Mental health care starts with a conversation

Your GP is a good place to start if you are concerned about your mental health or simply feel that things aren't quite right. You don't need to know what's wrong or have a diagnosis before making an appointment. You can talk with your GP about what has been happening and together decide what support may be helpful.

Our GPs can provide support for a range of concerns, including:

• anxiety and persistent worry
• depression or low mood
• stress and feeling overwhelmed
• grief and loss
• difficulty sleeping
• changes in mood
• work, relationship or family difficulties
• existing or ongoing mental health conditions.

Your GP will spend time talking with you about what you have been experiencing and how it is affecting your everyday life. They may ask about your mood, sleep, work, relationships, physical health and other things happening in your life. You may also be asked to complete a short questionnaire to help understand how you have been feeling. From there, you and your GP can discuss what might help. This could include regular appointments with your GP, practical changes, medication, counselling or referral to another health professional.

It may be helpful to write down your concerns or symptoms before your appointment and bring your notes with you.

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

For some people, a Mental Health Treatment Plan may be a useful part of their care. It is a plan developed by you and your GP that records your current concerns, what you would like to improve and the treatment or support that may help you achieve this. Having a Mental Health Treatment Plan may also allow eligible patients to receive Medicare rebates when seeing a psychologist or another eligible mental health professional. Your GP will discuss whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate for you.

What happens after a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

If you and your GP decide that seeing another health professional would be helpful, your GP can discuss referral options with you. This may include a psychologist, psychiatrist or another appropriate mental health service. You may already have someone you would like to see. If not, your GP can help you consider your options. A Mental Health Treatment Plan does not necessarily mean that psychology appointments will be free. Medicare may provide a rebate towards eligible appointments, and the health professional you choose may charge a fee above the Medicare rebate.

Need help now?

Kareela Family Practice is not an emergency or crisis mental health service.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.

For urgent mental health support you can also contact:

• Lifeline — 13 11 14
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• NSW Mental Health Line — 1800 011 511
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you require urgent assessment, you can also attend your nearest hospital emergency department.