Who can I talk to about mental health?

Many health professionals provide mental health services. Your doctor (GP) is often a good place to start for most mental health conditions. Doctors can provide treatment or refer you to other services for mental health.

A doctor who helps you with mental health should be able to provide support and assessment. They should also be able to organise ongoing care and referrals to psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health services if required.

It is important to talk to a doctor if you feel you are struggling with your mental health, .

How do I find a GP?

If you don't have a regular doctor, you can ask family and friends for GP recommendations — though keep in mind that they may not have a mental health focus. Your local community mental health centre can suggest doctors in your area who have experience with mental health. You can also ask your local pharmacist for suggestions.

If you already have a regular doctor, you can ask them about their qualifications and experience in mental health. Even if your doctor does not have an interest or skills in mental health treatment, they can suggest other doctors who do.

Ask yourself if you feel comfortable talking to your doctor about how you are feeling. If you don't feel comfortable, try a different doctor. The easier it is to speak with your doctor about your feelings, the more you will get out of your visit.

It is normal to be nervous or embarrassed about a mental health appointment. Tips to help when choosing a clinic, are to look for a clinic that has features such as:

• friendly staff
• clear contact information
• the option of long consultations
• follow-up arrangements
• remote and face-to-face appointments

How do I start a conversation about mental health with my GP?

It is important to be honest with your doctor about your feelings and behaviour so that they can give you the best treatment.

You can tell your doctor:

• your symptoms, thoughts and how you feel
• any circumstances that may be relevant to your mental health
• your concerns (including privacy concerns)
• how what you feel has affected your life

It's a good idea to book a long appointment so you don't feel rushed.

You can talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about keeping your information private.

Talking about your mental health can be hard. You might want to take a family member or close friend along for support.

What questions will my doctor ask me?

Mental health assessments often take more than one visit. Your doctor will need to get to know you so they can give you the best support. They may ask questions about your:

• lifestyle choices
• physical health and medicines
• financial circumstances
• cultural background
• work or school environment
• family history of physical and mental illness
• psychological or emotional experiences

It is also good to tell your doctor if you have any preferences for your treatment.

Your GP will be able to assess whether a mental health treatment plan is right for you. Your health care goals, treatment and referrals are recorded in your mental health care plan.

Your doctor may also refer you to other health care professionals for further treatment or a clearer diagnosis.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

One way to get the most out of your visit is by asking questions. Writing a list of questions before the visit can help.

You may want to ask one or more of the following questions:

• What is my diagnosis?
• What are my treatment options?
• Should I see another mental health professional?
• When might I feel better?
• What should I do if I need help urgently?

If there is something you do not understand, be sure to speak up and ask your doctor to explain it again.

You can also ask your doctor about online programs and resources that help you to take care of yourself.

How much will it cost?

It is best to ask your doctor or reception staff how much the visit will cost — ask them about costs when you make the appointment. If you are eligible for Medicare, some or all of the cost will be covered.

Your doctor can also refer you to other mental health professionals such as psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. Medicare rebates are available for people who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder and have a mental health treatment plan. These rebates include up to 10 individual and 10 group therapy sessions per year.

Resources and support

If you need to talk to someone about your mental health, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

For advice and to get connected to local mental health services, call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are a young person, visit ReachOut or headspace for information and support.

If you are an older person, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and ask about mental health support.

Are you looking for mental health support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

Call 13YARN (13 92 76) or visit WellMob for help.

Do you prefer a language other than English?

Visit Embrace Multicultural Mental Health for support and resources in a range of languages.