A step-by-step guide to seeing a psychiatrist at NorthWestern Private Clinic, from GP referral and booking through to assessment, report delivery and next steps.
If you’re wondering how to see a psychiatrist, what happens at your first appointment, or what your GP will receive afterwards, this page walks you through the process. Northwestern Private Clinic is a private mental health clinic. You would need to follow the steps as below to see one of our Psychiatrists.
To see one of our psychiatrists, you will need a referral from your GP. The referral should request an assessment and opinion, so that we can provide your GP with a comprehensive report and treatment plan.
Your GP can send the referral directly to our clinic via fax or email. Alternatively, you may provide us with a copy yourself.
Once we receive your referral, our team will contact you within 1-3 business day to offer the next available appointment.
You will receive confirmation of your booking, along with details about fees, Medicare rebates, and how to prepare for your assessment.
Before your consultation, you may be asked to complete a series of questionnaires. These help your psychiatrist gain a clearer understanding of your background, current concerns, and any areas that may need closer attention.
Completing them in advance ensures your appointment can focus on understanding your situation and planning the next steps.
Your initial assessment is typically 60 minutes, although some assessment types are longer. During this time, your psychiatrist will explore your symptoms, history, and relevant life circumstances with you.
Together, you will consider possible contributing factors and discuss treatment options or recommendations for further support.
The assessment is thorough yet conversational, and you are encouraged to raise any questions or concerns at any time.
Following your appointment, your psychiatrist will prepare a comprehensive report summarising their observations and recommendations. This is typically sent to your GP within 1-3 weeks. This report is shared with both you and your GP, giving you a clear understanding of your assessment and your GP a framework for your ongoing care.
It may include recommendations for medication, therapy, or referrals to other professionals, if needed.
Your Psychiatrist may need to see you regularly over a time period to manage your treatment. If appropriate, your Psychiatrist may return your care to your GP. Then your GP takes over your ongoing care, guided by the treatment plan and recommendations in your report.
Psychiatry
Our consultant psychiatrists provide private psychiatry assessments with detailed treatment plans and recommendations for your GP. If you have a referral from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for psychiatry consultations under specialist item numbers. Out-of-pocket costs vary depending on the type and duration of the appointment.
Psychology
If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Your GP will usually review your progress after the first six sessions. There is an Out-of-pocket cost to see our Psychologists.
