Mental health care.
Your GP is often the first point of contact for mental health concerns, and the coordinator for ongoing care. From an initial conversation through a Mental Health Care Plan, referral to a psychologist or counsellor, and ongoing review, care is available across all three SMSG centres.
Right approach for you.
Mental health concerns don't fit a single pathway. Some patients need one or two conversations with their GP and a plan to try things at home. Others benefit from a Mental Health Care Plan and structured therapy. Some need specialist psychiatric input alongside GP-led care. Your GP works with you to find the right approach.
A Mental Health Care Plan is a Medicare-funded structured plan prepared by your GP. It documents your mental health concern, the treatment plan, and the relevant referral pathways. Under the plan, you can access up to ten Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year. The first six sessions are recommended and reviewed by your GP, with the option of a further four sessions with GP review.
Conversations, care plans, structured therapy.
A team across the group.
SMSG has a team of specialist GPs, psychologists, clinical psychologist, counsellors and paediatric psychiatrist who work with adults, adolescents and children across a range of presentations. Referral can be done via your GP (Medicare rebate available if eligible) or you can book directly with one of them.
Adult & paediatric psychology. The team at SMSG is here to address various adult presentations including anxiety, depression, adjustment concerns, grief/trauma, relationship concerns and life transitions. In addition, experienced paediatric psychologists, psychiatrist and counsellors work with children and adolescents through Kids' Dr, as well as offering psychometric assessments.
Perinatal and women's mental health. Psychological support is available for perinatal and women's mental health concerns, with coordination with relevant specialists via Aurora where required.
Counselling. The team of counsellors provides psychotherapy and supportive counselling for adults, adolescents and families. Victim Services counselling is also available for eligible individuals experiencing domestic and family violence, supported through the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
ADHD medication management. Selected specialist GPs across our centres can provide ongoing ADHD medication management, including continuation prescribing and renewals, following comprehensive assessment and regular follow-up. Care is provided in coordination with your treating specialist, such as a psychiatrist or paediatrician, where required. Our GPs can also provide ongoing support during periods of difficulty and facilitate re-referral to specialist psychiatric care when needed. Private billing arrangement applies for assessment and renewal services with Medicare rebate applicable.
Across all three centres.
Mental health care is available with any SMSG GP at any of our three centres, with psychology and counselling available across our sites. Reception can confirm which practitioners are available where.
Confirmed at booking.
Standard GP consultations for mental health concerns are billed according to each practitioner's usual billing arrangements. Private fees apply for the preparation and review of a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and ADHD medication prescriptions, with Medicare rebates available for eligible patients.
Psychology and counselling sessions are privately billed. Patients with a valid MHCP may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for eligible psychology sessions, with a gap fee payable. Private health fund rebates may also be available for eligible counselling services, depending on your individual health fund and policy coverage.
Victim Services Counselling. For eligible patients, Victim Services counselling sessions are fully covered by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice where the required pre-approval has been obtained.
Our reception team will confirm the applicable fees, rebates and gap arrangements with you at the time of booking.
Common questions.
Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan to see a psychologist?
No, but it makes the sessions Medicare-rebatable. You can see a psychologist privately without a plan, and this may suit some patients (particularly where confidentiality preferences make a formal plan uncomfortable).
How long is the Mental Health Care Plan consultation?
It's a longer appointment than a standard consultation, typically 30 to 60 minutes.
Can I see any psychologist under my Mental Health Care Plan?
The plan can refer to any registered psychologist who bulk-bills or privately bills with a Medicare rebate. Your GP typically refers within SMSG for continuity of care, but you can request a specific practitioner.
What if I need urgent mental health support?
For a mental health crisis, dial 000 or attend an emergency department. For urgent but not life-threatening support, Lifeline (13 11 14) is available 24/7. See our Emergency Information page for the full list of crisis support numbers.
What about children and adolescents?
Children and adolescents can access mental health care through your GP and Kids' Dr.
Does SMSG have psychiatry services?
For children, a paediatric psychiatrist is available onsite through Kids' Dr to support children across different stages of development. For adults, where a psychiatric assessment or review is required, your GP can arrange a referral to an appropriate external psychiatrist.
