MediCompare Patient Guide to Virtual Doctor's Appointments for Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are all too common problems for many Australians. Unfortunately, prompt and affordable access to in-person care may not always be available. Sometimes, even the thought of adding a doctor’s appointment to your to-do list can become another source of stress. This is where online solutions come in, from virtual GP consults to specialised mental health providers. In this guide to online help for anxiety and stress, I’ll explore the different options.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences, you could explore a number of options. Our MediCompare Mental Health page lists providers in detail, but here’s a snapshot of what’s on offer virtually.

Short mental health consults with an online GP are often your first port of call. Online GPs can provide general lifestyle advice to ease minor to moderate anxiety or stress. They can also prescribe medication to relieve more chronic stress and anxiety or provide you with a specialist referral, for example, to a psychologist. If you qualify, they can also help you access a mental health treatment plan (read more on MHTPs below). These mental health GP consults are available at most comprehensive telehealth providers, such as Hola Health, and often fully bulk-billed.

An online mental health assessment for a treatment plan could give you access to a Medicare rebate for up to 10 counselling sessions a year. It makes counselling more affordable.  You can find telehealth providers for bulk-billed MHTPs on our MediCompare Mental Health page, or you could compare our in-depth provider reviews. Abby Health and Hola Health are two of my top choices.

Specialised mental health care providers, such as MyMirror and Someone.Health, are the right choice if you want to have regular counselling and perhaps already have a mental health treatment plan or specialist referral. As counselling often hinges on your rapport with your psychologist, some of them allow you to match with a counsellor and try a short session before committing. The real upside of online counselling is shorter wait times to see a specialist and often greater scheduling flexibility.

1. Compare providers on our specialised page or online. Factors to consider include whether the provider offers bulk-billed mental health appointments, whether you can choose a GP (you may feel more comfortable with a male or female GP), and the provider’s opening hours/ doctor availability. You could check out the highly rated Hola Health, which is also available 24/7, and the fully bulk-billed Abby Health for its great booking flow and appointment options.
2. Prepare for your appointment. Make sure you write down your most important symptoms and triggers (if you know them), any previous episodes of similar symptoms or other mental health problems, any medications or lifestyle approaches you have tried, and what you’d like to achieve with the consult.
3. Book and get ready. This includes setting a reminder 10-15 minutes before your appointment time, understanding how to attend the consult (by phone, via link, or in-app), and checking that your camera and headphones are working.
4. Attending your appointment. Take notes and listen carefully to your doctor. Ask questions. Make sure you understand your treatment plan.

Your GP will ask you questions to check the severity of your symptoms and medical history. They may check which approaches you have tried and whether you have a preference for a particular treatment option. While medication for anxiety and stress is available online, they are often not the first line of approach. Your GP may want to inform you about potential side effects and determine whether you are a good candidate. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and how your everyday functioning is affected, lifestyle changes and counselling via a mental health treatment plan may be the first choice. Lifestyle changes can include developing healthy habits to support your nervous system, stress reduction through creating routines that include mindfulness, exercise or yoga, improving your sleep hygiene and habits, and checking your diet. All of these can impact your nervous system and ability to handle or reduce stress and anxiety. Counselling can assist by supporting those changes and providing targeted stress and anxiety relief through techniques such as CBT and others. Having a mental health treatment plan in place can also provide a safety net, as you know when you will have your next check-in and session and that someone is monitoring you for any worsening. Your counsellor may also be able to advise on more specific medication options for your needs.

There are multiple free options available, besides bulk-billed MHTPs, if cost is one of the most significant factors driving you to look for online support. Examples include the MindSpot telehealth service, which offers free assessments, short teletherapy and some mental health-specific courses. For children and teenagers, the interactive BRAVE program can help address anxiety. If you are seeking immediate crisis support, please call Lifeline Australia on its 24/7 hotline, 13 11 14.

Online telehealth services offer a number of mental health care options, including virtual GP consults, eScripts, specialist referrals, and access to MHTPs. These services often provide mental health support during extended opening hours, and they usually do so immediately or within 24 hours. Choosing what’s right for you comes down to your specific needs and medical history.

This article is for informational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice. Please choose your provider with care. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional regarding any health-related questions or concerns.