Mental Health GP and Allied Health in Wollongong
Our GPs at Illawarra General Practice provide confidential mental health care for patients from Wollongong and across the Illawarra. Your GP can talk through how you're feeling, discuss your options and, where appropriate, prepare a mental health treatment plan and refer you for psychological support.
Psychologist, dietitian and podiatry appointments are also available at our practice, so more of your care can happen in one place.
GP consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Allied health practitioners set their own fees, and Medicare rebates may apply.
How can a GP help with mental health?
Your GP is often the best first step if you're struggling with your mental health. Your GP can help with anxiety, depression, stress, low mood, sleep problems, grief, relationship difficulties and other concerns. Your GP will listen, assess your needs, check for any physical causes, and discuss options that may include talking therapies, lifestyle changes, medication where appropriate and referral to a psychologist or other services.
Mental health treatment plans
A mental health treatment plan, often called a mental health care plan, is a plan your GP prepares with you to set out your goals and the support you need. It can give you access to Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist or other eligible mental health professional.
How many sessions are covered?
With a mental health treatment plan and referral, eligible patients can claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions each calendar year. Your GP will review your progress with you along the way.
Why your regular GP matters
Under current Medicare rules, mental health treatment plans, reviews and referrals are generally provided by a GP at the practice you are registered with through MyMedicare, or by your usual GP if you are not registered. If Illawarra General Practice is your regular practice, registering with MyMedicare keeps your mental health care connected with your usual GP team.
What to expect at your appointment
When you book, let reception know you'd like to discuss your mental health or a mental health plan, so a longer appointment can be arranged. Your GP will ask about how you've been feeling, may ask you to complete a short questionnaire, and will work with you on a plan and next steps.
Psychologist appointments at our practice
Psychologist consultations are available at our practice, providing confidential support for anxiety, depression, stress and other mental health concerns. With a mental health treatment plan and referral from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for your sessions.
Dietitian appointments
Dietitian appointments are available at our practice for advice on nutrition, meal planning and managing health conditions through diet, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and digestive concerns.
If you have a GP chronic condition management plan, your GP may refer you to a dietitian and you may be eligible for Medicare rebates.
Podiatry appointments
Private podiatry appointments are available at our practice for general foot care, diabetes-related foot care, and foot pain and injuries.
If you have a GP chronic condition management plan, such as for diabetes, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for podiatry with a referral from your GP.
Fees and Medicare rebates for allied health
GP consultations, including mental health treatment plans, are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Psychologists, dietitians and podiatrists set their own fees. If you have an eligible GP plan and referral, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate, and private health insurance may also contribute. Our reception team can explain current fees when you book.
Need help now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to the Emergency Department at Wollongong Hospital.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24 hours)
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (24 hours)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- 13YARN: 13 92 76, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (24 hours)
- QLife: 1800 184 527, LGBTQIA+ peer support
- MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
Frequently asked questions
Book a longer appointment with your GP and let reception know it's for your mental health. Your GP will assess your needs and, if a plan is appropriate, prepare it with you.
No, you can see a psychologist privately. A mental health treatment plan and GP referral are needed if you want to claim Medicare rebates for your sessions.
Yes. GP consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card.
Eligible patients can claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions each calendar year, with a mental health treatment plan and referral.
Yes, you can book privately. If you have a GP chronic condition management plan, a GP referral may give you access to Medicare rebates.