Talking About Mental Health With Your GP: What to Say
- Deborah Marks
- Jun 11
- 1 min read
Seeing your GP for mental health? Here’s how to start the conversation and what support is available.
If you’re considering therapy but aren’t sure how to start, your GP is often your first step. But bringing up mental health can feel vulnerable.
Here are some things you can say:
“I’ve been feeling low/anxious for a while.”
“It’s starting to affect how I sleep/function.”
“I’d like to see a therapist. Can you help with a referral or Mental Health Care Plan?”
Your GP may suggest a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which allows you to access Medicare rebates for therapy (up to 10 sessions per year).
If you live locally, you can ask to be referred to Hope Prevails, and we’ll take it from there—no pressure, just gentle support.
What Support is Available?
Once you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can choose the support that feels right for you. This might include:
Counselling or therapy with a psychologist, an accredited mental health social worker, or a counsellor
Medication, if appropriate, prescribed by your GP or psychiatrist
Referral to a local mental health service for more comprehensive support
Online programs or helplines that offer tools and strategies you can use right away
Some therapists, including us at Hope Prevails, also offer telehealth sessions, making accessing support from home or outside regular hours easier.
Need support but not sure where to start? Let’s walk through it together.
Comments