PSYCHIATRY ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT
Our mission is to make it easy to access high-quality psychiatry care, no matter where you live in Australia.
Whether you need a one-off assessment or ongoing psychiatry care, our experienced psychiatrists see most patients within two weeks.
Appointments are delivered via telehealth from a small clinic in Brisbane. This allows us to combine efficient service with friendly, personalised mental health care.
Medicare rebates and payment plans are available to ensure cost is not a barrier to accessing the care you need.
What Is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed additional years of training to specialise in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe and manage medication as part of your treatment.
Psychiatrists treat a wide range of conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, personality disorders, OCD and addiction. In Australia, psychiatrists are considered the foremost experts in mental health care. They often support GPs and psychologists to manage people with complex mental health needs, and can write expert medicolegal reports for things like NDIS eligibility, workers compensation claims and pre-employment assessments.
At Nurtured Thoughts, our psychiatrists provide assessment, diagnosis and ongoing treatment via telehealth - making it easier to access psychiatric care regardless of where you live.
Common Conditions Our Psychiatrists Treat
In general, the psychiatrists at Nurtured Thoughts can treat any mental health challenge you might be facing. Below are some of the most common issues we work with (although we often see patients with issues that fall outside of these categories).
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Insomnia
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Addiction
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Personality disorder
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OCD
Bipolar disorder
How Our Psychiatry Care Works
We are a boutique, consistent team providing personalised support and timely mental health care (appointments are usually available within 2 weeks).
Your psychiatrist will take the time to understand your concerns, provide a clear assessment and work with you and your GP to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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Australia-wide telehealth appointments
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Medicare rebates for rural and metro patients
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After-hours appointments available
1. Initial Assessment
You’ll receive a set of questionnaires to be completed 48 hours before your appointment. These help us understand your symptoms and prepare properly for your session.
Your psychiatrist reviews your forms ahead of time, so your session is focused, efficient and personalised.
2. During Your Appointment
Your appointment will be held via a secure video call. There’s no software to install - we simply email you a secure link to join.
During the session, your psychiatrist will:
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Assess your symptoms and concerns
Including a thorough evaluation of your mental health, history and current functioning.
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Provide a clear diagnostic assessment
So you have clarity on what is contributing to your symptoms.
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Develop a personalised treatment plan
Including medication recommendations if clinically appropriate, guidance for your GP and referrals for psychological support (if needed).
3. After Your Appointment
Your GP will receive a detailed report and treatment plan, so your ongoing care is coordinated and informed.
If you need follow-up psychiatry appointments, you will usually see the same psychiatrist again. Our team is easy to contact, quick to respond and provides consistent support beyond your first session.
Should You See a Psychologist or Psychiatrist?
This is one of the most common questions people ask when they're thinking about getting mental health support - and the answer depends on what kind of help you need.
A psychologist provides therapy and counselling
They help you understand your thoughts, behaviours and emotions through structured approaches like CBT, ACT and EMDR. Psychologists can conduct assessments for conditions like ADHD and autism. However, they cannot prescribe medication and can not complete certain medicolegal assessments or forms (like fitness to drive or firearms assessments).
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with additional training in mental health
They can conduct assessments, diagnose conditions, prescribe and manage medication, write reports and develop comprehensive treatment plans. Many people see a psychiatrist on the recommendation of their GP when specialised advice or treatment is required to help manage mental health concerns.
At Nurtured Thoughts, we have both psychiatrists and psychologists on our team. If you're unsure about whether a psychologist vs psychiatrist would be best in your case, you're welcome to contact us and we can help you work out the right starting point.
What Is a 291 Psychiatry Assessment?
A 291 assessment (formally known as a Medicare Item 291) is a single psychiatry appointment designed to give your GP a clear, expert-informed plan for managing your mental health care.
During a 291 assessment, your psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and then produce a detailed 12-month treatment plan. This plan is sent to your GP within two weeks of your appointment, giving them clear guidance on diagnosis, medication and ongoing management.
A 291 is a good option if you need psychiatric expertise but don't necessarily require ongoing appointments with a psychiatrist. Your GP remains your primary care provider, supported by the psychiatrist's recommendations.
Who Is Eligible for a 291 Assessment?
To access a 291 assessment, you'll need a referral from your GP. Your GP should write "291" on the referral or “referring for assessment and management plan” for the correct Medicare item to apply.
The standard Medicare rebate for a 291 assessment is $455.
Please note: A 291 assessment isn’t the best option for everyone. If your mental health needs are more complex and you'd benefit from seeing a psychiatrist regularly (rather than having your care managed by your GP), ongoing psychiatry appointments may be more appropriate. Your psychiatrist will discuss the best pathway with you at your first appointment.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with additional training in mental health
They can conduct assessments, diagnose conditions, prescribe and manage medication, write reports and develop comprehensive treatment plans. Many people see a psychiatrist on the recommendation of their GP when specialised advice or treatment is required to help manage mental health concerns.
At Nurtured Thoughts, we have both psychiatrists and psychologists on our team. If you're unsure about whether a psychologist vs psychiatrist would be best in your case, you're welcome to contact us and we can help you work out the right starting point.
Online Psychiatrist
How Telehealth Psychiatry Works
All psychiatry appointments at Nurtured Thoughts are delivered via telehealth, making it easy to see a psychiatrist from anywhere in Australia.
Telehealth psychiatry appointments work exactly like an in-person consultation. The only difference is that you join via a secure video link instead of attending a physical clinic. We email you a link before your appointment, and you join from any device with a camera, microphone and stable internet connection.
Research consistently shows that telehealth psychiatry is as effective as face-to-face care. For many patients, it's actually preferable, as there's no travel, no waiting rooms and you can attend from a space where you feel comfortable and private.
ADHD Psychiatrist - Australia-Wide Telehealth Appointments
ADHD is one of the most common conditions our psychiatrists assess and treat.
If you've been looking for an online ADHD psychiatrist, we can usually see you within two weeks via telehealth, no matter where you are in Australia. If you're interested specifically in ADHD assessment and diagnosis, our dedicated ADHD Assessment Package may be a good fit.
For ongoing ADHD medication management, our ADHD Clinic page has more details on how our telehealth ADHD psychiatrists support patients long-term.
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Timely Access Without the Wait
Most patients are seen within 1 week, not 6-12 months.
Why People Choose
Nurtured Thoughts for Psychiatry Care
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Clear Diagnosis and Safe, Timely Treatment
Your psychiatrist can often discuss diagnosis and treatment options in the first session, giving you and your GP clear direction and an actionable plan.
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Consistent and Reliable Care
You are looked after by the same psychiatrist and the same admin team, with fast response times and clear communication.
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A Personal Clinic, Not a Corporate Platform
We're a small Brisbane-based clinic with a friendly, accessible team who are easy to reach and quick to respond. No call centres or anonymous platforms.
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Experienced Psychiatrists with In-House Psychology
Our psychiatrists provide evidence-based care across a wide range of mental health conditions, supported by in-house psychologists for holistic treatment when needed.
Ready to Access Quality Psychiatry Care?
Complete our short booking questionnaire (it takes less than 2 minutes) and our team will be in touch to confirm your appointment and answer any questions.
A LegitScript- certified practice, safe, legal, and transparent care
Your Psychiatry Team
Meet Dr Jae Cho - Specialist Psychiatrist
Dr Jae Cho is a specialist psychiatrist who provides thorough, compassionate care across all areas of general psychiatry. He has a strong interest in supporting patients experiencing:
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Trauma
ADHD
Personality disorder
Bipolar disorder
OCD
Addiction
Other complex mental health conditions.
Patients appreciate his calm manner, thoughtful explanations, and ability to make difficult topics feel manageable and clear.
Jae’s approach is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and grounded in the biopsychosocial model. He takes the time to understand each patient’s background, strengths, and goals, and works collaboratively to create a tailored treatment plan. He values close partnership with GPs, psychologists, families, and other clinicians to ensure holistic, coordinated care.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and completed his medical degree at Western Sydney University before undertaking specialist psychiatric training across major hospitals in Sydney. His experience spans acute inpatient care, community mental health, consultation-liaison psychiatry, and outpatient management of complex cases.
In addition to his clinical work, Jae is actively involved in medical education. He supervises psychiatry trainees and medical students, contributing to the development of the next generation of psychiatrists. His commitment to teaching reflects his passion for clear communication, clinical excellence, and high-quality patient care.
Jae welcomes patients seeking a thoughtful, thorough, and supportive psychiatric assessment and values working with individuals who want to understand their condition and move towards meaningful change.
Dr Jae is the lead psychiatrist at Nurtured Thoughts. Learn more about the rest of our team here - Meet the Team.
How to Find a Psychiatrist in Australia
Finding a psychiatrist in Australia can be difficult, especially outside major cities. Long waiting lists, limited availability and high out-of-pocket costs are common barriers.
At Nurtured Thoughts, we've built our service around removing those barriers. Because all appointments are via telehealth, you can see a psychiatrist regardless of your location. Most patients are seen within two weeks. And with a GP referral, Medicare rebates apply to every appointment.
If you've been searching for a psychiatrist and struggling with wait times or access, you're welcome to contact our team or complete the booking questionnaire get started.
FAQs
The cost of seeing a psychiatrist in Australia varies depending on whether you have a GP referral, the type of appointment and whether you're eligible for bulk-billing. With a GP referral, Medicare covers a portion of the cost and you pay the difference (known as the "gap"). Without a referral, you can still see a psychiatrist privately, but Medicare rebates will not apply.
At Nurtured Thoughts, our fees with a GP referral are:
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Initial appointment (up to 60 min): $535 gap after Medicare rebate
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Review appointment (up to 30 min): $265 gap after Medicare rebate
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291 assessment (up to 60 min): $350 gap after Medicare rebate
Payment plans are available to ensure upfront costs are not a barrier to accessing care. Please Contact Us and our team will explain your options.
Bulk-billing is available for eligible rural patients (MM2+) for 291 assessments — see the FAQ below for how to check your eligibility. We also bulk-bill patients in residential aged care under 291, regardless of location.
If you've reached the Medicare Safety Net, your out-of-pocket costs may decrease by up to 80%. You can check your status via your Medicare online account or by contacting Medicare directly.
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A 291 is a single psychiatry appointment where your psychiatrist conducts a full assessment, makes a diagnosis (if needed) and creates a detailed 12-month treatment plan for your GP to follow.
This is a good option if you need psychiatric expertise but your GP is happy to manage your ongoing care. After the assessment, your GP receives a comprehensive report and treatment plan within two weeks.
If ongoing psychiatric care is more appropriate for your situation, your psychiatrist will discuss this with you.
You may be eligible for bulk-billing if you live in a rural area (MM2–MM7) and your GP has written "291" or “referring for assessment and management plan” on your referral.
To check:
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Visit the Health Workforce Locator
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Select "2023" under the "Modified Monash Model" tab
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Enter your address
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If your address shows as MM2–MM7, you may be eligible
If you're unsure, our admin team can help.
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Most patients are seen within 2 weeks.
We see adults and adolescents aged 15+. Please contact our admin team if you have questions about age suitability for your situation.
A GP referral is recommended, as it allows you to access Medicare rebates. However, you can book without a referral, but the full consultation fee will apply.
Yes, our psychiatrists can see NDIS participants. However, our experience is that the NDIS usually will not cover the cost of psychiatry appointments. Please check with your support coordinator or plan manager for clarification before booking.
We are happy to complete psychiatric assessments for NDIS eligibility and ongoing supports. The cost of these assessments is generally not covered by the NDIS, but they may be used to support funding applications.
In most cases, yes. We're a small clinic with a stable team, so you will usually see the same psychiatrist throughout your care.
Often yes. If it is safe and clinically appropriate, your psychiatrist can discuss and initiate treatment at the first appointment.
Yes. When clinically appropriate, our psychiatrists can prescribe medication. Prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy.
Yes. All psychiatry appointments are conducted via telehealth and are available Australia-wide.
Yes. Research shows that telepsychiatry is as effective as in-person care, with the added benefits of privacy, comfort and reduced travel.
We are a Brisbane-based clinic with a small, consistent team. You speak with the same people each time - not a rotating call centre. Many patients come to us after feeling unsupported at larger providers.
Yes. With your permission, we provide your GP (and psychologist, if applicable) with updates after each appointment to ensure your care is coordinated.
Your first appointment is a conversation where your psychiatrist will explore your symptoms, your personal and medical history, and what you're hoping to improve. Together, you'll develop a personalised treatment plan. You're welcome to ask questions at any point.
Yes. We have psychologists at the clinic who can provide therapy alongside your psychiatric care. Contact our admin team and they can help match you with a suitable therapist.
We provide treatment for a wide range of conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, trauma, ADHD, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, OCD, addiction and other complex mental health presentations.
Yes. Some patients need short-term support, while others benefit from long-term management. We tailor this to your needs.
Yes. Many patients come to us after long waits, inconsistent care or difficulty accessing support at other clinics.
Yes. If you'd like a support person to join your appointment, that's completely fine.
Any device with a camera, microphone and stable internet connection. If technology feels overwhelming, you can attend from your GP's clinic with their support.
Yes. Reports can be arranged depending on your needs. Fees vary based on the type of report required.
We ask for 2 business days' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. If less notice is given, a $199 late cancellation fee applies.