Mental Health
At Friendship Square Medical, we provide supportive, respectful and confidential care for people experiencing mental health concerns.
Mental health difficulties are common, and they can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Sometimes they develop gradually, and sometimes they arise after a major life event, stress at work, relationship difficulties, grief, illness, parenting challenges or hormonal changes.
Your GP can be a good first point of contact. We can listen, help you understand what may be happening, discuss treatment options, and support you in taking the next step.
How we can help
Our GPs can assist with a range of mental health concerns, including:
Anxiety
Depression and low mood
Stress and burnout
Sleep difficulties
Panic attacks
Grief and loss
Relationship or family stress
Work-related stress
Parenting stress
Adjustment to illness or major life changes
Perinatal mental health concerns
Menopause-related mood changes
Alcohol and substance use concerns
Eating concerns
Body image concerns
ADHD concerns
Mental health support for children and teenagers
Review of existing mental health diagnoses and treatment
Mental health care with your GP
A mental health consultation is a chance to talk through what has been happening, how it is affecting your life, and what kind of support may help.
Depending on your situation, your GP may discuss:
Lifestyle and self-care strategies
Sleep, exercise, alcohol, work and stress
Psychological support or counselling
Referral to a psychologist or other mental health professional
Medication options, where appropriate
Review of existing medications
Support services and safety planning
Follow-up appointments to monitor progress
For many people, the first appointment is about making sense of things and working out a practical plan.
Mental Health Treatment Plans
Where appropriate, your GP may prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This can help you access Medicare-subsidised appointments with eligible mental health professionals, such as psychologists, under the Better Access program.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan usually involves a longer consultation, as your GP will need time to understand your symptoms, history, goals and support needs. Healthdirect notes that a mental health treatment plan identifies treatment options, support services and goals agreed between the patient and doctor.
Medication and ongoing care
Medication is not always needed, but for some people it can be an important part of treatment.
Your GP can discuss whether medication may be suitable, explain likely benefits and side effects, and arrange follow-up to review how things are going. We can also help with medication reviews, dose adjustments and coordination with psychologists, psychiatrists or other treating clinicians.
Support during difficult times
Please tell your GP if you are feeling unsafe, overwhelmed, or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide. These conversations can feel difficult, but they are important, and help is available.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support in Australia, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Healthdirect also lists crisis support options for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health crisis.
Book an appointment
To discuss your mental health, please book an appointment with one of our GPs.
Mental health concerns usually require a longer appointment, especially for a first discussion, a Mental Health Treatment Plan, medication review, complex symptoms or multiple issues. If you are unsure what appointment type to book, please call our reception team and we can help guide you.
