14 Nov Psychiatrist Melbourne — Understanding Your Options for Mental Health Care
Seeking a psychiatrist is one of the most personal decisions someone can make. Many people describe the process as confusing or even intimidating, especially when they’re already under emotional strain. When you’re trying to understand symptoms, navigate appointments, or simply find someone who genuinely listens, the pathway can feel tangled.
This guide is designed to bring clarity. If you’re searching for a psychiatrist in Melbourne, this article will help you understand what psychiatrists do, how to access care, what to expect from appointments, and how to choose the right professional for your needs. Breathe in. You’re not alone in this. Let’s make this journey a little gentler.
What Does a Psychiatrist Do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. With training in medicine, biology, pharmacology, and psychotherapy, psychiatrists bridge the space between emotional wellbeing and medical treatment. In Melbourne, psychiatrists may work in private clinics, hospitals, community services, and integrated psychology-psychiatry practices. At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we comprise of a team of both Melbourne psychiatrists and psychologists to offer an integrate approach to care.
A psychiatrist can:
— Prescribe and monitor medication
— Provide specialised assessments (for example, ADHD or mood disorders)
— Oversee complex or long-term treatment
— Collaborate with psychologists and GPs
— Manage conditions involving brain chemistry, sleep, and mood regulation
Psychiatrist vs Psychologist — What’s the Difference?
Many people feel unsure whether they should see a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or both. Often you will see that psychologists for evidence-based therapy and a psychiatrists for medication and exploration for pharmacological treatment option. Many people benefit from a combination of therapy and psychiatry, with each profession supporting different aspects of wellbeing.
Psychologists
— Cannot prescribe medication
— Diagnose mental health conditions
— Provide therapy
— Help with coping skills, trauma, and emotional regulation
— Use evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, and EMDR
Psychiatrists
— Diagnose mental health conditions
— Prescribe medication
— Manage complex or chronic symptoms
— Support conditions involving chemistry, mood cycles, or neurological patterns
When Should I See a Psychiatrist?
Many people who begin working with a psychiatrist share that it took them a while to reach out. They weren’t sure if what they were feeling was “serious enough,” and often found themselves minimising their own experiences. In reality, psychiatric care can support a wide range of emotional and behavioural needs, and you don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to seek help.
A psychiatrist may help if you are experiencing:
— Persistent low mood or anxiety
— Difficulty functioning in daily tasks
— Signs of ADHD or neurodivergence
— Sudden emotional or behavioural changes
— Sleep disruption, panic, or obsessive thinking
— Extreme overwhelm or burnout
— Difficulty managing current or past medication
— Mood swings or emotional sensitivity
— Symptoms that began in childhood but have intensified
How to Access a Psychiatrist in Melbourne
Accessing psychiatric care in Australia usually begins with a GP referral.
Step 1: Visit your GP
Your GP will:
— Discuss your concerns
— Assess physical factors
— Provide a referral to a psychiatrist
You can request referral to someone specific. In most cases, your GP will write either a 291 or 296 referral. These numbers describe the type of psychiatric input being requested:
291 Referral: A 291 referral is commonly used when the psychiatrist is asked to complete a comprehensive assessment and provide short-term recommendations back to the GP. This referral type is frequently used for ADHD assessments.
For ADHD specifically, the GP must agree to manage ongoing care following the psychiatrist’s assessment. This often includes continuing prescriptions once a diagnosis and treatment plan are established.
At our practice, a 291 referral must include written confirmation that the GP is willing to take on this role. To ensure your referral is accepted, your GP needs to include the following wording in their letter: “I am willing to apply for the Schedule 8 permit and do the prescribing, including initiation, if a diagnosis of ADHD is given to this patient.”
296 Referral: A 296 referral is used when the psychiatrist will provide ongoing treatment rather than short-term assessment. This may include regular reviews, medication management, or long-term psychiatric support.
Step 2: Book your appointment
Some psychiatrists have waitlists, though integrated clinics may offer clearer and more supported pathways. At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, the process is designed to feel as simple and reassuring as possible.
To get started, you can submit your online enquiry and email us a copy of your GP referral. Once we’ve received both, our clinic director, Emily Burton will review your information carefully and do their best to match you with one of our psychologists, provided we have someone whose training aligns with the areas you’re seeking support for.
You will receive an email from us within 24 hours, guiding you through the next step. This may include booking an assessment, confirming suitability, or outlining any additional details you may need. Our goal is to ensure your first step toward psychiatric or psychological care feels supported and easy to follow.
Step 3: Attend Your Initial Appointment
Your initial appointment is designed to feel safe, structured, and genuinely supportive. Rather than a test or something you need to prepare for, it is simply a thoughtful conversation about your wellbeing, your history, and what has brought you to seek support.
During the initial appointment, your psychiatrist will guide you through a series of gentle questions to better understand your current concerns and the patterns surrounding them.
You might talk about:
— What has prompted you to seek support
— How your symptoms are affecting daily life
— Your emotional wellbeing, sleep, stress, and relationships
— Any past assessments, diagnoses, or treatments
— Medical or family history that may be relevant
— Your goals, needs, and preferences moving forward
If your referral is for an ADHD assessment or another neurodevelopmental concern such as an autism assessment, the initial appointment may also explore experiences from childhood, schooling, attention, behaviour patterns, sensory responses, and any long-standing traits that help build a comprehensive picture. It is also worth noting that thorough diagnostic screening requires multiple sessions with your psychiatrist when engaging with us at Positive Wellbeing Psychology.
Your psychologist will explain the process clearly, outline what the next steps may involve, and answer any questions you have. At this stage, many people feel relieved—simply talking through things with someone trained to understand complexity often brings clarity and a sense of direction.
The appointment usually concludes with a shared plan. This may involve recommendations for further assessment, therapy, psychiatric review, or a combination of supports based on what feels most appropriate for you. The psychiatrist will also discuss scheduling a psychiatry review appointment in the coming weeks. This may be for treatment follow-up—such as monitoring medication, adjusting dosages, or checking for any side effects—or it may be to continue further assessment if additional information is needed to rule out differential diagnoses or identify any comorbidities.
What Happens in the First Appointment?
The first session usually involves a thoughtful and gentle exploration of your concerns.
You can expect:
— Questions about your current symptoms
— Discussion about sleep, mood, relationships, and stress
— Exploration of childhood, school, and family history
— A review of past treatments or diagnoses
— Medication history
— Shared planning for next steps
It is not a test. It is a conversation with someone trained to understand complexity.
Common Conditions Treated by Psychiatrists
Melbourne psychiatrists commonly support people with:
— ADHD
— Anxiety
— Depression
— Bipolar disorder
— Trauma-related concerns
— Obsessive-compulsive symptoms
— Autism-related mental health needs
— Sleep difficulties
— Stress and burnout
— Adjustment challenges
Some also specialise in perinatal mental health, youth mental health, and neurodevelopment.
Medication: What You Need to Know
Medication can feel intimidating, but it is never forced. A psychiatrist’s role is to help you understand options.
Medication may support:
— Attention and focus
— Mood stability
— Anxiety reduction
— Emotional regulation
— Sleep
— Energy and motivation
A good psychiatrist will:
— Explain options clearly
— Include you in decision-making
— Adjust treatment based on feedback
— Collaborate with your therapist or GP
How Psychologists and Psychiatrists Work Together
Some of the most effective care comes from collaboration. For example, a psychologist may support emotional skills, coping patterns, and trauma recovery. A psychiatrist may support ADHD treatment, mood stabilisation, or medication management.
Integrated clinics often provide:
— Shared communication
— Coordinated treatment plans
— Streamlined appointments
— Faster adjustments if symptoms shift
You often feel more supported when their care team communicates.
How Much Does It Cost to See a Psychiatrist in Melbourne?
Costs vary based on clinic type, appointment length, and psychiatrists specialisation. Medicare rebates can reduce fees but rarely cover the full cost. Bulk billing is limited, particularly for adult ADHD assessments, though some clinics offer it in specific circumstances. At our practice, we are a private practice that has out of pocket fees – these will be provided to you once we receive your GP referral details.
Is Telehealth Psychiatry Available?
Yes. Many Melbourne psychiatrists offer video or phone consultations.
Telehealth can be supportive for:
— ADHD
— Burnout or overwhelm
— Busy parents
— People with mobility constraints
— Individuals in rural or remote areas
How to Choose the Right Psychiatrist
The best psychiatrist is the one who helps you feel safe, seen, and understood.
Qualities to look for:
— They listen without rushing
— They explain things clearly
— They collaborate with you
— They respect your lived experience
— Their approach feels comfortable
What If I’m Nervous About Seeing a Psychiatrist?
Many people feel uncertain at first.
You don’t need to:
— Prepare perfectly
— Organise every detail before arriving
— Hide how you feel
— Explain things eloquently
You’re allowed to be unsure, emotional, confused, or overwhelmed. Your psychiatrist is there to help you make sense of things at your own pace.
Finding a Psychiatrist in Melbourne That Fits You
Whether you’re exploring ADHD symptoms, navigating low mood, seeking clarity about your mental health, or looking for long-term support, psychiatric care can be a meaningful step toward stability.
Melbourne offers a wide range of psychiatrists, from generalists to highly specialised practitioners. What matters most is finding someone who understands you as a whole person. A good psychiatrist sees beyond symptoms—they see your story, your strengths, and your future.