One in five adults will experience a mental illness at least once in their lives.

A person with mental illness may experience problems with their thinking, emotions or behaviour. These changes may happen quickly, or they may be gradual and subtle.

If you or someone you know is worried about a mental health issue, a good first step is talking to one of our general practitioners.

Our GPs can:

  • conduct an initial mental health assessment and advise you on the best next steps.
  • diagnose and treat common mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, postnatal depression, eating disorders and psychotic illnesses.
  • assess a person referred because of problems at school, work or home.
  • differentiate between mental and physical health problems
  • institute appropriate treatment such as counselling or medications.
  • refer you to a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist depending on your needs.
  • prepare a mental health care plan for you. This can qualify you for subsidised counselling by a qualified psychologist through Medicare.

Where to go for help:

  • Book an appointment with one of our GPs on 9870 9000
  • SANE Helpline Tel. 1800 187 263
  • AREFEMI (Association of Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally Ill) Tel. (03) 9810 9300
  • Kids Help Line, call 1800 55 1800
  • Mensline Australia, call 1300 789 978

GPs with special interest in Mental Health

Dr Michelle Zhang
Dr Michelle Zhang she gained her PhD at the University of Melbourne in 1994 and the Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2005. She enjoys all facets of general practice, with special interests in women’s health, menopause, mental health and dermatology.
Dr Maneesha Weerasinghe
Dr Maneesha completed her medical studies at the University of Notre Dome in Western Australia. She enjoys all aspects of general practice, with special interests in mental health.