Do most people travel to Sydney to see a psychiatrist?

Historically yes — Illawarra patients have often traveled to Sydney for private psychiatry. Telepsychiatry removes that travel without removing continuity of care: appointments run on Sydney time and your written plan goes back to your local GP.

Does Medicare cover telehealth psychiatry in regional NSW?

Yes. With a current GP referral and an MBS-eligible item, standard Medicare rebates apply to telepsychiatry consultations regardless of where in NSW you live.

Can my Wollongong GP keep prescribing after the assessment?

Yes. We send a written shared-care plan so your GP can continue prescribing locally once the treatment plan is stable, with periodic specialist review.

Do I need a new GP referral for a medication review in Wollongong?

Yes — a current GP referral is required for Medicare-rebated specialist consultations regardless of where you live in New South Wales. Your GP referral covers SetMind nationally.

Will my Wollongong GP keep prescribing after the review?

In most cases, yes. The written plan goes back to your referring GP, with a shared-care handover so day-to-day prescribing can stay local. We schedule periodic specialist review where indicated.

Can SetMind discontinue or switch medication during the consult?

Any decision to start, switch, reduce or stop a medication is made together with you during the consultation, based on the assessment. Some changes are best made gradually with GP support — your plan will explain the rationale and steps clearly.

Telepsychiatry · NSW

Online psychiatrist in Wollongong.

Reviewed by the SetMind Team · Last reviewed June 2026

Specialist psychiatric care for adults in Wollongong and across the Illawarra — by secure video, on Sydney time. We work from your GP referral and document the assessment back to your usual GP.

How it works Book an appointment

Local coverage

Wollongong & surrounds.

We see patients across Wollongong, the Northern Illawarra, Shellharbour, Kiama and down into the Shoalhaven. The Illawarra has historically had limited private specialist psychiatry capacity, with many patients otherwise traveling to Sydney for in-person appointments.

We also see patients from across the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands of NSW including Shellharbour, Kiama, Nowra, Berry, Bowral and Mittagong.

Wollongong CBD
Northern Illawarra (Thirroul, Bulli)
Western Suburbs (Figtree, Mt Keira)
Shellharbour
Kiama
Shoalhaven (Nowra, Berry)
Southern Highlands
Eurobodalla

What we treat in Wollongong

Specialist services available across NSW.

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 Wollongong 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

Wollongong — common questions

Frequently asked.

Historically yes — Illawarra patients have often traveled to Sydney for private psychiatry. Telepsychiatry removes that travel without removing continuity of care: appointments run on Sydney time and your written plan goes back to your local GP.

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 Wollongong

Specialist care for adults across NSW.

Telepsychiatry across Australia

Also serving these cities.

See all locations

Ready to start in Wollongong?

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

How it works Fees & rebates