Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist: Who Do You Actually Need?

In any given year, about one in five Australian adults experiences a mental illness, and around 45% will experience one at some point in their life.

That’s almost half the people you know.

Yet when it comes time to actually get help, many of us hit the same roadblock:

"“Do I need a psychologist or a psychiatrist… and how do I even get from my GP to the right person?”"

If you’ve ever typed “psychologist vs psychiatrist” into Google at 1am while wondering whether your symptoms are “serious enough”, you’re far from alone.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• The real-world differences between a psychologist and psychiatrist (beyond the clichés).
• How mental health referrals and mental health care plans (also called mental health treatment plans) actually work in Australia.
• Where telehealth psychology and online psychiatry fit in.
• How to use these pathways to get the right specialist referral faster – including how we can help with online GP telehealth and referrals at NextClinic.

As an Australian telehealth service, we speak to people every week who are stuck at this exact decision point. Our goal here isn’t to turn you into a mental health professional – it’s to give you plain-English, Australia-specific guidance so you can feel more confident taking your next step.

This article is general information, not personal medical advice. If you’re in crisis or worried about immediate safety, please call 000 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 right now rather than trying to choose between specialists.

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Mental health in Australia: you’re not the odd one out

Before we dive into psychologist vs psychiatrist, it’s worth stressing: struggling with your mental health is common, not a personal failing.

Recent Australian data show:

• About 1 in 5 people (21%) aged 16–85 had a mental disorder in the past 12 months.
• Across a lifetime, over two in five Australians will experience a mental disorder.

Conditions like anxiety, depression and substance use disorders are the most common.

On top of that, the last few years have stacked on cost‑of‑living stress, housing pressures, climate anxiety and the hangover from COVID – all of which show up in mental health statistics and in GP consults across the country.

So if you’re feeling low, wired, burnt out, not yourself sexually, or worried about how much you’re drinking just to cope… this article is for you.

And if you’re already on a mental health care plan or thinking about telehealth psychology because getting to in‑person appointments is tough, understanding who does what will help you get more from those sessions.

Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: the 30‑second answer

If you remember nothing else, remember this:

• Psychologists
  • Are not medical doctors.
  • Are trained in human behaviour and mental processes.
  • Focus on psychological therapies (talk therapy) and assessments.
  • Cannot prescribe medications in Australia.
• Psychiatrists
  • Are medical doctors who specialise in mental health.
  • Can diagnose mental illnesses, prescribe medications, and arrange hospital admissions if needed.
  • Often manage more complex, severe or treatment‑resistant conditions, but may also provide psychotherapy.

In practice, many people will benefit from both at different stages: medication and medical oversight from a psychiatrist, plus regular therapy with a psychologist.

The rest of this article is about helping you figure out where to start and how to navigate the Australian system without getting lost.

What is a psychologist?

Training and registration

Psychology is a regulated profession in Australia – you can’t just call yourself a psychologist because you’re good at listening.

To use the title “psychologist”, practitioners must:

• Complete an APAC‑accredited sequence of psychology study (usually at least 6 years of university plus supervised practice).
• Meet standards set by the Psychology Board of Australia.
• Be registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

Some go on to further specialise (e.g. clinical, health, organisational, neuropsychology, forensic, sport), but the common thread is deep training in how people think, feel and behave, and how to use evidence‑based therapies to help.

What psychologists help with

Psychologists can support a wide range of difficulties, including:

• Anxiety, panic, worry and phobias.
• Depression, low mood and loss of motivation.
• Stress, burnout and workplace issues.
• Grief and loss.
• Relationship and family problems.
• Trauma and PTSD.
• Body image, disordered eating (often working alongside medical teams).
• Chronic pain or long‑term health conditions.
• Sleep problems.
• Sexual wellbeing concerns tied to thoughts, feelings or past experiences – for example:
  • Performance anxiety or erectile difficulties with no clear physical cause.
  • Pain during sex linked to trauma.
  • Shame or anxiety about STIs, orientation or kink.

They can also do formal assessments, like:

• Cognitive and learning assessments (e.g. ADHD, specific learning disorders).
• Personality or neuropsychological testing after brain injury or illness.

If you’re functioning “okay‑ish” but feel stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, flat, ashamed or confused – and you want to understand and change patterns in your thoughts, relationships or behaviour – a psychologist is often a great first port of call.

How therapy with a psychologist works (in real life)

Most psychologists offer 50–60 minute sessions. In early sessions, they’ll:

• Ask about what’s brought you in and your background.
• Help clarify what you’d like to be different.
• Suggest an approach (or combination of approaches) that fits your goals and preferences.

Common evidence‑based approaches include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – focuses on how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – working with difficult thoughts and feelings while moving towards your values.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills – for emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
• Trauma‑focused therapies, such as EMDR or trauma‑focused CBT.
• Interpersonal therapy, schema therapy and others.

Good therapy is collaborative. You don’t just get “talked at”; you and your psychologist work as a team, often with “homework” between sessions.

Telehealth psychology (online therapy)

Many psychologists now offer telehealth psychology, which simply means you see them via video or phone rather than in person.

The Australian Government’s Better Access initiative and Medicare recognise telehealth as a legitimate way of delivering psychological services in many situations, and it may be possible to claim Medicare rebates for telehealth sessions if you meet the criteria.

Key points:

• Telehealth psychology can be especially helpful if you:
  • Live rurally or remotely.
  • Have mobility issues or chronic illness.
  • Feel safer talking from home about sensitive topics (like sexual trauma, gender, or relationship issues).
• Some Medicare‑subsidised telehealth psychology items have location rules and technical requirements (e.g. video rather than phone), while others may be privately billed without a rebate.
• Always check with:
  • Your psychologist (do they offer telehealth? bulk bill? private only?), and
  • Services Australia or Medicare Mental Health for the latest rules on rebates and eligibility.

At NextClinic, we don’t currently host psychologists on our platform – but we do see a lot of people via GP telehealth who are trying to get to a psychologist faster, especially when local waiting lists are long. We’ll come back to how we can help with that.

What is a psychiatrist?

Medical training and expertise

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has gone on to specialise in mental health. In Australia that typically means:

• A medical degree (usually 5–6 years).
• At least 1–2 years working as a general doctor in hospitals.
• A minimum of 5 years of specialist psychiatry training through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).

So by the time they’re qualified, psychiatrists have 11+ years of medical and psychiatric training.

Because of that, they can:

• Consider how physical health, medications and brain chemistry interact with mental health.
• Order and interpret tests (e.g. bloods, ECG, brain scans where appropriate).
• Diagnose a wide range of mental health conditions.
• Prescribe medications, including more complex or higher‑risk ones.
• Arrange hospital admissions and coordinate care with other specialists.

What psychiatrists help with

Psychiatrists can treat many of the same conditions as psychologists, but they’re especially important when:

• Symptoms are severe, complex or difficult to diagnose.
• There are suicidal thoughts, risk of harm to self or others, or psychotic symptoms.
• You might need specialist medications (e.g. for bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, severe depression).
• You’ve tried therapy and/or GP‑managed medications without enough improvement.
• There are significant co‑existing medical issues, substance use or neurological conditions.

Common reasons a GP might send someone to a psychiatrist include:

• Suspected bipolar disorder.
• Psychosis – hearing voices, strong paranoia, or beliefs that others find very unusual.
• Severe, recurring depression that hasn’t responded to first‑line treatment.
• Complex PTSD or dissociative symptoms.
• Severe eating disorders (often as part of a multidisciplinary team).
• Serious OCD, ADHD, or personality disorders where treatment is not straightforward.

What treatment from a psychiatrist looks like

Psychiatrists can offer a mix of:

• Medication management – starting, reviewing and adjusting psychiatric medications (e.g. antidepressants, mood stabilisers, antipsychotics, ADHD medication).
• Psychological therapies – some psychiatrists provide structured talk therapy themselves.
• Care coordination – working with your GP, psychologist and other services.
• Hospital or intensive treatment – if you need inpatient care, day programs, or treatments like ECT or rTMS in severe cases.

A first appointment is often 60–90 minutes and covers your history, symptoms, physical health and goals, leading to a diagnosis (which may take several visits) and a treatment plan.

Access and wait times

In Australia, there’s a national shortage of psychiatrists, with most based in metropolitan areas and long waiting lists being common. Research has reported average waits of around 50–77 days from referral to first appointment in some settings.

That’s one reason your GP might:

• Start treatment themselves (e.g. first‑line medication plus a mental health treatment plan for psychology).
• Use interim supports (like telehealth GP follow‑up, online programs, or local community services) while you wait to see a psychiatrist.
• Suggest telehealth psychiatry if available and appropriate for you.

Psychologist vs Psychiatrist in Australia: key differences that affect you

Let’s unpack the differences that actually change your experience as a patient.

1. How you access them (referrals and rebates)

• Psychologists
  • You can see a psychologist privately without a referral if you’re paying the full fee out of pocket.
  • To get Medicare rebates under the Better Access initiative, you usually need:
    • A mental health treatment plan (often called a mental health care plan) from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician, and
    • A mental health referral to a specific psychologist or clinic.
• Psychiatrists
  • You usually need a referral from your GP (or another doctor) to see a psychiatrist in private practice, especially if you want to claim Medicare.
  • Without a valid referral, you may not be able to claim rebates, and your out‑of‑pocket costs will be much higher.

2. Medication vs therapy

• Only psychiatrists (and other medical doctors) can prescribe medication for mental health in Australia.
• Psychologists do not prescribe and focus on therapy and assessment.

In real life, someone with, say, moderate depression might:

• See a GP first, who starts medication and writes a mental health care plan.
• Begin psychology sessions under Better Access.
• Be referred to a psychiatrist if symptoms are severe, or don’t improve enough with first‑line treatment.

3. Session style and focus

• Psychologists
  • Sessions are usually talk‑therapy focused, often weekly or fortnightly at the start.
  • There’s a lot of skill‑building: coping strategies, communication, working through trauma, changing patterns.
• Psychiatrists
  • Initial sessions can be long and detailed.
  • Follow‑ups may be shorter and more medical‑review focused (medication, risk, progress) – though some psychiatrists provide in‑depth therapy as well.

4. Cost, Medicare and private health

Exact numbers change over time, but broadly:

• Both psychologists and psychiatrists set their own fees.
• A mental health treatment plan and referral lets you claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions with eligible mental health professionals (including psychologists and some other allied health) per calendar year under Better Access.
• You usually get an initial block of up to 6 sessions, then your GP reviews things before approving further sessions.
• Some providers bulk bill (no out‑of‑pocket cost), but many charge a gap fee.
• Private health insurance may help if you’re not using Medicare for that session, but you can’t claim both on the same appointment.

Psychiatrist rebates and gap fees are often higher than psychology, but it depends heavily on the individual clinician and whether they bulk bill, especially for concession card holders.

5. Working together, not versus

It’s not really psychologist vs psychiatrist; it’s more:

"“What’s the right mix, at the right time, for what I’m dealing with?”"

• Some people mostly see a psychologist, with occasional GP check‑ins.
• Others need a psychiatrist + psychologist + GP working as a team.
• For milder issues, your GP plus a short course of therapy or online program may be enough.

The key is starting somewhere, even if you’re not 100% sure who you “should” see first.

Who do you actually need? Common scenarios

These are general examples only – your situation may be different. Always discuss with your GP.

Scenario 1: “I’m anxious, stressed and not coping at work or uni”

You’re having:

• Constant worry, racing thoughts or panic attacks.
• Trouble sleeping, maybe drinking more than you’d like to calm down.
• You’re still going to work or study, but it’s getting harder.

Good first step:

1. Book a long appointment with your GP – in person or via telehealth.
2. Ask about a mental health care plan and a mental health referral to a psychologist.
3. Consider telehealth psychology if local options are limited.

A psychiatrist usually isn’t the first stop here unless there are complicating factors (e.g. past bipolar disorder, psychosis, or failed multiple medication trials).

At NextClinic, we can help adults (18+) with telehealth GP consultations for anxiety, stress and related concerns, and – where appropriate – provide specialist referrals so you can get to a psychologist or psychiatrist sooner, including via our online pathway for fast‑tracking a specialist referral.

Scenario 2: “I’m really low, and sometimes I wish I just wouldn’t wake up”

You’re noticing:

• Persistent low mood, numbness or hopelessness.
• Thoughts like “what’s the point?” or wishing you were dead – even if you don’t have a plan.
• Struggling to get out of bed, wash, eat properly or attend work/study.

If you are in immediate danger or planning to harm yourself, call 000 or Lifeline (13 11 14) now.

For non‑immediate crises, you still need rapid assessment:

1. Urgent GP appointment (same day if possible, telehealth or face‑to‑face).
2. Your GP may:
   • Start or adjust medication.
   • Create a mental health treatment plan and refer you to a psychologist.
   • Refer you to a psychiatrist if risk is high, the picture is complex, or previous treatments have failed.

This is a situation where psychiatrist input is often very helpful, alongside regular therapy.

Scenario 3: “I think I might have bipolar / ADHD / psychosis”

You (or your family) notice:

• Periods of unusually high energy, reduced need for sleep, risky behaviour.
• Long‑standing concentration problems leading to job or relationship issues.
• Hearing or seeing things others can’t, or very strong paranoid beliefs.

Here, a psychiatrist is usually the right specialist to formally assess and diagnose, often supported by a psychologist for therapy and strategies.

Your steps:

1. See your GP to explain your concerns and history.
2. Ask for a psychiatry referral.
3. While waiting, your GP may suggest:
   • Initial medication (where appropriate).
   • Supportive counselling and/or referral to a psychologist.

If wait times are long or you’re not sure how to frame your history, a structured telehealth GP consult can be a good way to get your story down and secure a clear, detailed specialist referral letter – something we help with regularly at NextClinic.

Scenario 4: “Sex, shame and mental health”

You’re experiencing:

• Ongoing erectile difficulties, low libido or pain with sex.
• A history of sexual trauma or shame that’s affecting intimacy.
• Anxiety or obsessive thoughts about STIs, porn use or sexual performance.

You may need both:

• A GP or sexual‑health doctor (to check for physical causes, infections, hormonal or medication issues – and to prescribe contraception, ED medication or other treatments if appropriate).
• A psychologist who’s comfortable working with sexual health, trauma, and body image, to address the emotional and relational side.

At NextClinic, our GPs can discreetly support sexual health issues like erectile dysfunction, contraception, morning‑after pills and genital infections via telehealth (within safe prescribing guidelines). For the psychological side of sexual wellbeing, we’d generally point you back to your GP for a mental health treatment plan and referral to a suitable psychologist.

How mental health care plans & referrals actually work (Australia)

The terminology here can be confusing, so let’s demystify it.

What is a mental health treatment plan?

A mental health treatment plan (often called a mental health care plan) is a document your doctor writes when they diagnose you with a mental health condition and agree you’d benefit from structured treatment.

It usually includes:

• Your diagnosis or main issues.
• Treatment goals and options.
• Referrals to other services (e.g. psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker).
• Arrangements for review and follow‑up.

You can get one from:

• Your GP.
• A psychiatrist.
• A paediatrician (for children).

What does it give you?

Under the Better Access initiative, having a valid plan and referral allows eligible people to claim Medicare rebates for up to:

• 10 individual sessions, and
• 10 group therapy sessions

per calendar year (1 January–31 December) with eligible mental health professionals (including psychologists, some GPs, social workers and occupational therapists).

You don’t get all 10 in one go:

• Your doctor typically refers you for up to 6 sessions first.
• After those, you return for a review, and if needed, they can refer you for more (up to the annual maximum).

The plan itself doesn’t make therapy free – it just means Medicare pays part of the fee (unless the provider bulk bills and accepts the rebate as full payment).

How to get a mental health care plan

1. Book a longer GP appointment (mention that it’s for mental health).
2. Be as honest as you can about your symptoms, history, alcohol/drug use, self‑harm thoughts and what you’re hoping for.
3. If your GP agrees you meet criteria, they can:
   • Create the treatment plan, and
   • Provide a written mental health referral to a psychologist (or other eligible provider).

If you already have a therapist in mind (including a telehealth psychologist), bring their details so the referral can be written directly to them.

At NextClinic, our current GP telehealth model is 100% private (no Medicare rebates), so we don’t write formal Medicare‑claimable mental health treatment plans in the same way as a bulk‑billing local GP. We can, however:

• Help you clarify your symptoms and history via telehealth.
• Write high‑quality specialist referrals (for psychiatrists or other specialists) you can use in the private system.
• Provide supporting documentation – like medical certificates for short periods off work or study due to mental health reasons – via our online medical certificate pathways where appropriate.

Where telehealth fits in: GP, psychology and psychiatry online

Telehealth is now a normal part of healthcare in Australia, not just a pandemic workaround. It simply means using phone or video instead of being in the same room.

The Australian Digital Health Agency and regulators recognise telehealth as legitimate GP care when it involves a real‑time consultation, not just forms or chat messages.

Here’s how it fits with mental health:

Telehealth GP (like NextClinic)

A telehealth GP consult can be a great way to:

• Have a first conversation about your mental health when you’re not ready to walk into your usual clinic.
• Get initial assessment and advice – including when you really do need in‑person care or emergency help.
• Arrange specialist referrals to psychiatrists or psychologists if the telehealth GP believes it’s clinically appropriate.
• Discuss medications you’re already taking, or options for starting or adjusting treatment (within safe prescribing rules).
• Obtain medical certificates for short spells off work or study due to mental health issues, when an in‑person visit adds more stress than value.

At NextClinic, our doctors are all AHPRA‑registered Australian GPs. We provide:

• Same‑day telehealth consultations (phone‑based, no video needed).
• Online specialist referrals Australia‑wide.
• Online medical certificates for short sick leave periods.
• Online prescriptions (eScripts) for many common medications, where clinically appropriate.

If you’re primarily trying to get to the right psychologist or psychiatrist sooner, our blog on how to fast‑track your specialist referral walks through the step‑by‑step process we use.

Telehealth psychology

As we covered earlier, many psychologists offer video or phone sessions. Depending on where you live and the specific Medicare item used, some of these may attract a Medicare rebate, while others are fully private.

Benefits:

• No travel time or parking stress.
• Access to therapists with specific expertise (e.g. trauma, sexual health, OCD) even if they’re interstate.
• More flexibility for shift workers, parents and carers.

Telehealth psychiatry

Some psychiatrists also offer telehealth appointments – particularly for follow‑up and for people in regional areas. Your GP or referrer can indicate if telehealth is preferred, and the psychiatrist’s rooms will confirm what’s possible.

Because psychiatrists are dealing with higher‑risk and more complex conditions, they may have stricter requirements about when they’ll do telehealth vs in‑person and whether video is mandatory.

What to expect at your first psychologist vs psychiatrist appointment

First session with a psychologist

While everyone works differently, you can generally expect:

• A conversation about why you’ve come and what you’re hoping to get from therapy.
• Questions about your history, relationships, work/study, health, and any trauma or substance use.
• Discussion of a provisional formulation – basically, a map of what might be driving your difficulties.
• Agreement on goals and how often you’ll meet.
• Some initial strategies or “homework” to try between sessions.

Bring:

• Your mental health care plan and referral, if you have one.
• A list of medications and other health conditions.
• Any specific questions or worries (“I’ve never told anyone this before…” is totally allowed).

First session with a psychiatrist

Your first psychiatry appointment is usually longer (60–90 minutes) and more medically focused. Expect:

• Detailed questions about your current symptoms and when they started.
• Past mental health history (previous therapies, medications, hospital admissions).
• General medical history and medications.
• Family history of mental illness or suicide.
• Possibly a basic physical examination and/or requests for tests.
• Discussion of diagnostic possibilities and treatment options, which could include medication, therapy or both.

Bring:

• Your referral letter from the GP.
• Any previous reports (psychology, hospital discharge summaries).
• A written timeline of key events can be very helpful if your story is complex.

In both settings, you have the right to:

• Ask questions.
• Say if something doesn’t feel right.
• Request clarification or a second opinion.
• Bring a support person (if you want to).

When it doesn’t matter who you see first

There are times when arguing psychologist vs psychiatrist is like arguing which fire truck to call – the priority is simply getting help fast.

Seek urgent help (000, emergency department, or a crisis line) if:

• You’re actively planning to harm yourself or someone else.
• You’re experiencing hallucinations, severe paranoia, or feel detached from reality.
• You’re severely restricting food or purging, and your physical health is at risk.
• Substance use has reached a point where you’re unsafe, blacking out, or at risk of overdose.

For 24/7 mental health support in Australia, you can contact:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
• Kids Helpline (for young people 5–25) – 1800 55 1800
• 13YARN (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) – 13 92 76

Once you’re safer, your GP, psychologist and/or psychiatrist can help you plan ongoing care.

How we at NextClinic can help you navigate this

We built NextClinic to make everyday healthcare simpler and more accessible, especially when you’re not up for a crowded waiting room or can’t get an appointment that fits your life.

While we don’t replace your long‑term GP or provide psychology sessions ourselves, we do help with several key pieces of the mental health puzzle:

• Telehealth GP consultations (adults 18+):
  • To talk through mental health concerns, get initial advice and work out whether you likely need a psychologist, psychiatrist, or both.
  • To review and manage some mental health medications within safe prescribing guidelines.
• Online specialist referrals:
  • If a NextClinic doctor believes a specialist referral (e.g. to a psychiatrist or other specialist) is appropriate, we can issue this online so you can book faster with the provider of your choice – in‑person or via telehealth.
  • Our article “How to Fast‑Track Your Specialist Referral” explains exactly how that process works.
• Online medical certificates:
  • When your mental health means you genuinely can’t function at work or study, we can often provide short‑term online medical certificates after a clinical assessment, so you don’t have to drag yourself into a waiting room for a piece of paper.
  • If you’re curious about how online med certs work or whether they’re valid, we cover this in detail in blogs like “Online Medical Certificate” and “Are Online Medical Certificates Valid in Australia?”.
• Telehealth prescriptions (eScripts):
  • For some mental health‑related medications and other conditions where ongoing scripts are appropriate, our doctors can provide online prescriptions without you needing to attend in person, provided it’s safe and clinically suitable. We explain the guardrails around that in “Can You Get a Script Without a Video Call?”.

Most importantly, we see our job as helping you take that first or next step – whether that’s clarifying what’s going on, arranging documentation, or getting you to the right specialist faster.

Bringing it all together – and your next step

Let’s recap the big ideas:

• Psychologists vs psychiatrists
  • Psychologists are registered health professionals trained in human behaviour and psychological therapies. They don’t prescribe medication.
  • Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialising in mental health, able to diagnose complex conditions, prescribe medication and coordinate more intensive treatment.
  • Many people will benefit from a team approach: GP + psychologist + psychiatrist at different stages.
• Mental health referrals and mental health care plans
  • A mental health treatment plan from a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician unlocks Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions per year with eligible professionals under the Better Access initiative.
  • Referrals are usually provided in blocks (e.g. 6 sessions) with review before further sessions.
• Telehealth psychology and psychiatry
  • Telehealth (phone or video) is now a mainstream way to access mental healthcare in Australia, especially in rural areas or for people with mobility or time constraints.
  • Some telehealth sessions attract Medicare rebates; others are private only – always check with your provider and Services Australia.
• Specialist referrals and online GP services
  • Choosing where to start is less important than starting somewhere safe, usually with a GP.
  • Services like NextClinic can help you clarify your situation, arrange specialist referrals, and manage practicalities like sick leave certificates and eScripts via telehealth, so you’re not doing it all alone.

Your challenge for this week

Information is only useful if it turns into action.

This week, choose one of these steps and commit to it:

1. Book a GP appointment (telehealth or in person) specifically to talk about your mental health – and ask whether a mental health care plan or mental health referral might help.
2. Shortlist three psychologists or psychiatrists (including telehealth options) who seem like a good fit, and send at least one enquiry email.
3. Write a one‑page summary of your symptoms, history and goals, so you feel more prepared for your next appointment.
4. If you’re already seeing someone, bring up one thing you’ve been avoiding saying in your next session.
5. If logistics have been your barrier (time off work, distance, childcare), explore telehealth options – whether with your usual GP, a telehealth provider like us, or a telehealth psychologist.

If you’d like, let us know in the comments which strategy you’ve chosen – or what happened when you tried it. Your story might be exactly what another Australian needs to read to take their own first step towards getting the right help.

References

• Mental illness statistics | Better Health Channel
• National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-21 | Australian Bureau of Statistics
• What's a psychiatrist? | Your Health in Mind
• Psychologist
• Better Access initiative | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Allied health referrals for mental health care plans - Health professionals - Services Australia
• Mental health care and Medicare - Medicare - Services Australia
• Psychiatrists and psychologists | healthdirect
• Your first appointment | Your Health in Mind
• Psychiatrists and Their Work in Australia - Medicolegal Assessments Group
• How to Fast-Track Your Specialist Referral | NextClinic
• How to Get a Medical Certificate Online for Work in Australia? | NextClinic
• Can You Get a Script Without a Video Call? | NextClinic
• NextClinic: Online Medical Certificates, Instant Scripts and Telehealth Consults
• Seeing a psychiatrist | Your Health in Mind
• Online Medical Certificate | NextClinic

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