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STRESS & WELLBEING

How to talk to your doctor about mental health: a practical guide.

Hellomello Team·4 min read·Published: Dec 2025·Reviewed by AHPRA-registered clinician
How to talk to your doctor about mental health: a practical guide.

Talking about your mental health with a doctor can feel like the hardest part. The good news: practitioners have these conversations every day, and a little preparation makes them much easier. Here's a practical guide to getting the most from a telehealth consultation.

Key takeaways
  • Preparing a few notes before your appointment makes the conversation easier to start
  • There's no wrong way to describe how you're feeling; plain words are enough
  • Telehealth lets you have the conversation from a place where you feel comfortable
  • If you're in crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis line rather than waiting for an appointment

Before your appointment

A few minutes of preparation can make a big difference. Consider jotting down:

  • How you've been feeling and roughly how long it's been going on
  • Changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or concentration
  • Anything that's been adding pressure lately, at work or at home
  • Questions you want answered before the call ends

GOOD TO KNOW

If you're in immediate distress or crisis, call 000, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Telehealth consultations are not an emergency service.

Starting the conversation

You don't need clinical language. Openers as simple as 'I haven't been feeling like myself lately' or 'I've been finding it hard to switch off' give a practitioner everything they need to start asking helpful questions.

Remember that AHPRA-registered practitioners are bound by strict confidentiality standards, and there's no judgement in these conversations. Their job is to understand, not to assess you as a person.

Why telehealth can help

For many people, talking from home feels easier than a clinic waiting room. Telehealth consultations happen over the phone from wherever you're comfortable, and there's no referral needed to get started with Hellomello.

After your consultation, your practitioner will talk through appropriate next steps for your circumstances, and follow-up support is available whenever you need it.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to talk about stress or wellbeing concerns?

No referral is needed. Complete a short pre-screening questionnaire and our team will guide you through the rest.

Is my consultation confidential?

Yes. AHPRA-registered practitioners are bound by strict professional and privacy standards, the same as any doctor you'd see in person.

What if I need urgent support?

Telehealth consultations are not an emergency service. If you're in crisis, call 000 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for immediate support.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Everyone's circumstances are different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Please consult an AHPRA-registered healthcare professional for advice specific to your circumstances.

References

  1. 1.Healthdirect Australia. (2024). Mental health helplines. healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines
  2. 2.Beyond Blue. (2024). Talking to your doctor about mental health. beyondblue.org.au
  3. 3.AHPRA. (2024). Guidelines for advertising regulated health services. ahpra.gov.au/advertising-resources

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