About psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialised in mental health. They diagnose, prescribe and monitor medication and may also provide psychotherapy. They are usually the first choice when medication may be needed or symptoms are severe.
Getting mental health care in Australia
Public health system · Medicare (Better Access initiative) and state and territory public mental health services
Medicare pays rebates for a limited number of sessions with a psychologist each year under the Better Access initiative, usually after a GP referral with a mental health plan; the psychologist may charge a gap fee. State and territory public mental health services treat more severe conditions.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical Board of Australia, through Ahpra. Psychiatrists must be registered as medical practitioners with specialist registration in psychiatry. Search the official register
Typical private fees
- Session with a psychologist
- $318 – $330
Australian Psychological Society suggested fee for a 46-60 minute consultation: 318 (2025-26) and 330 (2026-27); each psychologist sets their own fee. Sources
Urgent help in Australia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 000 · Triple Zero (000)
- 13 11 14 · Lifeline
- 1300 659 467 · Suicide Call Back Service
- 1300 22 4636 · Beyond Blue Support Service
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: ahpra.gov.au, psychology.org.au
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses mental health problems from a medical point of view. Day to day they carry out diagnostic interviews, rule out physical causes, decide whether medication could help, prescribe it and monitor its effects and side effects. Many also offer psychotherapy or work alongside psychologists. They see adults, older people and, if specialised, children and adolescents.
When to see a psychiatrist
Consider a psychiatrist when symptoms are intense or long-lasting, when therapy alone has not been enough, when you are already taking psychiatric medication, or when there are experiences such as severe mood swings, hearing or seeing things others do not, or very disturbed sleep. If what you mainly need is talking therapy for everyday difficulties, a psychologist or psychotherapist may fit better.
How is it different from other professionals?
Unlike a psychologist, a psychiatrist has a medical degree and can prescribe medication and order medical tests. A psychologist focuses on psychological assessment and therapy. A psychotherapist may come from either background and is defined by training in a therapy model. In practice, psychiatrists and psychologists often work together: one handles medication and medical follow-up, the other the therapeutic process.
What happens in the first session
The first appointment is usually a detailed interview about your symptoms, how long they have lasted, your medical history, current medication, sleep, substance use and family history. The psychiatrist may suggest tests to rule out physical causes and will explain the options. Bring a list of any medication you take, previous reports, and questions about benefits, side effects and alternatives to medication.
How long does the process take?
A first psychiatric consultation is often longer than follow-ups. Follow-up visits are usually shorter and more spaced out, for example every few weeks while adjusting treatment and less often once things are stable. How long follow-up lasts depends on the condition, the response to treatment and your preferences. Medication should never be stopped or changed without talking to the prescribing doctor.
Online or in person?
Online psychiatric consultations can work well for follow-ups, reviewing how treatment is going, and for people with mobility or distance barriers. Whether a psychiatrist can prescribe remotely depends on local rules and on the case. An in-person visit is often preferable for a first assessment, when a physical examination or tests are needed, or when symptoms are severe or there is any risk.
How to check their qualifications
Psychiatry is a medical specialty, so a psychiatrist must be a licensed doctor with recognised specialist training. You can check their registration with the medical licensing body or medical college of the country where they practise, which often has a public register. You can also ask about their specialist certification, areas of experience, and the hospital or service where they work.
What affects the price?
Prices depend on whether it is a first visit or a follow-up, the psychiatrist’s experience and subspecialty, the city, and whether the consultation is online or in person. Reports, assessments or longer appointments may be charged separately. Medication and tests are additional costs. Ask whether health insurance or the public health system covers psychiatric care in your area, and about cancellation policy.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Australia cover psychological care?
Medicare pays rebates for a limited number of sessions with a psychologist each year under the Better Access initiative, usually after a GP referral with a mental health plan; the psychologist may charge a gap fee. State and territory public mental health services treat more severe conditions.
How do I check that a psychiatrist is licensed in Australia?
Medical Board of Australia, through Ahpra: Psychiatrists must be registered as medical practitioners with specialist registration in psychiatry.
How much does a session with a psychologist cost in Australia?
Usually between $318 and $330 per individual session in private practice. Australian Psychological Society suggested fee for a 46-60 minute consultation: 318 (2025-26) and 330 (2026-27); each psychologist sets their own fee.