Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, postnatal mental health or just feel like things have been off — your GP is a confidential first step. We prepare GP Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTP) that unlock Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group psychology sessions per calendar year, with onsite referrals to Maida Kanwal at MindGives Psychology and external practitioners of your choice.
Botanic Ridge Doctors offers mental health support across the team. Several GPs hold clinical interests in mental health and can prepare a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) — a Medicare framework that unlocks rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year.
Patients can also be referred to onsite psychology. Headspace and emergency mental-health resources are available 24/7 for patients in crisis — please call 13 11 14 (Lifeline) outside clinic hours.
A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a structured plan prepared by your GP that gives you Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group psychology sessions per calendar year. It's the most accessible mental healthcare pathway in Australia.
An MHTP requires a longer GP visit. Book ahead and let reception know it's a mental health plan appointment.
Your GP listens, screens (PHQ-9, GAD-7), and works with you on goals. Confidential — what you share stays in your record.
You leave with a written plan and a referral letter — to our onsite psychologist, or any psychologist of your choice.
Each session is Medicare-rebated. Psychologists may charge a gap fee.
A short review with your GP confirms how things are going and unlocks the next batch of sessions.
Around 1 in 5 Australians experience an anxiety or mood disorder each year. Most are highly treatable with talking therapy, lifestyle change, medication, or a combination. We meet you wherever you are — no rush, no pushing of pills.
Persistent worry, restlessness, sleep disturbance, physical tension. Therapy first-line; SSRI/SNRI medications when needed.
Sudden, intense panic attacks. CBT is highly effective; we coach immediate coping skills while psychology takes effect.
Low mood, energy, motivation, sleep, appetite. Therapy + lifestyle + sometimes medication. Severe depression needs urgent attention.
Trauma-informed care. EMDR and trauma-focused CBT through specialised psychology referral.
Burnout, family conflict, parenting stress. Counselling referrals and brief intervention support.
Often the first sign of poor mental health. CBT-I (cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia) is the gold standard.
Adult ADHD and autism diagnoses have surged in Australia as awareness grows. Our GPs perform initial screening using validated tools (ASRS-v1.1 for ADHD, AQ-10 for ASD) and refer to psychiatrists or paediatricians for definitive diagnosis and any necessary medication. We can continue prescribing under shared-care arrangements once you're stable.
1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers experience postnatal depression or anxiety. We screen openly during the 6-week postnatal check, again at the 6-month review, and any time you tell us you're struggling. Specialised perinatal psychology referrals available.
From age 14, your child can have a confidential consultation with their GP if they wish. We follow Mature Minor principles — what you share stays between you and your GP unless safety is at risk.
If you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm and need immediate help:
Yes. Mental health conversations with your GP are confidential. The only exceptions are if there's an imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or where mandatory reporting applies (e.g. child safety). We'll always tell you if confidentiality needs to be broken.
No. Medication is one tool among many — therapy alone is highly effective for most mild–moderate anxiety and depression. Your GP will help you decide what's right for you.
Yes — standard MHTP appointments are bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients. Psychology sessions attract a Medicare rebate; out-of-pocket gap depends on the psychologist (some bulk bill, others charge a gap fee).
Telehealth (phone or video) consultations are available for mental health, particularly for follow-up reviews. Existing patients and those registered with MyMedicare have full telehealth access.
In Victoria, initial ADHD diagnosis and stimulant prescription require a psychiatrist or paediatrician. Once stabilised, GPs can continue prescribing under a shared-care arrangement.
Bulk-billed consultations for eligible Medicare patients. Some procedures may attract a private fee — please contact reception to confirm costs at booking. Open 7 days, walk-ins accommodated where possible.
Important: The information on this page is general health information only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice from a qualified health practitioner. Outcomes vary between individuals — your GP will assess your specific situation and recommend the right approach for you. If you have urgent symptoms, please call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
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