Booking an appointment to talk about how you have been feeling can be harder than the appointment itself. Many people put it off because they are not sure what to say or what the doctor will do. Mental health support from a GP starts with one conversation, and you do not need a diagnosis, a referral or a plan before you walk in. This article covers how to book that first visit, what to tell your doctor, what they are likely to ask and what can happen next at Harpley Doctors in Werribee.
Key Takeaways
- A GP can treat you directly or refer you to other mental health services.
- Ask for a longer appointment so the conversation is not rushed.
- Assessment often takes more than one visit while your doctor gets to know you.
- You can bring a family member or friend for support.
- In a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time, or 000 in an emergency.
Why a GP is a good place to start
GPs are trained to diagnose, treat and help prevent both physical and mental disorders. Healthdirect’s guide to talking to your GP about mental health describes the GP as a good place to start, because they can provide treatment themselves or refer you to other mental health services.
A GP also sees the whole picture. The same doctor who looks after your physical health can consider your lifestyle, your history and what is happening in your life when working out what will help. If you already see a regular GP, they will know your history; if not, the first visit is a chance to start that relationship.
Several doctors at Harpley Doctors list mental health among their interests, including Dr Farzana Yasmin and Dr Khalida Batool. You can read about every doctor on our team page.
Booking the first appointment
Healthdirect suggests booking a long appointment so you do not feel rushed. Standard consultations at Harpley Doctors are up to 15 minutes, so tell reception you would like more time when you book. You do not need to explain why.
A few practical points:
- You can ask your doctor about bringing a family member or friend along for support.
- If you need help communicating in English, tell reception. The practice can request an onsite interpreter, booked before your appointment, or a telephone interpreter. See interpreters and languages.
- All consultations are bulk billed, so the conversation itself has no out-of-pocket cost.
You can book online through HealthEngine or call (03) 8731 1330.
Ready to talk about how you have been feeling? Book a longer appointment with a GP at Harpley Doctors.
What to tell your doctor
You do not need the right words. Healthdirect says it is important to be honest about your feelings and behaviour, and suggests telling your doctor about:
- your thoughts and feelings, and how they have changed
- any physical and mental symptoms you have
- how your feelings are affecting your life
- experiences that may have affected your mental health
If you find it hard to say out loud, write a few notes on your phone or on paper before the appointment and read from them, or hand them to the doctor. Writing down your questions beforehand also helps you leave with the answers you came for.
What your GP may ask
Your doctor needs context to understand what is going on. Healthdirect lists the kinds of questions you can expect: your lifestyle, your physical health, your financial circumstances, your cultural background, your work or school environment, your family history of physical and mental illness, and your psychological or emotional experiences.
Do not expect everything to be settled in one visit. Mental health assessments often take more than one visit, because your doctor needs to get to know you to give you the best support. A follow-up appointment is a normal part of the process, not a sign that something went wrong.
What you say stays private in almost all cases. Healthdirect notes that most GPs will only share what you tell them if your safety or the safety of others is at risk. Harpley Doctors keeps patient records confidential in line with the Australian Privacy Principles.
Where mental health support from your GP leads
After the first conversation, your GP may suggest one or more next steps:
- A mental health treatment plan, which sets your goals and can give you Medicare rebates for sessions with a mental health professional. Our article on how a mental health treatment plan works covers eligibility, the referral rules and how sessions are covered.
- A referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor, social worker or occupational therapist.
- Medicine, if it is appropriate for you.
- Regular follow-up with your GP to see how things are going.
Mental health support from your GP continues alongside any referral, so keep your follow-up appointments even once you are seeing someone else.
Since 1 November 2025, referrals for Medicare-rebated sessions under Better Access come from your MyMedicare practice or your usual GP, which is one more reason to keep seeing the same practice. Our MyMedicare page explains how to register.
If the first doctor is not the right fit, healthdirect’s advice is simple: try seeing a different doctor. For a child or teenager who is struggling, Harpley Doctors also offers early intervention for children and adolescents. More about the clinic’s approach is on the mental health consultations page.
If you need help now
If your life or someone else’s is in danger, call 000. For crisis support at any time, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Beyond Blue is available on 1300 22 4636, and the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222. Our guide on when to see a GP or go to emergency can help you decide where to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a mental health treatment plan before I see a GP?
No. The plan comes after the conversation, not before it. Your GP assesses whether a plan is right for you.
What if I am not sure my problem is serious enough?
You do not need to wait until things feel serious. Healthdirect describes your GP as a good place to start for mental health support, and telling your doctor how your feelings are affecting your life is a useful way to begin.
Can I see a GP who speaks my language?
Several of our doctors speak languages other than English, including Persian (Farsi), Telugu, Hindi and Bengali. Dr Farzana Yasmin, who lists mental health among her interests, speaks English and Bengali. Interpreters can also be arranged through reception.
What if I do not feel comfortable with the doctor?
Healthdirect advises trying a different doctor. Feeling able to talk honestly matters, and you can ask to see another GP at the practice.
You do not have to work out the next step alone. Book online through HealthEngine or call Harpley Doctors in Werribee to talk with a GP.