Mental Health

Mental Health and Psychology Services at Eaton & Australind Medical Centre

Eaton Medical Centre recognises the profound importance of mental health in achieving overall well-being. We believe in a holistic approach to health care, considering the psychological, physical, social, and environmental factors that contribute to a person’s health. This integrated approach helps tailor care to the individual and provides a foundation for lasting mental health and resilience.

Our mental health services are accessible and inclusive, offering support for individuals across all age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Confidentiality and respect for our patients’ privacy are paramount, ensuring a trustworthy space for healing and growth. Eaton Medical Centre is committed to reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues, promoting awareness, and encouraging individuals to seek the support they need. By providing comprehensive care and support, we aim to address the mental health and well-being of our community, fostering a culture of understanding and compassion.

In addition to individual counselling and therapy, Eaton Medical Centre offers a range of group programs and workshops focused on mental health education and skill development. These programs are designed to equip individuals with the tools they need to manage stress, build resilience, and improve their mental health. Topics covered include mindfulness, stress management, coping strategies for anxiety and depression, and building healthy relationships. Our proactive approach to mental health education empowers individuals to take control of their mental health, promoting long-term well-being and preventing mental health issues from escalating.

Our Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing

Eaton Medical Centre is committed to reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues, promoting awareness, and encouraging individuals to seek the support they need. Understanding that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, we aim to offer a service that is accessible, inclusive, and respectful of diversity. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

• There is no wrong door. You can start the conversation about mental health with any of our GPs – from everyday stress, anxiety and mood disorders like depression – through to more complex conditions, including substance use, gender-affirming care, neurodiversity, psychosis, and trauma. Where needed, your usual GP can involve one of the other GPs in our practice to provide collaborative care specific to your needs.
• Confidentiality and respect for privacy is paramount. Please feel welcome to discuss any concerns you may have with your GP so we can work with you to create a safe space for healing and growth.
• Telehealth gives you options. Sometimes, getting to a face-to-face appointment or sitting through a long appointment can be hard. We are expanding our telehealth capacity, and if you have physically attended the practice in the last 12 months, we can often use telephone appointments to help you prepare for a face-to-face appointment, break up longer discussions and review your progress (Note to parents and carers: the patient or young person does need to be in the room with you to be eligible for their Medicare rebate).
• Your feedback matters. Please do not hesitate to pass on feedback about how your experiences so that we can continue to grow as a service. Contact Us

Mental health care at Eaton & Australind Medical Centre

• At the first appointment, your GP will talk with you about your current experiences, previous history, and talk about short term management with a focus on your safety.
• Before your next appointment, your GP may then ask you to gather additional information via questionnaires, feedback from family or school, and sometimes tests such as blood tests.
• Typically, at the next appointment, we then discuss possible diagnoses and explore a range of treatment options that include:
  • Referral to mental health clinicians such as psychologists and OTs for research-backed ‘talking therapy’ (also known as psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioural therapy) to work with you on underlying factors. To tailor your care to your needs and help you access Medicare rebates on psychology services, you and your GP can collaborate on a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
  • Referral to another doctor, such as a psychiatrist or other mental health doctor, for their opinion where needed.
  • Developing a safety plan and trialling focused psychological strategies to help support you in the interim whilst awaiting appointments. There is now a wide range of online mental health programs and resources available to support people awaiting psychologist appointments.
  • Prescription of medication, where safe & appropriate, to assist with symptoms and help you get to a point where you can access longer-term treatments like talking therapy.
  • Exploring evidence-backed lifestyle strategies to support your longer-term well-being.
  • Helping you access further information, resources, & support groups.

How to Book an Appointment

• Online, over the phone or in person. Booking an appointment for mental health and psychology services at Eaton Medical Centre is designed to be as accessible as possible. Patients can easily schedule their appointments through our online booking system, available on our website, eatonmedicalcentre.com.au. This platform allows patients to select the service they require and choose a time that suits their schedule, ensuring that accessing mental health support is hassle-free. For those who prefer a more personal approach or have specific questions, our friendly reception staff are ready to assist with booking.
• Book the right appointment length. To give your mental health the attention it deserves, you will usually need to book a long 20-40-minute appointment. Standard 10-15 minute appointments are really only appropriate for follow ups when things are stable, with a GP who knows you well.

For new patients wishing to access our mental health services, a registration process can be completed online or at our reception. Please bring with you any copies you may have of relevant medical reports, medication details, etc., to your first appointment. After your first appointment, we will request that records be sent from your previous GP clinic at your first appointment with us. These steps are crucial for us to gather important health information and understand your specific needs, allowing us to provide personalised and effective care.

Frequently asked questions

1) I’m not sure I can wait until my next appointment.

• Ring us & speak to a practice nurse who will help you identify your options (e.g. we may have a fit-in appointment we can use, or pass on a message to your usual GP).
• General health & COVID questions: Healthdirect.gov.au or free call 1800 022 222 24hrs.
• Mental health: free call WA’s Rurallink team 1800 552 002 4:30pm-8:30am on weekdays or 24hrs on weekends & public holidays. During business hours, you will be connected to the community mental health clinic.
• Consider whether you need to go to the emergency department.

2) I’m about to run out of my medication.

• Suddenly stopping or missing doses of mental health medication often comes with the risk of withdrawal and other issues.
• If you can’t book a timely appointment online, give us a call to discuss your options.
• If one of our GPs has seen you at the practice in the last 12 months, a telephone appointment is often a way to provide a short-term script to tide you over until you can come in. Please note that this is done with a doctor you have seen before and that we reserve the right to request that you come in for a face-to-face assessment when prescribing medications (particularly restricted medications such as benzodiazepines).
• For any patient on regular mental health medication, it is often helpful to book your next appointment before you leave the practice (for 2-4 weeks before your script runs out), and place a recurring reminder on your phone or calendar.

3) I’m not sure how to talk to my loved one about their mental health – what if I say the wrong thing?
Beyond Blue has some fact sheets on common mental health topics, and practical tips for talking to your loved one (including tough topics like suicidal thoughts) and supporting them. They also cover tips for looking after yourself in this season. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/support-someone