Question 1

How do I know if I need to see a Psychiatrist or Psychologist?

Accepted Answer

If your emotions, thoughts or behaviour are affecting your daily life, your relationships or your ability to function — and things haven't improved with time, self-care or the support of family and friends — you should speak to your GP about a referral to a specialist. It's entirely natural to wonder whether what you're experiencing warrants professional support. You do not need to have a diagnosis, or even be certain what is wrong; that is exactly what the assessment is for.

Question 2

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

Accepted Answer

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication, whereas a Clinical Psychologist provides evidence-based talking therapy and does not prescribe medication. At Stirling Health Hub, our Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologist work closely together, so you are never asked to choose between the two; we will help you find the right fit, and the right combination of care, for your needs.

Question 3

Do I need a referral to see a Psychiatrist at Stirling Health Hub?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A referral from your GP is required to see any of our clinicians, including our Clinical Psychologist. This is not simply a formality — it is also what allows you to claim a Medicare rebate, so it is worth arranging before your first visit.

Question 4

How do I get a referral from my GP?

Accepted Answer

Simply book an appointment with your GP and let them know you would like to see a Psychiatrist (or our Clinical Psychologist) at Stirling Health Hub. Your GP will discuss your situation with you and prepare a referral letter, which we will need on file before we can confirm your first appointment. If you are ever unsure where to start, our reception team is more than happy to guide you through the process.

Question 5

Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan?

Accepted Answer

This depends on who you are seeing. If you are booking with our Clinical Psychologist, please ask your GP to prepare a Mental Health Care Plan — this is what unlocks your Medicare rebate for psychology sessions. If you are seeing one of our Psychiatrists, a standard GP referral letter is all that is required.

Question 6

What mental health conditions can a Psychiatrist at Stirling Health Hub help with?

Accepted Answer

Our Psychiatrists assess and manage a wide range of conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, generalised anxiety, PTSD, OCD, psychosis, personality disorders, perinatal mental health, and ADHD in both adults and adolescents, as well as mood and cognitive changes in later life. We see patients across all age groups, so there is support available at every stage of life.

Question 7

Do you see children and adolescents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our practice includes clinicians with expertise in child and adolescent psychiatry, so younger patients and their families can be supported alongside adults and older patients, all under one roof.

Question 8

How long will I need to wait for an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Waiting times vary depending on the clinician and the urgency of your situation. We do our best to see new patients as promptly as possible, and we always aim to prioritise anyone whose GP has indicated that their situation is urgent. When you contact us, we will give you the most accurate estimate we can and let you know if an earlier appointment becomes available.

Question 9

Do you offer telehealth (video or phone) appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many of our clinicians offer telehealth appointments for eligible patients. This can make ongoing care more convenient if you are unwell, unable to travel, or simply prefer to be seen from home. Let our reception team know your preference when booking, and we will confirm whether telehealth is suitable for your circumstances.

Question 10

What happens at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your first appointment involves a thorough, unhurried assessment where your Psychiatrist or Psychologist will discuss your history, current symptoms, and goals. Together, you can build a clear picture before agreeing on a treatment plan. There is no pressure to have all the answers — we will guide the conversation at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Question 11

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring your GP referral letter, your Medicare card, a list of any current medications, and any relevant previous reports or assessments. If it would help you to feel more at ease, you are also welcome to bring a family member or support person along.

Question 12

Are the services provided by our Psychiatrists and Psychologist covered by Medicare?

Accepted Answer

With a valid referral, eligible psychiatry consultations attract a Medicare rebate, as do courses of TMS treatment for eligible patients. Psychology sessions are rebated under a GP Mental Health Care Plan. As your out-of-pocket cost will depend on our fee structure and your individual rebate, please contact our reception team and we will talk you through exactly what to expect — there should be no surprises when it comes to cost.

Question 13

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Accepted Answer

We understand that life does not always go to plan. Please let us know as early as you can if you need to cancel or reschedule, so that we can offer that time to another patient who may be waiting. Our reception team can talk you through our cancellation policy and any associated fees.

Question 14

How long will I need to keep seeing my Psychiatrist or Psychologist?

Accepted Answer

The duration of treatment varies for each individual and depends on your specific needs and goals. Some people benefit from a short course of appointments, while others value ongoing, longer-term support. Your treatment plan will be reviewed regularly, and these decisions will always be made together with you.

Question 15

I am nervous about starting medication — what should I know?

Accepted Answer

If your Psychiatrist recommends medication, they will explain exactly what it is for, how it works, potential side effects, and what to expect before proceeding with your fully informed agreement. It is entirely understandable to feel unsure about starting medication. You are always welcome to ask questions, raise concerns, or discuss alternatives at any point in your care.

Question 16

Will my Psychiatrist keep my GP updated about my care?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with your consent, we will write to your referring GP to keep them informed of your progress. This helps ensure your overall care — including any physical health needs or other medications — remains well coordinated. You are welcome to discuss with your clinician the nature of information that will be shared, and to raise any concerns you may have about this.

Question 17

What if I am not comfortable with my Psychiatrist or Psychologist — can I change clinicians?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and please do not hesitate to raise this with us. Finding the right fit with a clinician matters, and it can take time. If you feel another clinician within our practice might suit you better, simply speak with our reception team and we will do our best to arrange this for you.

Question 18

Is my conversation with my Psychiatrist confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric and psychological care, and it is protected by professional and legal standards. The only exception is where there is a serious risk to your safety or someone else's — and even then, your clinician will always aim to involve you in that conversation wherever possible. If you have any concerns about privacy, please do raise them; your clinician is always happy to explain exactly what confidentiality means for you.

Question 19

Will my employer know that I am seeing a Psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

No. Your care at Stirling Health Hub is confidential medical information and will never be shared with your employer without your explicit consent.

Question 20

What should I do if I am in crisis or need urgent help?

Accepted Answer

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 000. If you need urgent mental health support outside of your appointment, SA Mental Health Triage (13 14 65), Lifeline (13 11 14) and the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) are available around the clock. If you are an existing patient facing an urgent concern during business hours, please call our reception team so we can help direct you to the right support as quickly as possible.

Question 21

How Long Do the Benefits Last?

Accepted Answer

The effects of TMS vary from person to person and depend on the condition being treated. Many patients notice improvements not only in their symptoms but also in overall wellbeing, daily functioning, sleep quality and quality of life.

Question 22

Is TMS Suitable for Everyone?

Accepted Answer

TMS is safe and appropriate for many patients, but it is not recommended for people with a history of epilepsy, metal implants, deep brain stimulators, aneurysm clips, or metallic facial tattoos. Before treatment begins, our specialists at Stirling Health Hub conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine whether TMS is safe for you.

Question 23

Are There Any Side Effects?

Accepted Answer

TMS is generally well tolerated, with most side effects being mild and temporary. These may include mild headache, temporary scalp discomfort, and rarely, seizures in people with an existing seizure risk.

Question 24

How Does TMS Help with Pain?

Accepted Answer

TMS works by stimulating targeted areas of the brain involved in pain processing. This can promote the release of the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals while influencing other neural pathways associated with pain.

Question 25

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Accepted Answer

A standard treatment course usually involves five sessions per week (Monday to Friday) for the best clinical outcomes. Each session lasts approximately 15–20 minutes. A complete treatment course generally includes 30–35 sessions.

Question 26

Is Hospital Admission Required?

Accepted Answer

No. TMS is performed as an outpatient procedure without anaesthesia or sedation. Patients remain awake throughout treatment and can usually drive home and return to normal activities immediately afterwards.

Integrated and Expert Care.

The Multidisciplinary Advantage

Specialist Care for Your Specific Needs

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Adult Psychiatry

Geriatric Psychiatry (Older Persons' Mental Health)

Neuropsychiatry

Clinical Psychology

TMS Clinic

Esketamine Therapy

Telehealth

DVA & WorkCover

Why Stirling Health Hub

Specialist Expertise

Collaborative Care

Evidence-Based Treatment

TMS Therapy

Developmental Assessment

Contemporary Practice

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