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Telehealth lets you talk to a GP about your mental health by phone or video, from somewhere you feel comfortable. A GP can listen, assess how you’re going, discuss treatment and refer you to a psychiatrist or other specialist where needed. At Teldoc, general mental health consultations are privately billed, and bulk billing applies only to patients experiencing homelessness.
Here’s what a telehealth mental health consultation can and can’t do, what it costs and how to get the most from it.
Why some people prefer telehealth for mental health
- Comfort. Talking from home can make it easier to open up about difficult feelings.
- No travel. Helpful if you live in a regional or remote area, have limited transport or find it hard to leave the house.
- Time. No waiting room, and you can fit a call around work, study or caring responsibilities.
- Privacy. You can choose a private space, and you don’t have to be seen at a clinic.
Telehealth isn’t right for every situation, though. Some people prefer to build a relationship with a local GP in person, and some problems need a face-to-face assessment. Our article What telehealth can and can’t do covers this in general terms.
What a GP can help with by telehealth
- Talking through how you’ve been feeling, such as low mood, worry, stress, sleep problems or grief
- Assessing your symptoms and checking your safety
- Discussing treatment options, including self-care, psychological therapy and medicine
- Prescribing treatment if clinically appropriate, with an eScript sent to your phone
- Reviewing an existing treatment that a doctor has already started
- Referring you to a psychiatrist or other specialist
- Providing a medical certificate if you’re too unwell to work or study
- Arranging blood tests if they’re needed to rule out physical causes, such as thyroid problems
What Teldoc doesn’t provide
- Psychology or counselling sessions. Teldoc is a GP service. We don’t provide psychology.
- Mental Health Treatment Plans for most patients. Since 1 November 2025, Medicare requires these plans to be prepared by your usual GP or MyMedicare practice. Teldoc provides plans only for patients experiencing homelessness. See Mental Health Treatment Plans explained.
- Controlled medicines. We don’t prescribe Schedule 8 or Schedule 4D medicines, such as benzodiazepines or stimulants.
- Crisis or emergency care. If you’re at risk of harm, call 000 or go to an emergency department.
What it costs
Medicare only covers a telehealth GP consultation if you’ve seen the same practice in person in the past 12 months, or if a specific exemption applies. The mental health exemption to this rule was removed in November 2025, so Teldoc’s general mental health consultations don’t attract a Medicare rebate.
| Consultation | Fee |
|---|---|
| Mental health consultation, weekdays | $55, no Medicare rebate |
| Mental health consultation, weekends and public holidays | $75, no Medicare rebate |
| Patients experiencing homelessness (consultations and Mental Health Treatment Plans) | Bulk billed with a valid Medicare card |
See our fees page for current details.
Getting the most from your consultation
- Find a quiet, private spot where you won’t be overheard.
- For video, check your camera, microphone and internet connection beforehand.
- Jot down what you’ve noticed, how long it’s been happening and what you’d like help with.
- Have a list of any medicines you take and the name of your regular GP or psychologist, if you have one.
- It’s fine to say if you’re finding it hard to talk. Your GP will go at your pace.
Other places to get support
- Medicare Mental Health: 1800 595 212, a free government service that helps you find the right care (8:30 am to 5 pm weekdays)
- Beyond Blue: free counselling by phone or webchat, 24 hours a day
- Your usual GP, for ongoing care and a Mental Health Treatment Plan
When to get urgent help
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you need to talk to someone now:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours, 7 days)
How to book with Teldoc
Our AHPRA-registered GPs are available by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time), and most patients are seen within 15 minutes. Book online at teldoc.com.au or read more about our online mental health consultations.
Frequently asked questions
Are Teldoc mental health consultations bulk billed?
Only for patients experiencing homelessness, with a valid Medicare card. Other mental health consultations are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays, with no Medicare rebate.
Can I see a psychologist through Teldoc?
No. Teldoc is a GP service and doesn’t provide psychology. Our GPs can discuss your options and refer you to a psychiatrist or other specialist where appropriate.
Is a phone or video consultation private?
Yes. Consultations are confidential, and it’s a good idea to find a private space so you can talk freely.
Can a telehealth GP prescribe medicine for my mental health?
If it’s clinically appropriate, a GP can prescribe treatment and send an eScript to your phone. Teldoc doesn’t prescribe controlled medicines such as benzodiazepines or stimulants.
This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.
Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026
