When should I see a psychiatrist for anxiety instead of a psychologist?

Psychologists provide talking therapy (CBT, ACT) which is first-line for many anxiety presentations. A psychiatrist is helpful when the diagnosis is unclear, when treatment review is needed, or when GP-led management hasn't worked. Often both are involved.

Can psychiatrists prescribe medication?

Yes — psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe and review the full range of psychiatric treatments. They can also stop, switch or rationalise treatments you're already on.

Do I need a GP referral to see a SetMind psychiatrist?

Yes. A current GP referral is required for Medicare rebates and is part of safe coordinated care. We work alongside your GP rather than replacing them.

How long does it take to feel better?

Response timelines vary by individual and by the treatment being used. We schedule structured follow-up so the plan can be reviewed and adjusted promptly if it isn't working for you.

What if my anxiety symptoms are mostly physical?

Physical symptoms — chest tightness, dizziness, stomach upset — are common in anxiety disorders and don't mean it isn't 'real' anxiety. Part of the assessment is making sure other medical causes have been ruled out by your GP first.

Are appointments completely online?

Yes. SetMind is a telepsychiatry clinic — all appointments are by secure video. You can attend from anywhere in Australia with a private space and reliable internet.

Conditions we treat

Specialist care for anxiety.

Reviewed by the SetMind Team · Last reviewed June 2026

When anxiety is persistent, escalating, or hasn't responded to GP-led management, specialist psychiatric review can help clarify what's driving it and reset the plan. SetMind psychiatrists assess generalised anxiety, panic, social anxiety and health anxiety in adults — by telehealth, anywhere in Australia.

How it works See the service

How it shows up in adults

What we listen for.

01
Constant background worry
A near-permanent feeling of dread or hyper-vigilance; difficulty switching off even when nothing is wrong.
02
Physical symptoms
Racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, stomach upset, headaches, muscle tension.
03
Panic attacks
Sudden surges of intense fear with physical symptoms, often peaking within minutes, sometimes without an obvious trigger.
04
Avoidance
Skipping social events, meetings, driving or appointments; world gradually getting smaller to manage the anxiety.
05
Sleep & concentration disruption
Difficulty falling or staying asleep, ruminating at 3am, foggy concentration during the day.
06
GP-led care hasn't been enough
You've tried first-line treatment or psychology and you're still struggling, or the diagnosis itself is unclear.

The SetMind pathway

A structured pathway, end to end.

Step 01
Referral & intake
Your GP refers with a recent treatment summary. We send a screening questionnaire (GAD-7, PHQ-9) and a brief history form ahead of the appointment.
Step 02
Specialist psychiatric review
A 45–60 minute video consultation covering symptom pattern, triggers, comorbidities, what's been tried, and functional impact at work and at home.
Step 03
Formulation & plan
Working diagnostic formulation distinguishing GAD, panic, social anxiety, health anxiety or anxiety as part of another condition. Written plan sent to you and your GP.
Step 04
Treatment & follow-up
Treatment review, psychology referral if appropriate, and structured follow-up to track response and adjust over time.

What's included

Everything in the plan.

Specialist psychiatric interview and screening (GAD-7, PHQ-9)
Diagnostic clarification across anxiety subtypes
Review of current treatment, including switching or rationalisation where appropriate
Coordinated referral to psychology where indicated
Written treatment plan to you and your referring GP
Follow-up appointments to monitor response and adjust

Eligibility

Who this service is for.

Adults 18 and over living in Australia
You have, or can obtain, a current GP referral
You can attend a video appointment from a private space
You are not in acute crisis or experiencing current thoughts of self-harm

Not suitable for under-18s, acute mental-health crisis, or emergency care. Outcomes vary — assessment may or may not result in a diagnosis or prescription.

Medicare & fees

Medicare-rebated specialist care.

With a valid GP referral and an MBS-eligible item, standard Medicare rebates apply to specialist psychiatric appointments. Out-of-pocket costs, item numbers and rebate amounts are listed in full on our fees page.

See fees & rebates

Frequently asked

Anxiety — common questions.

Psychologists provide talking therapy (CBT, ACT) which is first-line for many anxiety presentations. A psychiatrist is helpful when the diagnosis is unclear, when treatment review is needed, or when GP-led management hasn't worked. Often both are involved.

If you need help right now

SetMind is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself:

Emergency
000
Lifeline
13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636

References

Clinical sources used on this page.

This page is general information, not medical advice. It is not a substitute for an individual clinical assessment. Outcomes vary between people.

Keep exploring.

Available Australia-wide

Anxiety care for adults, by secure video.

SetMind psychiatrists see adults nationally. Find your nearest city:

See all locations

Ready to start with a GP referral?

Bring your current GP referral. We handle the rest — screening, specialist assessment, written plan back to your GP.

How it works Fees & rebates

Specialist care for anxiety.

What we listen for.

Constant background worry

Physical symptoms

Panic attacks

Avoidance

Sleep & concentration disruption

GP-led care hasn't been enough