A GP is the usual first step for anxiety, low mood, stress, sleep problems, grief and burnout. Every doctor who works from Health Nexus can assess you and prepare a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, which is what gives you Medicare-rebated sessions with a psychologist.
What we can help with
- Anxiety, panic, low mood and depression
- Stress, burnout and work-related distress
- Sleep problems
- Grief and adjustment after a life change
- Alcohol and other drug concerns
- Mental health in children and teenagers
- GP Mental Health Treatment Plans and their reviews
- Referral to psychologists, psychiatrists and community mental health services
- Ongoing review with the same doctor
How to book, and what happens
Book a 20-minute consultation and tell reception it is for mental health so the right amount of time is set aside. We can do a plan on the same day if you need one, but what usually works better is two visits: the first to talk it through properly and assess what is going on, the second to write the plan and organise the referral. That way the plan reflects you rather than the twenty minutes.
Getting to see a psychologist
A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan entitles you to Medicare-rebated psychology sessions. Health Nexus works regularly with private psychologists in Launceston and can refer you directly to them; public and community mental health services are also available and your doctor will tell you which fits your situation. Psychology fees are set by the psychologist, and a gap usually applies.
If you need help now
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
Lifeline is available 24 hours on 13 11 14, and the Tasmanian Mental Health Services Helpline on 1800 332 388.
To be seen at the practice today, phone (03) 6351 5610 or send an urgent appointment request.
The doctors
Every doctor who works from Health Nexus prepares mental health plans. These doctors have a particular interest in mental health:
- Dr Miyulasi Attanayake – mental health, chronic disease
- Dr Sunethra Semasinghe – mental health, women’s and children’s health
- Dr Arsalan (Sam) Mahmud – mental health, acute and after-hours care
- Dr Kousha Taheri – acute and chronic conditions, men’s health
Fees and Medicare
Health Nexus Launceston is a mixed-billing practice. Children aged 12 and under are bulk billed whenever the practice is open, including evenings and weekends. Pension card holders over 65 and DVA Gold Card holders are bulk billed on weekdays between 8am and 5pm. Everyone else pays the consultation fee with the Medicare rebate claimed on the spot. The current fees are on the fees and bulk billing page.
The practice is open 8am–8pm Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm Saturday and 9am–5pm Sunday, every day of the year, and on every public holiday at the standard hours for that day.
Common questions
Can any GP do a mental health plan?
Yes – every doctor who works from Health Nexus can prepare a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan and review it.
How long is the appointment?
Book a 20-minute consultation. We suggest an assessment appointment first and the plan at a second visit, so there is time to do it properly.
Can I get a plan on the same day?
Yes, if that is what you need. Phone the practice and say so when you book.
How do I get to see a psychologist?
With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. Health Nexus refers regularly to private psychologists in Launceston, and to public and community services where those suit better.
Is there a mental health walk-in clinic in Launceston?
The walk-in clinic here runs 5–7pm on weekdays and 1–3pm on weekends and you can use it for mental health. For a crisis outside those hours, call the Tasmanian Mental Health Services Helpline on 1800 332 388, or 000 if there is immediate danger.
