Book a Psychiatrist or Psychologist in Melbourne

You can book directly—no GP referral required. Simply complete our brief online enquiry form (takes under 2 minutes).

Our individual therapy services offer personalised psychology support. Here’s what happens next:

• Our Process: Our Clinic Director personally reviews your enquiry and matches you with a psychologist suited to your needs, therapy goals, and preferences
• Why the matching matters: A strong fit between you and your therapist is one of the most important factors for therapy success
• Flexibility: Choose in-person sessions at our Armadale clinic or online therapy from anywhere in Australia

Standard availability:

• Daytime sessions: Generally within 7 days
• After-hours/weekends: 7–14 days
• Same-day appointment: Occasionally available on request however we cannot offer crisis support

Want an earlier time?

Ask to be added to our cancellation list. You’ll be contacted with 24–72 hours’ notice when slots open up—many clients get seen sooner this way.

Pro tip: When you submit your enquiry, let us know your availability preferences so we can match you quickly with the right psychologist.

Short answer: No. You can self-refer directly to our practice. You are welcome to book an appointment without a GP referral, however a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)from your GP provides Medicare rebates that significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

With a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP):

• Medicare rebate: $98.95 per session (current standard rebate)
• Reduces your out-of-pocket cost substantially
• Enables up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year (subject to eligibility)

It is also important to note that Medicare rebates may increase once you reach the Medicare Safety Net threshold later in the calendar year, which can significantly increase your rebate amount and further reduce out-of-pocket costs..

Without a GP referral (self-referred):

• You can still access psychology services immediately
• Full private fees apply (no Medicare rebate)

Additional benefits of a GP referral (MHTP):

• Coordinated care: Your GP remains informed about your treatment progress, which is particularly helpful if you are managing multiple health or medical concerns
• Structured support: Helps guide a longer-term, integrated treatment approach between your GP and psychologist
• Access to Medicare rebates from your very first session (if eligible)

Your first session is designed to make you feel heard, safe, and understood.

What happens:

• Introduction & Trust-building – Your psychologist introduces themselves, explains confidentiality (including legal exceptions), and creates a warm, judgment-free space
• Your Story – You’ll share what brought you to therapy, your background, previous therapy experiences, and what you’re hoping to change
• Assessment – Your psychologist explores your history, current challenges, and goals to understand what you need
• Planning – Together, you’ll discuss evidence-based approaches (like CBT, ACT, or EMDR) tailored to your situation
• Treatment Plan – You’ll set clear therapy goals and discuss how often you’ll meet

Duration:

50 minutes of therapy (plus time for your psychologist to write clinical notes afterward)

Outcome:

You’ll understand what therapy will look like and feel confident moving forward.

Typical pattern:

• Start: Weekly sessions (builds momentum and helps you develop coping skills faster)
• Progress: Around session 6, you and your psychologist review progress and may shift to fortnightly or monthly
• Flexibility: Frequency adjusts based on your goals, progress, and life circumstances

Factors that influence how often you’ll come:

• Your specific concerns (anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, eating disorders all vary)
• How complex your situation is
• Your support network and coping strategies
• How engaged you are in therapy
• Your motivation for change

Duration of therapy: Ranges from brief, solution-focused therapy (6–8 sessions) to longer-term support (months to years). Your psychologist will discuss timeline at your first session.

Bottom line: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. We customise session frequency to your needs.

Psychology fees in Melbourne vary depending on the clinician’s experience, session type, and whether Medicare rebates apply. Most psychology sessions typically range from $265–$340 per session without rebates.

APS Recommended Fee:

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) National Schedule of Suggested Fees 2025–2026 provides a reference point for private practice psychology services, recommending a minimum of $318 for a 46–60 minute consultation. This is a suggested fee only, and actual fees are set by each psychologist or clinic depending on experience, clinical specialisation, and service structure. At our practice, we aim to keep fees balanced to ensure access to high-quality care while reflecting clinician expertise and service delivery costs.

With a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)

If you are referred by your GP under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $98.95 per session (standard psychologist rebate). This rebate is a fixed Medicare contribution and significantly reduces your out-of-pocket cost. After the rebate, this typically leaves a gap fee of approximately $160–$230 per session, depending on the psychologists fees.

Visit our fees and rebates page for full pricing details.

Yes—and research shows it’s just as effective.

Online therapy advantages:

• Convenience: Join from home, work, or anywhere with privacy
• No commute: Save time and travel costs
• Same quality: Evidence shows telehealth therapy outcomes match in-person therapy
• Flexibility: Easier to fit into your schedule
• Privacy: Your own safe space

How it works:

Secure video call with your psychologist. Same 50-minute session, same personalised treatment.

Available:

Australia-wide via telehealth, or in-person at our Armadale clinic.

Your choice:

Many clients mix both—in-person for some sessions, online for others

Positive Wellbeing Psychology and Psychiatry is not a crisis service. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000 (Triple Zero).

For urgent mental health support (24/7):

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (call or text, free & confidential)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Kids Helpline (under 25): 1800 55 1800

For more information on immediate support services and helplines, please click here. 

We can help:

If you are a current client and need a psychology appointment on the same-day or within 48 hours, contact us directly via email at info@positivewellbeingpsychology.com.au and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Alternatively, please feel free to reserve an additional appointment using our online booking portal.

Step 1 — Submit an Online Enquiry & Obtain a GP Referral

Start by completing our brief online enquiry form (takes under 2 minutes) and obtaining a GP referral. Our psychiatry services require a GP referral.

Your GP referral must:

• Be addressed to Positive Wellbeing Psychology and Psychiatry or written as an open referral (e.g., “Dear Psychiatrist”)
• Not be addressed to another clinic
• Be emailed to: info@positivewellbeingpsychology.com.au or faxed to 03 9015 6429

Your GP referral should include:

• Reason for referral (e.g., mood concerns, anxiety, medication review, diagnostic clarification, psychiatric assessment)
• Current and past medications
• Relevant psychiatric history (including admissions and family history where relevant)
• Medical history (including any personal or family cardiac history)
• Drug and alcohol use history
• Known allergies
• Current mobile number and full contact details (DOB, address)

Where applicable, your GP may also nominate the intended Medicare item type for psychiatry services:

• MBS Item 291 (one-off assessment with report back to GP)
• MBS Item 296 (ongoing psychiatric care and medication management)

Note: Each psychiatrist reviews referrals independently and determines clinical suitability for care.

Step 2 — Referral Received & Intake Process Commences

Once your referral is received, our intake process begins.

At this stage:

• Your referral is reviewed by the relevant psychiatrist
• Any available clinical history (e.g., prior psychological or psychiatric reports) is collated
• We assess whether medical screening is required prior to appointment allocation
• Your GP will be notified if further information is required

Step 3 — Referral Acceptance & Appointment Offer

If your referral is accepted, we will:

• Confirm acceptance of your referral
• Offer your first available appointment time (generally within 7–14 days)
• Provide instructions for completing medical screening (if required)

If a self-referral is not accepted, you will be notified. If GP referred, they will be notified so alternative care pathways can be explored.

Step 4 — Medical Screening 

Before your first psychiatry appointment, medical screening may be required to ensure safe and appropriate care.

Your GP may arrange:

• Blood tests (including thyroid function)
• ECG (heart health screening)
• Urine drug screen (UDS)

Why this is required: These tests are important for safe prescribing and are typically required prior to consideration of stimulant or certain psychiatric medications.

Step 5 — Submit Medical Screening Results

Once completed, please send your results to us:

• Email: info@positivewellbeingpsychology.com.au, or
• Fax: 03 9015 6429

Please ensure results are submitted at least 2 days before your appointment.

Step 6 — As Part of Intake Please Provide Supporting Clinical Information 

You may also be required to provide any supporting documentation, such as:

• Previous psychological or psychiatric reports
• Treatment summaries
• Hospital or specialist letters
• Relevant medical history documentation

Step 7 — Appointment Confirmation

Once all required information has been received and reviewed:

• Payment instructions are provided to confirm your time
• Your appointment is confirmed once payment is made to secure your preferred timeslot
• A welcome email is sent with appointment details and online registration form
• Your psychiatrists availability and follow up fees should you require continuity of care and review appointments

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who prescribe medication, so a GP referral ensures:

• Safety: Medical screening tests ensure you’re safe for medication
• Coordination: Your GP is informed and involved in your care plan
• Medicare eligibility: GP referral is required for most Medicare rebates
• Clinical appropriateness: Your psychiatrist has full medical context

This is standard practice and protects your health while ensuring coordinated care.

Medical screening is usually required prior to psychiatry assessments and treatment for ADHD, and may also be requested for other presentations such as treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, or where medication safety and potential medical contributors to symptoms need to be considered.

This medical screening helps ensure that any underlying medical factors are identified and that treatment—particularly medication—can be prescribed safely and appropriately.

Three tests are typically required:

1 — Blood tests (including thyroid function tests)
These assess for medical conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, anaemia, or other physiological factors that may contribute to or mimic symptoms including low mood, anxiety, fatigue, or concentration difficulties.

2 — Urine drug screen (UDS)
This identifies any substances that may not have been disclosed and may influence diagnostic clarity, treatment planning, or medication safety.

3 — ECG (electrocardiogram)
This evaluates heart rhythm and cardiovascular health. It is particularly important in ADHD assessments, as stimulant medications can impact heart rate and blood pressure.

When to complete these tests?

These should be arranged with your GP at the time you request your referral to our practice, and ideally completed prior to your first psychiatry appointment.

These are two different Medicare payment structures for psychiatric care:

MBS Item 291 – Initial Comprehensive Assessment

• One-off detailed psychiatric assessment
• Psychiatrist provides written report to your GP
• Your GP then takes over medication prescribing
• Best for: Initial diagnosis, second opinions, or when you prefer GP-managed medication
• Medicare covers the assessment; GP handles ongoing prescriptions

MBS Item 296 – Ongoing Psychiatric Management

• Psychiatrist provides both assessment AND ongoing medication management
• Regular review appointments with the same psychiatrist
• Psychiatrist monitors medication effectiveness and side effects
• Best for: Complex cases, medication adjustments, ongoing psychiatric care
• Medicare rebate available for portion of cost for multiple appointments throughout the year

Which should you choose?

Approximately 50 minutes for MBS Item 291 or 296 consultations, depending on clinical complexity. In some cases, an additional follow-up appointment may be required to complete the assessment, clarify diagnostic information, or review initial treatment response.

Where a presentation requires multiple appointments (for example, ADHD assessments or other more complex diagnostic presentations), the psychiatrist may determine that MBS Item 296 is more appropriate, as it supports ongoing review, assessment, and treatment over time, rather than a single consultation.

The initial appointment will usually include:

• Comprehensive general psychiatric history
• Medical and medication review
• Assessment of current symptoms and presentation
• Review of any completed medical screening results
• Diagnostic formulation (if applicable)
• Initial treatment recommendations (e.g., medication, therapy, lifestyle strategies)
• Discussion of next steps and ongoing care planning
• Written communication back to your GP, where clinically relevant and aligned with the selected item type

As part of your initial assessment consultation, your psychiatrist will:

• Assess whether medication is clinically appropriate for your presentation
• Discuss potential benefits, risks, and side effects in a balanced way
• Consider and discuss non-medication options, including psychological therapy, behavioural strategies, and lifestyle interventions
• Only prescribe medication where it is clinically indicated and aligns with your treatment goals

Our integrated care approach:

Many clients benefit most from a combination of psychiatry and psychology support. Where appropriate, we can coordinate care across both services within the same practice to support a more consistent and integrated treatment approach.

Yes. Telehealth psychiatry appointments are available Australia-wide.

Immediately after assessment:

• Your psychiatrist provides a written report for your GP
• You receive a copy with recommendations and next steps
• Discussion of:
  • Diagnosis (if applicable)
  • Treatment plan (medication, therapy, lifestyle)
  • Timeline and follow-up schedule

If medication is recommended:

• First prescription usually issued at assessment
• Follow-up appointment in 2–4 weeks to assess response and side effects
• Regular reviews (typically monthly initially, then 3–6 monthly)
• GP can manage ongoing prescriptions, or psychiatrist continues oversight (depends on Item 291 vs 296 choice)

If therapy is recommended:

• You can see one of our psychologists alongside psychiatric care
• Integrated approach for better outcomes

Coordination with GP:

Your psychiatrist communicates with your GP throughout treatment.

We are able to provide Medicare rebates for eligible psychiatry services. Out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on the service type, consultation duration, and clinical complexity.

Initial Psychiatry Assessment – MBS Item 291 or 296 (approximately 50 minutes)

• Medicare rebate: $455.60 (Item 291) / $262.10 (Item 296)
• Out-of-pocket range:
  • Item 291: $519.40 – $744.00
  • Item 296: $537.90 – $612.90

Follow-up Psychiatry Appointments (50 minutes) – MBS Item 306

• Medicare rebate: $184.90
• Out-of-pocket: $615.10

Ongoing / Standard Follow-up Psychiatry Appointments (20 minutes) – MBS Item 302

• Medicare rebate: $134.00
• Typical out-of-pocket range: $166.00 – $312.95

Important Information:

• Fees may vary depending on consultation length and clinical complexity
• The psychiatrist will determine the most appropriate Medicare item based on your presentation and treatment needs
• A detailed fee schedule will be provided if your referral is accepted during the intake process

Consider psychiatry if:

• You’re considering medication
• You have ADHD, bipolar disorder, or psychosis
• You’re managing multiple medications
• You need medical assessment alongside therapy
• Your GP recommends a psychiatric evaluation

Consider psychology if:

• You want talk therapy & counselling
• You prefer to start without medication
• You have anxiety, depression, trauma, or life challenges
• You want a psychologists ongoing support

Best approach:

Many people benefit from both—psychiatry for medication management and psychology for therapy. We offer integrated care under one roof.