Our Approach to Mental Health Care

Mental health support at Banksia Medical Centre is delivered through a collaborative and patient-centred approach. Depending on your needs, care may involve your GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other healthcare professionals working together to support assessment, treatment, and ongoing care planning.

Services may include:

  • Mental health assessment
  • Psychological therapy and counselling
  • Specialist psychiatric assessment and management
  • Care planning and referrals
  • Ongoing review and support

Psychiatry Services

Specialist Psychiatric Care

Banksia Medical Centre offers access to specialist psychiatric care for adults requiring assessment, diagnosis, and management of complex mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Psychiatry services are delivered by an experienced consultant psychiatrist and are integrated with GP care where appropriate.

Conditions Supported

Our psychiatric specialist supports patients with a range of conditions, including:

  • Mood disorders
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Intellectual disability with associated behavioural challenges

Important Information

  • Psychiatry services are available by referral
  • Appointment availability may vary
  • Fees and Medicare rebates may differ from general practice consultations

Please contact reception for referral and booking information.

Psychology Services

Psychological Support & Therapy

Our psychology service supports mental health and emotional wellbeing for adolescents and adults, delivered by experienced registered and clinical psychologists.

Psychology services at Banksia Medical Centre assist with a range of concerns, including:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Stress and burnout
  • Trauma and post-traumatic stress
  • Grief and loss
  • Adjustment and life transitions
  • Chronic pain and mind–body health

Our Psychologists

Holly McVerry
Psychologist (MA Counselling Psych)

Dr Esme Dark
Clinical Psychologist (PhD, PsyBA)

Psychology services are available at the Torquay Clinic, with appointment availability varying by practitioner.

Referrals & Appointments

Referrals are required for psychology and psychiatry services and should be emailed to reception for triage prior to booking.

Your GP may discuss:

  • Mental Health Treatment Plans
  • Referral pathways
  • Medicare rebate eligibility
  • The most appropriate mental health support options for your needs

Mental Health Care & Your GP

Your GP plays an important role in supporting mental health care, including:

  • Initial assessment
  • Ongoing monitoring
  • Care coordination
  • Medication review where appropriate
  • Referrals to psychologists, psychiatrists, and allied health professionals

This collaborative approach supports continuity of care and long-term wellbeing.

Telehealth Mental Health Appointments

Some mental health appointments may be suitable for telehealth consultations where clinically appropriate.
Eligibility, availability, and Medicare requirements may apply.

Learn more on our Telehealth page.

Mental Health Services FAQs

1. Do I need a referral for psychology services?

Yes. Referrals should be provided prior to booking so appointments can be appropriately triaged.

2. Do I need a referral to see the psychiatrist?

Yes. Psychiatry services require referral and assessment prior to appointment allocation.

3. Are Mental Health Treatment Plans available?

Yes. Eligible patients may be able to access Medicare rebates through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan.