Psychiatric Services

Service Options

A typical psychiatric consultation involves a comprehensive and confidential assessment of your mental health, focusing on your current concerns and overall wellbeing.

We offer both Medication Reviews and Psychiatric Consultations.

Medication Review

Our team does not prescribe; however, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment and then refer you back to your GP to manage your medication.

• Comprehensive Assessment: All current medicines (prescribed, over-the-counter, and complementary) are reviewed, including their purpose, appropriateness, and effectiveness.
• Patient-Centered Approach: The patient’s views, understanding, concerns, and experiences with their medicines are actively sought and considered.
• Problem Identification: Any issues with access, adherence, side effects, or day-to-day management are identified and discussed.
• Goal Setting and Action Plan: The patient and health professional agree on goals and an action plan to address identified problems and optimize medicine use.
• Collaboration: Recommendations may be made to the patient, their GP, or other health professionals, and changes are implemented with the patient’s agreement.
• Formal Documentation: The entire process—including problems identified, goals set, actions taken, and follow-up—is formally documented to ensure transparency and continuity of care.

Psychiatric Consultation

What Happens in a Psychiatric Consultation

Initial Assessment

• The first appointment usually lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours.
• The psychiatrist will ask detailed questions about your mental health history, current symptoms, personal background, family history, and any relevant medical issues.
• You may be asked about your lifestyle, relationships, work, and any stressors or significant life events.
• The psychiatrist may also want to speak with family members or other health professionals involved in your care, with your consent.

Diagnosis and Formulation

• The psychiatrist will work towards understanding your difficulties and may take a few sessions to make a full diagnosis.
• They will integrate information from your personal narrative, medical history, and any other sources you provide to develop a comprehensive understanding of your situation.

Treatment Planning

• After assessment, the psychiatrist will discuss a treatment plan tailored to your needs, which may include:
  • Medication
  • Psychological therapies
  • Lifestyle recommendations
  • Referrals to other mental health professionals or community services.
• The plan will consider your preferences, family situation, and cultural background.

Support and Follow-Up

• You are encouraged to bring a support person, such as a family member or friend, to the consultation if you wish3.
• Follow-up appointments are usually shorter (around 30 minutes) and focus on monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed.

Access and Referral

• Psychiatric services require a comprehensive referral from your GP
• Referrals will be triaged to determine whether it is suitable to be seen via an online appointment.