Finding a psychiatrist in Australia can feel daunting — long waitlists, unclear costs, and not knowing where to start. Here’s a clear, practical guide to the process and how to make it faster.
Step 1: See your GP for a referral
Almost every path to a psychiatrist starts with your GP. You need a referral to see a psychiatrist, and it’s what enables Medicare rebates on your consultations. Book a longer appointment, describe what you’ve been experiencing, and your GP can refer you — and help decide what kind of assessment you need (for example, ongoing care versus a one-off 291 assessment). Read more in do you need a referral.
Step 2: Understand the options
- Public system — free but often with long waits, and usually reserved for more acute or complex needs.
- Private psychiatrists — shorter waits than public, with Medicare rebates reducing (but not eliminating) the cost.
- Telehealth psychiatry — increasingly the fastest and most accessible option, removing travel and widening the pool of available specialists.
Step 3: Weigh wait times and cost
Wait times for in-person private psychiatry can stretch to many months, particularly outside major cities. Telehealth can often connect you with a psychiatrist sooner. On cost, ask about fees and rebates upfront — see fees and Medicare and what it costs to see a psychiatrist.
Why telehealth helps
Telehealth psychiatry means geography is no longer a barrier — you can see a qualified psychiatrist from home, wherever you are in Australia, often with a shorter wait. That’s exactly what our service provides. Learn how telehealth psychiatry works.
Ready to start?
Once you have a GP referral, our online psychiatry service connects you with a FRANZCP-qualified psychiatrist Australia-wide. Book an appointment to begin.
This article is general information, not medical advice.