Are you taking new referrals?

All clinicians review referrals for new patients, prior to booking any appointments, to ensure they are able to assist you. In some cases we may ask you or your referring doctor for more information.

Please see our Team page for each clinician’s profile and areas of practice.

Current clinician availability for new patients is as follows.

Psychiatrists:

• Dr Caroline Roberts - books closed at present

• Dr Diana Whitehead - books closed at present

• Dr John McAulay - books closed at present

• Dr Kelly Schilling - accepting new referrals for adult patients 50+, waiting period approx. 3 months

• Dr Peter Wheatley - accepting new referrals for patients within his areas of specialisation, waiting period approx. 2 months

Psychologists:

• Bianca Limpus - books closed at present

COVID-19 notice

We remain open with COVID Safe measures in place.

Current Queensland Health advice is that masks are not needed in most community healthcare settings. We do not currently require you to wear a mask unless you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 7 days.

Medicare rebates for Telehealth consultations are available with unchanged out-of-pocket costs.

If you feel unwell or have any acute COVID or cold/flu symptoms, please do not attend in person and let us know.

Please contact us if you have any queries.

Queensland Health information

Does a referral from my GP or specialist mean I can get an appointment?

Any new referral will first be assessed by the relevant clinician to determine whether they are able to assist you, and to assess the urgency of your situation. We may in some cases request more information about the referral from you or the referring doctor. The admin team will advise of the outcome and likely timing of any appointments.

Please contact us if you need more information.

How long do I have to wait?

Please see above for approximate wait times. We understand there is currently very high demand in the community for mental health services, and we always endeavour to be transparent about availability and assist you with enquiries.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 saw a large increase in demand for all mental health services, demand which has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Our goal is to provide continued support to our existing patients whilst accepting any new referrals in a responsible way that avoids excessive wait times, and allows us to provide the level of individualised support and treatment outcomes you expect.

How do I get a referral?

Your local GP or treating specialist can write a referral, typically in the form of a letter to a psychiatrist, or a letter and a Mental Health Treatment Plan for a psychologist.

GP referrals are valid for 12 months for psychiatrists. Up to 10 Medicare rebates per year are available for psychologists.

A referral from another medical specialist to a psychiatrist is valid for 3 months.

Medicare item 291 referrals from a GP to psychiatrists are also accepted, which allows for annual management plans to be provided by a psychiatrist to your GP, with the option of one additional review within the 12 month period of the referral. These items attract a higher rebate from Medicare.

We also accept patients who receive support and funding of treatment from DVA, the NDIS, WorkCover Qld and some insurance / medicolegal cases.

How much does it cost to see you?

Our admin team can provide a schedule of common fees with typical Medicare rebates and gap payments.

A valid referral entitles you to claim a rebate from Medicare for your appointments. Please ensure you have a current/valid referral. You’re welcome to confirm this with our admin team prior to your appointment.

Clinicians typically charge a private fee for their services which we ask is paid on the day of your appointment. Medicare then pays a rebate, which is typically paid directly into your account within 24 hours. The difference between these figures is the “gap” that you pay for your treatment.

The Medicare Safety Nets are available to most patients and can cover the bulk of your treatment costs once you reach your threshold within a calendar year, substantially reducing out-of-pocket fees when averaged out across a year. In some cases you may reach your annual threshold after only 2-3 appointments. We can provide more information, or you may refer to the Medicare website here.

WorkCover or your insurer may cover some of your treatment costs in some cases. Psychological therapy focused on behaviour support is covered by some NDIS packages. If you have extras cover, you can claim psychology on your private health health insurance.

We are unable to offer bulk-billed appointments.

Individual clinicians set their own fees independently, generally in line with the recommendations of the AMA, APS or AAPi, and may choose to offer concessional billing on a case-by-case basis.