What kind of assistance does the service offer?
Psychiatry Services – Diagnostic Assessment & Management Strategies
Our psychiatrists provide one-time diagnostic assessments focused on diagnosis and creating a clear treatment plan for you. After your assessment, your psychiatrist will send detailed recommendations to your GP, who will manage your ongoing care and any medications you may need.
This consultation model ensures you receive expert psychiatric evaluation while maintaining continuity of care with your regular doctor. If your GP believes you need another psychiatric review, they can request a follow-up appointment for you.
Psychology Services – Diagnostic Assessment & Ongoing Therapeutic Support
Through a mental health care plan from your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist, you can access up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. Your journey typically begins with up to 6 sessions. After these initial sessions, you'll meet with your referring doctor to discuss your progress. If you need continued support, they can refer you for additional sessions to reach your annual allocation of 10.
This structured approach ensures you receive the right level of support while maintaining regular check-ins with your primary healthcare provider.
How is the service delivered?
You can access our services through secure video consultations from the comfort of your home using your own device. For those who need additional support, we also collaborate service delivery with assisted consultations at:
- Participating GP clinics, where available;
- Immigration Detention Centres for detainees;
- Veteran Advocate offices for veterans;
- Aged-care facilities for their residents.
Are health professionals involved in delivering the service?
Yes. All our psychiatrists and psychologists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), ensuring you receive care from qualified, regulated professionals.
When is the service available?
We work to match you with the specialist best suited to your needs and schedule. Most appointments are available during standard business hours (Monday-Friday), with some specialists offering extended hours including Saturdays to accommodate your lifestyle.
How much does the service cost? Is there any ongoing cost?
Our mental health services are charged per appointment. The cost includes:
- Standard Medicare fees (if eligible)
- A gap fee may apply
For pensioners, aged care residents, and people in regional areas, bulk-billing may be available, meaning no out-of-pocket costs for you.
How can I access the service?
STEP 1:
A referral is important for your mental health clinician to review your updated medical history, confirms you have a local care team at your GP clinic providing you with ongoing support after your appointment, and for your fees to be eligible for a Medicare rebate (refund).
For psychology appointments, you can get a referral from:
- Your GP
- A nurse practitioner
- A paediatrician
- A psychiatrist
For psychiatry appointments, you need a referral from:
- Your GP
- A nurse practitioner
STEP 2:
You have several convenient options:
- Your GP can book your appointment through Telecare's GP Portal
- You can book directly through our website
- You can Call or email our friendly team
- Use the self-service link we'll send via SMS after receiving your referral
Can I access the service anonymously?
To ensure we provide you with safe, appropriate clinical care and process any Medicare rebates you're entitled to, we need to verify your identity. Your privacy is protected under strict healthcare confidentiality laws.
Does the service allow my carer, family member, or support person to work with me to use the service?
Absolutely. We encourage you to have a support person present during your consultations if that would make you more comfortable.
Does the service provide translation services?
For Psychiatry Appointments: Medicare-eligible patients can access free interpretation services through the national Translation and Interpreting Service (TIS).
For Psychology Appointments: Patients will need to arrange their own interpreter at their own cost if required.
Does the service provide support services for hearing impaired?
We can connect you with a sign language interpretation through the National Sign Language Program (NSLP) for:
- Patients aged 65 and over
- First Nations persons aged 50 and over
- Patients who cannot access NDIS
Fees apply for a hearing-impaired interpreter.
If you don't meet these criteria, you can arrange an interpreter through Deaf Connect's National Sign Language Program.
