Mental Health GP
Are you ready to have a conversation about your mental well-being? At Harar Medical Centre in Dandenong, we’re here to provide you with the warmth, understanding and support you need to begin your journey towards a healthier mental state. Our caring team is ready to help you understand and manage your mental health, from recognising possible concerns to exploring care plans and treatment options.
GP’s with a special interest in mental health
General practitioners are qualified to treat a range of mental health concerns including stress and burnout, anxiety and depression. Whether mental health concerns have been triggered by a life crisis, conflict, relationship breakdown, trauma or constant worrying and feeling down, your doctor can provide guidance to help improve coping strategies and quality of life.
A GP Mental Health Care Plan is a part of the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. If you are eligible, the plan is completed by your GP and includes 6-10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions of psychological treatment with Medicare rebates. There is generally also a gap fee.
Mental health services we offer:
Your GP can provide a mental health assessment and coordinate treatment and referrals to help you get the support you need. Mental health appointments often require more time, and if you let us know the purpose of your appointment when you book, we can ensure you receive the dedicated time and attention you deserve. GP’s may coordinate the following services for you:
A mental health care plan acts as a roadmap for accessing mental health treatments and support. It’s key in guiding individuals to better mental health and well-being. With a mental health care plan, you can get Medicare rebates for up to 10 therapy sessions annually. In some cases, more sessions may be covered. It’s important to choose the right mental health professionals to meet your specific needs. The first step towards this supportive guidance begins with a simple yet meaningful conversation with your doctor. During this initial consultation, you’re taking a vital step toward mental wellness, with a team that cares deeply about your mental health.
A psychologist can be a helpful tool in address your mental health. Psychologists use a range of tools and talking therapies to help you better manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other problems you may face. WIth their tailored support, a psychologist can help you get more out of life and reduce your symptoms of mental health problems, proactively improving your mental and emotional resilience for the future.
A referral to a psychiatrist opens the door to comprehensive treatment options that may include medication management, various therapies, or a combination of both. These professionals can offer profound insights into complex mental health conditions, providing you with tailored strategies that address your unique situation. Their guidance can be a powerful in relieving symptoms, enhancing mental resilience, and ensuring that your mental well-being is supported on all fronts, allowing you to lead a more fulfilling life.
Your GP can refer you to group support services that educate and provide tools to manage mental illness. In this therapeutic group setting, trained therapists can help treat a variety of mental health disorders including grief, trauma, depression and anxiety.
Embracing positive lifestyle changes can have a transformative effect on mental health and your GP can help you navigate where to begin this journey. improving sleep quality, improving diet / nutrition, getting regular exercise, lowering stress, building a social support system and reducing the use of substances such as drugs and alcohol are all adjustments that can significantly and positively impact mental wellness.
As part of your mental health treatment plan, your GP may suggest medication. Often prescribed in conjunction with psychological therapies, medications such as antidepressants may help you to feel better. Medication can cause unwanted side effects in some people and it is important to let your GP know of any other medications you are taking.
