Do You Need a Referral to See a Psychologist in Melbourne?
Feeling stressed, anxious, or just not yourself? Seeing a psychologist in Melbourne can really help. But a common question is: “Do I need a doctor’s referral to see one?” The simple answer is: It depends. Primarily, it depends on how you prefer to pay and whether you need help from Medicare or not. Let’s break it down simply. Pathway 1: Seeing a Psychologist With a GP Referral (Using Medicare) Talk to Your GP (Family Doctor): This is usually the first step. Book a visit with your local General Practitioner (GP). Tell them how you’re feeling – be honest about your worries, low mood, stress, or anything else bothering you. Ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP): If your GP thinks it would help for you to see a psychologist, they can put together a plan to support your care. This plan is key! Get Your Referral: As part of this plan, your GP will give you a referral letter to see a specific psychologist, or a type of psychologist (like one for anxiety o...