess your symptoms, rule out physical causes, and develop a personalised treatment plan. They can also:
- Prescribe medication if appropriate
- Prepare a Mental Health Care Plan for eligible patients
- Refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist if needed
Early support from a GP can make a big difference to your wellbeing.
What other mental health conditions can a GP help with?
GPs can assess, diagnose, and help manage a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
- Stress
- Burnout
- Panic attacks
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Pornography addiction
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep problems
- Loss and grief
They can also assess symptoms of autism and bipolar disorder, provide initial support, prescribe medication where appropriate, and refer you to psychologists, psychiatrists or other specialists if needed.
Can I get a Mental Health Care Plan from a GP?
Yes, a GP can prepare a Mental Health Care Plan if they assess that you have an eligible mental health condition.
The plan outlines your treatment needs and may allow you to access Medicare rebates for a set number of psychology or other allied mental health services each calendar year.
Your GP can also provide ongoing support, review your progress, and prescribe medication if appropriate.
When should I see a GP about stress, burnout, or anxiety?
You should see a GP if stress, burnout, or anxiety is affecting your work, relationships, sleep or everyday life – or if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks.
Your GP can assess your mental health, identify any underlying physical causes, recommend treatment options, and, if appropriate, prepare a Mental Health Care Plan.
They can also refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist when needed.
Seeking help early can improve recovery and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Can I get a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist from a GP?
Yes, a GP can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional for specialised care.
The doctors at our clinic have relationships with respected medical professionals Australia-wide. They’ll take the time to match you with a specialist they believe you’ll feel most comfortable with or who is best suited to your circumstances.
Your GP will discuss the most appropriate treatment and referral options based on your individual needs and symptoms.
Can a GP diagnose and treat anxiety and depression?
Yes, a GP is usually the first healthcare professional people seek help from to diagnose and treat anxiety and depression.
Your doctor can assess your symptoms, rule out physical causes, and develop a personalised treatment plan. They can also:
- Prescribe medication if appropriate
- Prepare a Mental Health Care Plan for eligible patients
- Refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist if needed
Early support from a GP can make a big difference to your wellbeing.
What other mental health conditions can a GP help with?
GPs can assess, diagnose, and help manage a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
- Stress
- Burnout
- Panic attacks
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Pornography addiction
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep problems
- Loss and grief
They can also assess symptoms of autism and bipolar disorder, provide initial support, prescribe medication where appropriate, and refer you to psychologists, psychiatrists or other specialists if needed.
Can I get a Mental Health Care Plan from a GP?
Yes, a GP can prepare a Mental Health Care Plan if they assess that you have an eligible mental health condition.
The plan outlines your treatment needs and may allow you to access Medicare rebates for a set number of psychology or other allied mental health services each calendar year.
Your GP can also provide ongoing support, review your progress, and prescribe medication if appropriate.
When should I see a GP about stress, burnout, or anxiety?
You should see a GP if stress, burnout, or anxiety is affecting your work, relationships, sleep or everyday life – or if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks.
Your GP can assess your mental health, identify any underlying physical causes, recommend treatment options, and, if appropriate, prepare a Mental Health Care Plan.
They can also refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist when needed.
Seeking help early can improve recovery and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Can I get a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist from a GP?
Yes, a GP can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional for specialised care.
The doctors at our clinic have relationships with respected medical professionals Australia-wide. They’ll take the time to match you with a specialist they believe you’ll feel most comfortable with or who is best suited to your circumstances.
Your GP will discuss the most appropriate treatment and referral options based on your individual needs and symptoms.
Helpful Links & Websites
- Beyondblue
Support and information for individuals and families affected by depression and anxiety. - Black Dog Institute
Promotes better mental health through a range of programs while providing information on mental health disorders. - Butterfly Foundation
Offers education and training, support groups and programs for those impacted by eating disorders. - Family and Relationships Online
Government funded initiative helping families build better relationships through a broad range of resources. - Lifeline
Crisis management and suicide prevention information and 24 hour hotline. - Moodgym
An interactive tool that helps you recognise if you’re having issues with anxiety and depression, while teaching skills to manage your emotions. - Relationships Australia
Providing relationship support services Australia-wide, including access to counselling and family realtionship services. - SANE Australia
Mental health treatment and support information – with fact sheets and guides on many conditions.
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