Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Psychiatrists have a medical degree and at least 5 years of postgraduate specialisation in psychiatry and can also prescribe medication. You will need a referral letter from a GP to visit a psychiatrist and to claim the Medicare consultation rebate.

Psychiatrists use a full range of medical and psychological tests that provide a complete picture of a patient’s physical and mental state. They understand the complex relationship between emotional and other medical illnesses, can evaluate the entire medical and psychological data, make a diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan. Psychiatrists use a mixture of treatments including medication, psychotherapy and psychosocial treatments.

Talk to your GP and ask for a referral. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists have an online directory to help you find one in your area. Click here to visit the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ website.