Are private psychiatrist wait times long in Canberra?

Canberra's small population and limited private psychiatry workforce often result in multi-month waits. Telepsychiatry expands your effective access, with SetMind typically booking initial assessments within 1–3 weeks.

Can SetMind see APS or Defence members?

Yes. We see APS and Defence personnel like any other patient — through Medicare with a GP referral, or through DVA where eligible. Confidentiality is bound by the same medical confidentiality framework regardless of employer.

Do you work with Canberra GPs for shared care?

Yes. Once the diagnosis and plan are stable, your Canberra GP can continue prescribing under a written shared-care plan. We coordinate handover and periodic specialist review.

When should a Canberra adult see a psychiatrist instead of a psychologist?

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

How quickly can I be seen in Canberra?

Private psychiatry wait times in Australian Capital Territory are commonly quoted in months. SetMind aims to book initial telepsychiatry assessments within 1–3 weeks of receiving a valid GP referral.

Will my Canberra GP get a written plan?

Yes. We send a written assessment and treatment plan back to your referring GP after the appointment so care stays joined-up — including a shared-care plan where appropriate.

Telepsychiatry · ACT

Online psychiatrist in Canberra.

Reviewed by the SetMind Team · Last reviewed June 2026

Specialist psychiatric care for adults in Canberra and across the ACT — by secure video, on Canberra time. SetMind works alongside your GP, with assessment and the written treatment plan documented back to them.

How it works Book an appointment

Local coverage

Canberra & surrounds.

We see patients across the ACT — Inner North, Inner South, Woden, Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Gungahlin — plus the Queanbeyan / Yass / Goulburn corridor across the NSW border. Evening slots accommodate APS and Defence schedules.

We also see patients from across the ACT and surrounding NSW including Braidwood, Batemans Bay, Cooma, the Snowy Mountains and the South Coast.

Canberra Inner North (Braddon, Dickson)
Inner South (Kingston, Manuka)
Woden Valley
Belconnen
Tuggeranong
Gungahlin
Queanbeyan
Yass & Goulburn corridor
Southern Tablelands

What we treat in Canberra

Specialist services available across ACT.

How it works

From GP referral to written plan.

Step 01
Get a GP referral
Any AHPRA-registered Australian GP can refer you. The referral is nationally valid — your Canberra GP is fine.
Step 02
Pre-assessment screening
We send validated screeners and a brief history form before the appointment, so the session is focused.
Step 03
Specialist video assessment
A 45–90 minute video appointment on AEST / AEDT, with an AHPRA-registered psychiatrist.
Step 04
Plan sent to you and your GP
Written assessment and treatment plan, with shared-care handover so prescribing can stay local.

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

Canberra — common questions

Frequently asked.

Canberra's small population and limited private psychiatry workforce often result in multi-month waits. Telepsychiatry expands your effective access, with SetMind typically booking initial assessments within 1–3 weeks.

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

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

Conditions we treat in Canberra

Specialist care for adults across ACT.

Telepsychiatry across Australia

Also serving these cities.

See all locations

Ready to start in Canberra?

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

How it works Fees & rebates