Almost half of all Australians will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. If you’re going through something difficult right now — or you’ve noticed something isn’t right — talking to a GP is one of the best first steps you can take. Our Southport doctors are experienced in mental health care and can help you work out what’s going on and what to do about it.

We see patients dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, ADHD, relationship difficulties, trauma, and more. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you come in. Just book an appointment and we’ll take it from there.

If you’re specifically dealing with anxiety or depression, we’ve put together a detailed guide on what these conditions actually look and feel like, when to see a GP, and what to expect from treatment — read our anxiety and depression information page.

Mental health support at Southport Metro Medical Centre, Gold Coast

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 (available 24 hours). In an emergency, call 000.

Mental Health Conditions We Help With

Our GPs in Southport provide assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing management for a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • ADHD
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder
  • Panic Disorder
  • Social Anxiety
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Eating Disorders
  • Perinatal Mental Health
  • Grief and Loss
  • Stress and Burnout
  • Self-Harm
  • Agoraphobia
  • Alcohol-Related Harm
  • Domestic and Family Violence

We also support patients with mental health wellbeing — building resilience, managing stress, improving sleep, and maintaining overall emotional health.

GP Mental Health Treatment Plans

A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a formal plan your GP puts together with you that outlines your mental health concerns, goals, and treatment approach. Having an MHTP means you can access Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist, counsellor, or other allied health professional — currently up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.

Our GP can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan in a standard appointment. If you’d like to arrange one, let reception know when you book so we can allow enough time.

What happens in the appointment?

  1. Your GP will talk with you about what you’ve been experiencing and how it’s affecting your daily life.
  2. Together you’ll identify your goals and what kind of support would be most helpful.
  3. Your GP will prepare the written plan, which you can take to a psychologist or other provider.
  4. You’ll also get a referral to the right specialist — including our onsite psychologist Steven Kose if appropriate.
  5. Your GP will review the plan with you at a follow-up appointment, usually after 6 sessions.

Onsite Psychology — Steven Kose

We have an experienced psychologist, Steven Kose, available at our Southport clinic. Steven works with adults on a broad range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.

If you have a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can access sessions with Steven with a Medicare rebate. You can also self-refer if you’d prefer to see a psychologist without a GP referral, though you won’t receive the Medicare rebate in that case.

ADHD Assessment and Management

ADHD is one of the most commonly under-diagnosed conditions in adults. Many people reach their 30s or 40s before realising that difficulties with focus, organisation, impulsivity, or emotional regulation have a name — and a treatment pathway.

Queensland is now the first state in Australia where appropriately trained GPs can diagnose ADHD and prescribe stimulant medication for adults. We have GPs at Southport Metro who have completed this training and can offer structured ADHD assessments. This involves multiple appointments — not a same-day diagnosis — but typically means shorter wait times and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to seeing a psychiatrist.

What to Expect When You Come In

Talking about mental health with a doctor for the first time can feel daunting. Here’s what you can expect at Southport Metro Medical Centre:

  1. No judgement. Our GPs have these conversations every day. There’s nothing you can say that will surprise us.
  2. A proper conversation. We’ll listen to what you’re going through rather than rushing to a prescription. Understanding your situation properly takes time.
  3. A clear next step. Whether that’s a referral, a Mental Health Treatment Plan, medication, or just a follow-up appointment, you’ll leave knowing what happens next.
  4. Ongoing support. Mental health is rarely a one-appointment issue. We’re here for the long term, and your GP will check in with you regularly.

Appointments and Fees

We are a mixed billing clinic. Concession card holders, DVA card holders, and patients under 16 are private patients — a gap fee applies after your Medicare rebate. Standard consultations start from $90 for all other patients, with a Medicare rebate applying for eligible services.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan appointment is a standard GP consultation — the Medicare item number attracts a higher rebate than a standard consult, which reduces your out-of-pocket cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

No, but having a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan means you’ll receive a Medicare rebate on up to 10 psychology sessions per year, which significantly reduces the cost. Without a plan you can still see a psychologist, but you’ll pay the full fee.

Can I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan on my first visit?

Yes. If you come in specifically to discuss your mental health and request a plan, your GP can prepare one in that appointment. Let reception know when you book so enough time is allocated.

What if I just want to talk to a GP about how I’m feeling?

That’s absolutely fine. You don’t need to come in with a specific diagnosis or a clear idea of what you need. A standard GP appointment is a good starting point, and your doctor will guide the conversation from there.

Is my information kept confidential?

Yes. Everything you discuss with your GP is confidential. The only exceptions are situations involving serious risk of harm to you or others, which your GP will explain if relevant.

Do you offer telehealth mental health appointments?

Please call reception on (07) 5612 7830 to discuss what’s available. Some mental health consultations can be conducted by phone or video depending on the circumstances.

Where can I get help outside of clinic hours?

We’re open Monday to Friday 8am–7pm, Saturday 8am–5pm, and Sunday 8am–6pm. Outside these hours, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are available 24 hours a day. For after-hours GP care, we recommend Pocket Doctors telehealth.

Related Services

Ready to talk to someone?

We’re open 7 days at Australia Fair Metro, Scarborough St, Southport. No referral needed.

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Or call us on (07) 5612 7830
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