Anxiety and depression treatment online

Yes. You can talk to an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor about anxiety or depression through a real-time telehealth consultation. You complete a short online form and an AI preconsult call, then a doctor phones you, reviews your history and discusses your options. The doctor decides what is clinically appropriate. Completing a form or paying a fee does not mean a particular outcome.

No. A telehealth consultation suits both a review of anxiety or depression you already manage and a first conversation about new symptoms. If your doctor thinks you need an examination, a test or an in-person appointment before anything else, they will say so and point you to the right service.

Where clinically appropriate, yes. Your doctor decides after speaking with you and reviewing your history. Some medicines cannot be prescribed by telehealth, and some situations need an in-person examination or a test first. If your doctor prescribes, your eScript token arrives by SMS for use at a pharmacy. If they complete the consult without prescribing, the consultation fee still applies. Doccy refunds the fee only when we cannot deliver the consultation.

A prescription consultation costs $42.00 AUD. This is a one-off consultation fee. It is not the price of medicine and there is no subscription. If a doctor prescribes, you pay your pharmacy separately, with PBS pricing where you are eligible. Medicare details are required and the consultation is not bulk billed.

Anxiety or depression is not always suitable for telehealth. If your doctor thinks you need to be seen in person, they will explain why and recommend a next step, such as your usual GP, a pathology collection centre or an emergency department. Completing that consult without a prescription is still a completed consultation, and the fee applies. Doccy refunds the consultation fee only when we cannot deliver the consultation. In an emergency, call triple zero (000).

Anxiety is mostly about fear and worry: feeling on edge, expecting the worst, and physical signs such as a racing heart or tight chest. Depression is mostly about low mood and loss: feeling flat or empty, losing interest in things, low energy and poor sleep. They share causes and often occur together, and many people have symptoms of both. Your doctor does not need you to have worked out which one you have before you book.

healthdirect suggests seeing a doctor if you have felt anxious or low for two weeks or more, if it is affecting your work, study, sleep or relationships, or if you are relying on alcohol or other drugs to cope. You do not need to be in crisis, and you do not need a diagnosis. If you are unsure, that is reason enough to talk to a doctor. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 today.

Yes. Where your doctor considers it appropriate, they can write a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist, which you can take to a practitioner of your choice. A Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan, which unlocks Medicare rebates for psychology sessions, can only be prepared by your usual GP or practice, so we cannot promise one. Your doctor can explain how to arrange it with your regular GP, and point you to free services such as Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212.

No. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department. If you need to talk to someone right now, Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) and 13YARN (13 92 76) are free and open 24 hours. A telehealth consultation suits ongoing symptoms, reviews of existing treatment, referrals and medical certificates, once you are safe.

Yes. Your consultation is private, and your doctor is bound by the same confidentiality obligations as any Australian doctor. Your notes are stored securely and are not shared with your employer or anyone else without your consent, except where the law requires it, such as when someone is at serious risk of harm. A medical certificate states that you are unfit for work or study and does not need to name your condition unless you ask for it to.