Many people start their mental health treatment or support pathway by visiting a general practitioner (GP).
Mental health
General practitioners
Need urgent support?
You’re not alone. If you’re in distress and need to speak to someone, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you're unsure which service is right for you, we recommend visiting your GP for advice.
3.4 million Australians have seen a mental health professional in the past 2 years.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2020-2022). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. ABS.One-on-one
Clinical
In-person
Virtual
GPs can diagnose and treat common mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and refer you to a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist if needed.
Reasons to use this service
- To get a referral to a more specialised clinical treatment.
- You’re experiencing mild to moderate health concerns, such as mild anxiety or mild depressive symptoms.
- You’re looking for counselling, psycho-education, or medication management (if needed).
- You're experiencing more severe mental health concerns, and are looking for a referral or guidance from your GP.
Things to consider
- Limited time to discuss mental health concerns.
- Expertise in mental health care varies from doctor to doctor.
- Less personalised service to discuss sensitive issues.
- Limited to psychologists within the GP’s network.
Are you in need of urgent support?
We've put together a list of services for free support that's relevant to where you live, and what you're going through.
Discover free online treatment programs
This Way Up is an online program to learn practical tips for managing mental health. It’s a new way to do therapy from the comfort of your own home.
Bupa members can access one free mental health and wellbeing treatment program.
These resources are not intended to be a comprehensive list or to represent that Bupa endorses any specific health practitioner or program. Everyone’s health journey is individual and health outcomes can vary from person to person. These resources are also not intended to be a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare or other professional advice. If you have any concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.