Mental health care in Australia is more available than ever, but knowing how to begin can still feel confusing. If you’re looking for support, a simple first step is to talk to a general practitioner (GP) in Brisbane who you feel comfortable with. GPs don’t just treat physical illnesses—they also play a key role in recognising and managing mental health concerns.
At One Health Clinics, our GPs work with patients across Queensland and around Australia via telehealth, making it easier to seek help privately, with understanding, and in a way that respects your personal health goals.
Why a General Practitioner Is a Good First Step
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to ask for help. Many people wonder, “Can a GP help me with mental health?” Yes — GPs are often the first health professionals people speak to about how they’re feeling.
A general practitioner in Brisbane can offer:
- An initial assessment for anxiety, depression, PTSD, or long‑term stress
- A referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)
- Ongoing support, including medication when it’s appropriate
- Referrals to psychologists, counsellors, or psychiatrists
Your GP can also help you look at what might be affecting your wellbeing — such as work stress, relationship issues, hormone changes, or nutritional problems.
Recognising Early Signs of Mental Health Concerns
People often wait until they feel overwhelmed before seeking help. Getting help earlier usually leads to better outcomes.
If you’re unsure whether to see a GP, ask yourself:
- Have I felt low, anxious, or easily irritated for more than two weeks?
- Am I avoiding friends, family, or activities I used to enjoy?
- Have my sleep, appetite, or energy changed a lot?
- Do I feel hopeless, overwhelmed, or unable to cope?
Even if your symptoms seem mild or come and go, a general practitioner Brisbane can help you work out the next steps. Sometimes one honest conversation can change the direction of your health.
Mental Health Treatment Plans and Medicare Rebates
Many people ask, “Can I get therapy through Medicare?” Yes. If your GP creates a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be able to claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions with a psychologist each year.
To make this plan, your GP will:
- Talk with you in detail about how you’ve been feeling
- Ask about your history and current situation
- Discuss your preferences for support
From there, they can refer you to a psychologist or other mental health professional who suits your needs.
At One Health Clinics, our GPs can also include lifestyle advice, nutrition, and other supports alongside your treatment plan when it’s helpful.
Accessing Mental Health Care Through Telehealth
If you feel uneasy about visiting a clinic in person, telehealth appointments are a private and convenient option. Many people ask, “Can I get mental health care online?” Yes, you can.
With telehealth, you can speak with a Brisbane‑based GP from home or another private place. Whether you’re in regional Queensland, another state, or in the city, you can book a video or phone consult and receive the same level of care and attention.
At One Health Clinics, patients often value this flexibility, especially if they have family commitments, shift work, or ongoing health conditions.
How GPs Work With Other Mental Health Professionals
GPs help coordinate your overall care. Once a plan is in place, your GP usually stays involved by:
- Reviewing how you’re going
- Adjusting medications when needed
- Referring you to other services if your needs change
We’re often asked, “Can a GP refer me to a psychologist without seeing a psychiatrist first?” Yes. A Brisbane GP can refer you directly to a psychologist or counsellor. For more complex situations, a psychiatrist may be involved later, but it’s not always needed at the beginning.
At One Health Clinics, our GPs can also work with nutritionists, acupuncturists, psychologists, and other allied health providers to offer broader support where appropriate.
How Physical Health and Mental Health Are Linked
Physical health issues can sometimes link to mental health symptoms. For example:
- Low iron or low vitamin D can contribute to tiredness and low mood
- Thyroid or other hormone imbalances can increase anxiety or mood changes
- Ongoing inflammation or digestive problems may affect how you feel emotionally
A Brisbane GP can look at both your physical and mental health and suggest options that address both sides — such as blood tests, lifestyle changes, and psychological support.
How One Health Clinics Supports Mental Health Nationwide
From our base in Queensland, One Health Clinics offers GP mental health care, both in person and via telehealth. Our doctors focus on kind, practical support and combine standard medical treatment with lifestyle and natural approaches when suitable.
We support people with:
- Depression and low mood
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- PTSD and trauma‑related concerns
- Ongoing stress and burnout
- Sleep problems
- Hormone‑related mood changes or life transitions
- Chronic pain that affects mental wellbeing
No concern is “too small” to mention. Many people start with just one worry and over time feel more confident managing their health with support.
Common Questions Patients Ask Their GP About Mental Health
When you speak with a Brisbane GP about how you’re feeling, you may want to ask:
- What signs should I look out for?
- Is medication necessary in my case, or are there other options?
- Can I access therapy even if I’m not in crisis?
- How often should we review my progress?
- Are there lifestyle changes that could support my recovery?
At One Health Clinics, we encourage open questions. Your concerns will be taken seriously, and our GPs will move at your pace — not pushing medication if it’s not needed and always explaining the options.
What to Expect in Your First GP Appointment
Appointments for mental health usually last around 30–40 minutes. During this time, your Brisbane GP will ask about:
- How you’ve been feeling emotionally
- What has been happening in your life?
- Could there be any associated health conditions, medications, or stressors?
You may be offered a short questionnaire, asked about past support, and invited to talk through different types of care. If you’re eligible, a Mental Health Treatment Plan can often be set up during that same appointment.
You can prepare by:
- Writing down your symptoms or mood changes
- Listing any medications or supplements you’re taking
- Thinking about what kind of help you might be open to (for example, counseling, lifestyle changes, or group support)
Taking the First Step
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and you deserve care that acknowledges both. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, mood changes, or deeper emotional struggles, speaking with a trusted Brisbane GP is a valuable step forward.
At One Health Clinics, we aim to support you with respect, clear information, and practical options.
You can book a telehealth or in‑person appointment to start the process and take a step towards feeling better.
