Frequently asked questions

We aim to ensure our services are as accessible as possible to all people in the community. With a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for low or no-cost mental health support services.

Simply find the Mental Wellbeing Services closest to you and phone 1800 313 016 to make a booking for an initial assessment. You will need to make an appointment to see your GP before you visit us, to get a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan.

When making an appointment with your GP for a referral and Mental Health Care Plan, you will need to advise your GP’s reception staff that you would like an assessment appointment so they can book appropriate time. When you attend the appointment, the GP will ask you questions about how you are feeling and do a quick assessment with you - this is a Medicare requirement in order to create a Mental Health Care Plan for you.

Your GP will then send a referral to our service and we will contact you directly to book an appointment with one of our clinicians.

We aim to offer an initial appointment as soon as possible upon receiving a referral, usually within two weeks.

Having all of our available client appointments filled helps us to reduce the wait time to access our services.

If you are unable to attend an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer this time to another person. 

At St John of God Mental Wellbeing Services, we do not offer crisis support. If you are feeling overwhelmed or distressed, book to see your GP immediately to discuss your concerns with them.

Alternatively, if the matter is urgent, please go immediately to your nearest hospital emergency department or contact one of the 24/7 crisis helplines below:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

Suicide callback service: 1300 659 467

Mental Health Emergency Response Line: 1800 676 822 (Peel) 1800 555 788 (metro)

Crisis Care: 1800 199 008

Talk to the person and offer your care and support. Encourage them to see their GP to further discuss their concerns in a confidential space and provide them with information to help them access other mental health services (see the contact numbers above).

Family members can be an important part of the recovery process and we encourage your involvement where appropriate.

Talk to your GP. They will be able to provide you with further information and support options relevant to your needs and where you live. You will also find a range of mental health services online:

beyondblue.org.au

sane.org

blackdoginstitute.org.au

 

Our feedback form allows you to send compliments or complaints regarding St John of God Mental Wellbeing Services.

We’ve got some advice on how to care for yourself, how to seek professional help and additional information.