Online Mental Health Assessment

If you’re looking to get access to mental health assistance via telehealth, the process normally starts with an online mental health assessment. Australian GPs, paediatricians and psychiatrists can all refer you for a mental health treatment plan (MHTP), but the first step is normally booking a virtual consult with a telehealth GP.

Notably, not all telehealth services offer GP consults, but you can find a list on MediCompare. If a telehealth provider offers MHTPs, they will also ensure your appointment will be with one of their GPs. As MHTPs are covered by Medicare, you can also find fully bulk-billed assessments and referrals online. Let’s take a look at what to expect when you book in for an online mental health assessment.

After finding the right telehealth service, you will need to register and book an appointment slot. During this intake process, you will typically answer questions on your current condition, medical history, and any medications you are taking. Some services, like Abby Health, use AI to assist this process and make it more intuitive. This may help you provide more relevant information for the GP. The more specific you can be, the easier it will be for the consulting doctor to screen you. Some services ask very specific questions during this process already, in effect pre-screening you.

Based on your provided answers, the online GP will ask you a set of structured questions to understand what you are experiencing and whether an MHTP may be appropriate. They will also check if you have ever had any counselling before and explain the MHTP process to you.

These questions do not provide a mental health diagnosis, but they do allow the GP to gage whether you may need an MHTP, medication or a specialist referral. In more complex cases, the GP will refer you to a psychiatrist (or a paediatrician for minors).

Most GPs will conduct this online consult more like a conversation than a screening, similar to how your family doctor would try to make your comfortable, yet get an accurate assessment of your needs.

The last part of the 20-minute consult is normally reserved for discussing the referral, i.e. the GP will ask you which specific counsellor you would like to see for your sessions. They may also advise you that you may need a review after the initial 6 sessions, to access the remaining 4 sessions. If they believe you may also benefit from lifestyle changes or medication, they may discuss this with you and potentially provide a specialist referral or eScript.  Some online GPs may also schedule a follow-up appointment with you to check in and ensure continuity of care.

Some providers use the K10 (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) questionnaire or other mental health screening tools. The K10 is a tenquestion checklist that measures anxiety and depression over the past four weeks. Typically, you will already go through these questions during intake and are asked to rate each item, from None of the time to All of the time. The total score helps the GP decide on the best approach.   

Sample questions include:

• “During the last month, how often have you felt nervous or on edge?”
• “How often have you felt hopeless about the future?”

If you’re sitting on the fence and not quite sure whether to book in for a mental health assessment, you could choose a bulk-billed provider, such as Abby Health, and simply ask what the GP would recommend. If you are ready to commit to a mental health assessment, service providers such as Hola Health will place a temporary hold on your credit card for the free consult to keep you accountable. Remember, this process is supposed to support you, it’s not about “getting diagnosed”. Early intervention is easier and prevents greater risks to your wellbeing.

Here’s when you should probably consider asking for an MHTP:

• You’ve felt sad, anxious, angry, or “not yourself” for two weeks or more.
• Your mood is affecting work, study, or relationships.
• You’re experiencing physical symptoms linked to anxiety (e.g., heart palpitations, sleeplessness).
• You want a structured roadmap for therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes.

Online mental health screening is safe and confidential. When it is used to access an MHTP it is also supported by Medicare, providing a bulk-billed pathway to mental health care. The screening often happens partially during the intake process, before you even speak to the online GP. You’ll simply have to answer a few questions, so the doctor can determine the best treatment plan for you. Online mental health assessments unlock access to therapy, medication, and specialist referrals.

Disclaimer

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 healthrelated questions or concerns.

[1] [1] https://www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/features/what-is-a-mental-health-care-plan-and-how-do-i-get-one
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10164265/