Here’s a concise guide to getting an online mental‑health consultation in Australia (what’s available, how to access it, costs/rebates, and urgent help).

1. If you’re in immediate danger or at risk of self‑harm

• Call Triple Zero (000) now.
• 24/7 crisis supports: Lifeline 13 11 14 (text 0477 13 11 14), Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800. (aihw.gov.au)

2. Free or low‑cost national online services you can use right away

• Head to Health (searchable hub of national, state and local digital mental‑health services). (lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au)
• MindSpot — free online assessment and treatment courses for anxiety and depression (telephone/online). (healthdirect.gov.au)
• Beyond Blue, QLife (LGBTIQ), 13YARN (First Nations), eheadspace (young people) — all offer online chat/telephone supports. (lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au)

3. Medicare‑subsidised online therapy (Better Access / telehealth)

• If you see a GP (including by telehealth) and get a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and referral, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 Medicare‑subsidised psychology/mental health sessions per calendar year under the Better Access scheme. Some rural/remote telehealth arrangements also allow rebates — check eligibility. (www9.health.gov.au)
• The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) sets the rules for session counts and reporting (initial course usually up to 6 sessions; subsequent courses up to the annual cap). Your GP and clinician will explain how many sessions are approved. (www9.health.gov.au)

4. Seeing a psychiatrist or private psychologist online

• Psychiatrists: consult by telehealth is common; rebates differ from psychologist items and a psychiatrist can prescribe/adjust medication and provide specialist care. Psychiatrists usually charge more but Medicare rebates may apply for some items. (www9.health.gov.au)
• Private psychologists: many offer video sessions through their own practice platforms or third‑party services (BetterHelp, Calmerry etc. operate internationally but check Australian registration and privacy). Out‑of‑pocket costs vary; Medicare rebate covers part of the fee if you have an MHCP and the clinician is claiming under Better Access. (www9.health.gov.au)

5. How to get an online consult step‑by‑step (fast path)

• If crisis → call 000 or Lifeline/Suicide Call Back Service as above. (aihw.gov.au)
• Book a (telehealth) appointment with your usual GP or a local GP who offers video consults. Ask for a Mental Health Care Plan if you want subsidised psychology. The GP can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or other allied mental‑health provider and can run the referral over telehealth. (www9.health.gov.au)
• Choose a therapist: confirm they are registered in Australia (psychologists should be registered with AHPRA/APS; social workers/counsellors have different registration). Ask about session length, whether they bulk‑bill or offer a gap fee, how they run telehealth (platform, privacy), and whether they accept Medicare referrals. (www9.health.gov.au)

6. Practical tips and what to expect

• Costs: expect a Medicare rebate (partial) if you have an MHCP and the clinician claims the appropriate MBS item; you’ll usually pay a gap fee unless the provider bulk‑bills. Check exact rebate amounts and provider fees before booking. (www9.health.gov.au)
• Privacy & tech: choose a secure video platform (clinic should tell you), find a private, quiet space, test camera/mic beforehand, and ask about privacy/confidentiality policies.
• If you prefer text/chat: many national services offer web chat (Lifeline, Beyond Blue, eheadspace, QLife). (lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au)

7. If you can’t afford private therapy

• Use the free national services (MindSpot, Head to Health, Beyond Blue helplines), ask your GP about public community mental health teams, or look for university training clinics (reduced cost) and online group programs. (healthdirect.gov.au)

8. Recent context (access may change)

• Government policy and Medicare rules have changed in recent years (limits on subsidised sessions, telehealth initiatives for certain areas). For exact, up‑to‑date rebate amounts, eligibility and any new national telehealth services, check official sources (Department of Health, MBS) or ask your GP/Medicare Mental Health line. (health.gov.au)

If you’d like, I can:

• find nearby clinicians who offer video consults (tell me your city/suburb), or
• look up specific programs (MindSpot, Head to Health) with links and phone numbers.