Mental health care, at your pace

General practitionerDr Alice Najjar

We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice

GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.

Fees and eligibility

Good to know before you book

01You do not need a diagnosis

You can book just to talk about how you are feeling.

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Early support often makes things easier to manage.

Book an appointment

02Ask for a longer appointment

Mental health consultations need time.

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Tell reception you would like a longer appointment.

Call (02) 4006 8222

03Bring a support person

You are welcome to bring someone with you.

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Whatever helps you feel comfortable.

Book an appointment

04Help is available 24/7

You do not have to wait for an appointment if you are struggling.

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Lifeline 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. In an emergency, call 000.

Support lines

Find the care that fits

Choose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.

More than everyday worry

Anxiety and stress

Anxiety becomes a concern when worry is persistent, hard to control and affects daily life. Physical symptoms can include a racing heart, tight chest, sweating, stomach upsets and trouble sleeping.

Effective approaches include psychological therapy, lifestyle changes and, for some people, medicine discussed with your doctor.

1Talk about what you are experiencing
2Assessment and questionnaire
3Agree a plan
4Review and adjust

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Are panic attacks dangerous?

They are frightening but treatable. Chest pain should always be checked.

Can stress cause physical symptoms?

Yes. Your GP can check for other causes too.

When it lasts more than two weeks

Depression and low mood

Depression is more than feeling sad. It can involve ongoing low mood, loss of interest, changes in sleep and appetite, tiredness, poor concentration and feelings of worthlessness.

Support is often most effective when it combines talking therapy, activity, connection and, where appropriate, medicine.

1Book a longer appointment
2Talk it through
3Plan and referrals
4Regular follow-up

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Will I have to take medication?

Not necessarily. Your GP will talk through all options.

How long does it take to feel better?

It varies. Regular follow-up helps track progress.

Access to psychology

Mental health treatment plans

A GP mental health treatment plan sets out your goals and the support that may help, and can include referral to a psychologist, social worker or occupational therapist.

With a plan, eligible people can receive Medicare rebates for a set number of sessions each calendar year. Your GP will explain the current number and how reviews work.

1Assessment with your GP
2Plan written together
3Referral to a provider
4Review

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Psychology fees are set by the provider; Medicare rebates may apply.

Do I need a plan to see a psychologist?

Not always, but a plan can provide Medicare rebates.

Can I choose my psychologist?

Yes. Your GP can suggest options.

Big moments and hard times

Sleep, grief and life changes

Poor sleep, grief, relationship breakdown, job loss, caring for others and becoming a parent can all affect mental health.

Your GP can listen, help with sleep, and connect you with counselling and community support.

1Talk about what has changed
2Practical strategies
3Referral to support
4Follow-up

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Can I get help with sleep without sleeping tablets?

Yes. There are effective non-medicine approaches.

Is grief counselling available?

Your GP can refer you.

Ages 12 to 25

Young people's mental health

Young people can talk to a GP confidentially about stress, mood, school, relationships, identity, drugs and alcohol.

headspace and Kids Helpline offer free support, and your GP can refer and coordinate care.

1Book an appointment
2Time alone with the GP
3Plan and support
4Follow-up

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Is it confidential?

Yes, except where there is a serious risk to safety.

Do young people need a parent with them?

No. Young people can usually see a GP on their own from around 14 or 15.

Understanding mental health care

Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.

Talking therapy

Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy help people understand thoughts, feelings and behaviours and build practical skills.

They are effective for anxiety, depression and many other concerns.

Medicines

For some people, medicine is part of treatment. Your GP will explain the benefits and possible side effects and review you regularly.

Do not stop medicines suddenly without advice.

Where do I start?

Choose the situation closest to yours. If you are in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000.

I am stressed or anxious

Anxiety and stress are common and treatable. Your GP can talk through strategies, therapy and other options.

Next stepBook a longer appointment.

I have felt low for more than two weeks

Ongoing low mood is worth talking about. Support often combines talking therapy, activity and connection.

Next stepBook a longer appointment with any GP.

I am struggling after having a baby

Perinatal depression and anxiety affect both parents and are treatable. PANDA offers free support on 1300 726 306.

Next stepBook with your GP; you can bring your baby.

I am worried about someone

Let them know you care, listen, and encourage them to see their GP. You can also call Beyond Blue for advice.

Next stepHelp them book an appointment.

I want to see a psychologist

A GP mental health treatment plan can provide Medicare rebates for psychology sessions.

Next stepBook a longer appointment for a treatment plan.

I am in crisis right now

Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 any time, or 000 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Next stepCall now; do not wait for an appointment.

Book a mental health appointment

Conditions we can help with

Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help you understand what is going on and find the right support.

01AnxietyTap for details

Anxiety

Signs: Persistent worry, racing heart, poor sleep.
When to see a GP: If worry is affecting daily life.
Care: Therapy, strategies and medicine where needed.

02DepressionTap for details

Depression

Signs: Low mood, loss of interest, tiredness.
When to see a GP: If it lasts more than two weeks.
Care: Therapy, activity, connection and medicine where needed.

03Panic attacksTap for details

Panic attacks

Signs: Sudden fear with chest tightness and breathlessness.
When to see a GP: After a first episode, to check other causes.
Care: Breathing techniques and therapy.

04Trauma and PTSDTap for details

Trauma and PTSD

Signs: Flashbacks, avoidance, feeling on edge.
When to see a GP: Any time after a traumatic event.
Care: Trauma-focused therapy by referral.

05Grief and lossTap for details

Grief and loss

Signs: Sadness, numbness, trouble sleeping.
When to see a GP: If grief feels overwhelming or stuck.
Care: Support and counselling.

06InsomniaTap for details

Insomnia

Signs: Trouble falling or staying asleep.
When to see a GP: If poor sleep lasts weeks.
Care: Sleep strategies, often without medicine.

07Burnout and stressTap for details

Burnout and stress

Signs: Exhaustion, cynicism, poor concentration.
When to see a GP: If work or caring is wearing you down.
Care: Planning, support and time off if needed.

08Alcohol and drug useTap for details

Alcohol and drug use

Signs: Using more than intended, or to cope.
When to see a GP: Any time you would like support.
Care: Confidential support and referral.

Everyday wellbeing

Move your body

Even a short walk each day lifts mood.

Protect your sleep

Regular sleep and wake times help.

Stay connected

Time with people who care about you.

Limit alcohol

Alcohol can worsen anxiety and low mood.

Keep a routine

Small, regular goals make days more manageable.

Ask for help

Talking to a GP is a strong first step.

You do not have to wait until it gets worse

Book a longer appointment with any GP to talk about how you are feeling.

Myth or fact?

Test what you know about mental health care. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.

You need a diagnosis before seeing a GP about mental health.

You can book just to talk about how you are feeling.

A mental health treatment plan can provide Medicare rebates for psychology.

For a set number of sessions each year.

Asking someone about suicide puts the idea in their head.

Asking directly and caringly is recommended and can help.

0 of 3 answered

Evidence, sources and advertising standards

Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:

Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.

The numbers worth knowing

0In 5 Australians

Will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

0/7Hours, Lifeline

13 11 14, every day.

0weeksWeeks

If low mood lasts longer, talk to your GP.

0$Cost to call support lines

Free and confidential.

Everyone involved, around you

Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.

Find out more

Youat the centre of your care

Mental health care at every stage

Stress, school, identity, mood and confidential care.

Young people's mental health Anxiety and stress

Anxiety, depression, work stress and sleep.

Anxiety and stress Depression and low mood Sleep, grief and life changes

Perinatal mental health, sleep and support.

Depression and low mood Sleep, grief and life changes

Grief, loneliness, mood and memory.

Sleep, grief and life changes Depression and low mood

Who can help

Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with mental health care. These team members list it among their interests.

GP FellowDr Mofada Hadi

Chronic and complex care, geriatrics, mental health, skin cancer medicine and women's health.

General practitionerDr Alice Najjar

Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.