Mental Wellbeing · Glenelg GP
Anxiety, depression & mental health
— with a GP who actually listens
You don't have to be in crisis to ask for help. Whether you've been struggling for years or you're noticing something feels off — this is the right place to start.
Mental health is part of your health — full stop
Most people wait far too long before talking to someone. They second-guess themselves, wonder if they're "bad enough," or assume a GP won't have time for that kind of conversation.
Every appointment is a minimum of 20 minutes — long enough to actually understand what's going on for you, not just what's on your symptom list. For mental health, I typically start with an assessment appointment: taking a thorough history, exploring what's happening, and where appropriate, ordering relevant investigations to rule out contributing physical causes. We then work together from there.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, ADHD, stress, or something you can't quite name yet — my job is to help you figure out what's happening and what might help. No judgment. No rushing you out the door.
"You don't need to have it figured out before you come in. That's exactly what the appointment is for."
Common reasons patients come to see me
These are the most frequent presentations — but this list isn't exhaustive. If something doesn't fit neatly into a category, that's fine. Come in and we'll work it out together.
Anxiety
Anxiety is more than feeling stressed or worried. It can show up in many ways — and it responds well to the right support.
- Persistent worry that's hard to switch off
- Feeling tense, on edge, or easily startled
- Sleep difficulties or racing thoughts at night
- Physical symptoms: rapid heartbeat, chest tightness
- Avoiding situations because of fear or dread
- Panic attacks
Depression
Depression is not just sadness. It affects energy, concentration, motivation, and physical health — and it's more common than most people realise.
- Persistent low mood for more than two weeks
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Fatigue even after rest or sleep
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Changes in sleep or appetite
ADHD in Adults
ADHD is frequently undiagnosed in adults — especially in people who developed coping strategies that masked symptoms for years.
- Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks
- Chronic disorganisation or time blindness
- Forgetting appointments, tasks, or conversations
- Impulsivity or difficulty managing emotions
- Underachieving relative to your ability
Stress & Burnout
When stress crosses into burnout, it stops being manageable on its own. A GP assessment helps identify what's driving it and what will actually help.
- Exhaustion that rest doesn't fix
- Feeling detached or cynical about work or life
- Reduced effectiveness despite increased effort
- Physical symptoms: headaches, gut issues, low immunity
Sleep & Mental Health
Poor sleep and mental health are tightly linked — each makes the other worse. Both need to be addressed together.
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Waking early and unable to return to sleep
- Sleep that doesn't feel restorative
- Low mood or poor concentration as a result
Not Sure?
You don't need to arrive with a diagnosis. Many people come in knowing something feels wrong, but unsure what to call it.
- Feeling "not yourself" without knowing why
- Struggling with a life change or loss
- Relationship or work difficulties affecting wellbeing
- Just needing someone to talk to who can help
What happens when you come in
There's no script. But this is usually how it goes.
We talk — properly
I want to understand what's been happening, how long, and what impact it's having on your life. This isn't a rushed 10-minute visit. We take the time.
We rule things out
Some symptoms that look like depression or anxiety have physical causes — thyroid conditions, iron deficiency, hormonal changes. A thorough assessment makes sure nothing is missed.
We build a plan
That might include a Mental Health Treatment Plan, a referral to a psychologist, lifestyle strategies, or a combination — tailored to you. Medication is one option among many, and always your decision.
We stay connected
Mental health rarely resolves in one appointment. I follow up, adjust the plan, and stay involved — coordinating your care across all providers.
Mental Health Treatment Plans — what they are
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a Medicare-supported care plan prepared by your GP. It gives you access to subsidised sessions with a psychologist, social worker, or other allied health professional.
I'm GPMHSC accredited — credentialled specifically to prepare these plans. Not all GPs hold this accreditation.
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Book a dedicated long appointment
MHTPs require their own appointment — they can't be added on to an existing consult. Book a long appointment and let us know it's for a mental health plan.
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Assessment and plan preparation
I take a comprehensive picture of your mental health, set goals with you, and identify the most appropriate allied health pathway for your situation.
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Access up to 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions
Your plan provides access to up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology or allied health sessions per calendar year. Verify current entitlements at mbsonline.gov.au.
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Review and ongoing care
I stay involved — monitoring progress, adjusting the plan as needed, and renewing it annually where appropriate.
Fees & Access
Telehealth available
For existing patients who've attended in person within the past 12 months, or who are registered with Pro Health Care Glenelg via MyMedicare. New patients: first appointment in person.
Myths about mental health — and the reality
"I should be able to handle this on my own."
Mental health conditions are not a sign of weakness or failure. They're medical conditions — and they respond to the right support.
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Seeking care early leads to better outcomes. Most people feel significantly better with appropriate support — the barrier is usually getting to the first appointment.
"A GP can't really help — I need to go straight to a specialist."
Many people assume they need a psychiatrist or psychologist first, without realising their GP can assess, treat, and coordinate care effectively.
Your GP is usually the right first step.
Most mental health conditions are well-managed in general practice. I can treat, coordinate referrals, and prepare plans giving you access to psychology — often faster and more affordably than going direct.
"Going to the GP about this just means I'll end up on medication."
Many people avoid seeking help because they assume medication will be pushed on them. This stops them from accessing support that could genuinely help.
Treatment is far more than medication — and it's always your choice.
My approach prioritises holistic care: psychological therapies, lifestyle strategies, sleep, movement, and social connection. Medication is one option among many, and never the default. If it's something we discuss, it's a conversation — with full information, and always your decision.
"I'm not bad enough to need help."
People wait until they're in crisis before asking — which makes recovery harder and takes longer.
You don't need to reach rock bottom before you're allowed support.
Early intervention works. If something is affecting your sleep, relationships, work, or enjoyment of life — that's enough of a reason to come in.
"Antidepressants are addictive and will change who I am."
Fear of medication is one of the most common reasons people delay treatment — often unnecessarily.
Modern antidepressants are not addictive — and medication is never the default.
My approach prioritises holistic care first: psychological therapies, lifestyle strategies, sleep, and movement. If medication is something we consider, you'll have the full picture and it's always your decision. For many people, it's not needed at all.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to take the first step?
You don't need to have the right words. You don't need to be at crisis point. You just need to book — I'll take it from there.
Pro Health Care Glenelg · 1 Rose Street, Glenelg SA 5045 · Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:00pm
1 Rose Street, Glenelg SA 5045
Serving patients from Glenelg, Glenelg North, Glenelg East, Brighton, Hove, Seacliff, Seacliff Park, Somerton Park, Plympton, Plympton Park, Morphettville, Marion, Warradale, Oaklands Park, and surrounding southern Adelaide suburbs.