One of the most common questions patients have about telehealth psychiatry is straightforward yet crucial: Can psychiatrists prescribe medication remotely?
With mental health services increasingly shifting online across Australia, understanding prescription authority has become essential for anyone seeking psychiatric care.
The good news is that telehealth has transformed how Australians access mental healthcare, making vital treatments including medication management available regardless of location.
What Is Telehealth Psychiatry?
Telehealth psychiatry refers to psychiatric care delivered remotely through secure video or phone consultations. Rather than attending appointments in person, patients connect with qualified psychiatrists using digital platforms from their homes or preferred locations.
This approach has dramatically expanded access to mental health care across Australia, particularly benefiting those in rural and regional areas where specialist psychiatric services were previously limited or unavailable.
The rise of telehealth has broken down geographical barriers that once prevented many Australians from receiving timely psychiatric treatment.
Whether you’re seeking an online psychiatrist in Australia or need specialised care like a telehealth ADHD psychiatrist, remote consultations now provide the same professional expertise as traditional face-to-face appointments.
Can a Telehealth Psychiatrist Prescribe Medication?
Legal and Regulatory Framework in Australia (2025)
Yes, telehealth psychiatrists can legally prescribe medication following a direct, real-time consultation conducted via video or phone. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has provided updated guidance as of October 2025, clarifying that prescribing after telehealth consultations is considered “good practice” when based on sound clinical judgement and patient safety considerations.
The Medical Board of Australia’s telehealth prescribing guidelines, which have been in effect since September 2023, establish clear standards for remote prescribing. These regulations ensure that patients receive the same level of care and safety whether they’re seeing a psychiatrist for anxiety through telehealth or attending an in-person appointment.
Importantly, prescribing without a real-time consultation, such as through text messages, emails, or online questionnaires alone, is not supported under current regulations.
Are There Limitations or Special Considerations?
While telehealth prescribing is broadly permitted, certain medications require additional oversight. Schedule 8 (S8) controlled substances, which include some ADHD medications and other restricted drugs, require stricter authorisation and may involve additional procedural steps. Psychiatrists must navigate state-specific requirements when prescribing these medications remotely.
Each Australian state and territory has its own legislation governing electronic prescribing frameworks and real-time prescription monitoring programs. For instance, SafeScript in NSW and Victoria provides real-time monitoring of controlled medications to prevent misuse and ensure patient safety. These systems work seamlessly with telehealth services, maintaining the same rigorous standards as traditional prescribing.
Telehealth prescriptions must meet identical standards of safety and appropriateness as in-person prescriptions. Professional indemnity advisers support telehealth prescribing when practitioners adhere to established guidelines, providing additional confidence in the system’s reliability.
How Does Electronic Prescribing Work in Telehealth?
Electronic prescribing has revolutionised medication management in Australia, enabling secure, paperless prescriptions that are sent directly to pharmacies. This system eliminates the need for physical prescription papers, reducing the risk of lost or forged scripts while improving efficiency.
In telehealth contexts, electronic prescribing offers significant benefits. Prescriptions can be processed faster, are easily trackable through secure systems, and have a lower risk of errors compared to handwritten scripts.
After your consultation, your psychiatrist can send your prescription electronically to your preferred pharmacy, where you can collect your medication at your convenience. This seamless process ensures continuity of care regardless of whether you’re comparing telehealth psychiatry vs. in-person visits.
What Should Patients Expect During a Telehealth Prescription Consultation?
During a telehealth prescription consultation, you’ll engage in clear, real-time communication with your psychiatrist who will thoroughly assess your symptoms, medical history, and current circumstances. The consultation follows the same professional standards as an in-person appointment, ensuring comprehensive care.
Your psychiatrist will discuss various medication options, explaining dosages, potential side effects, and monitoring requirements. They’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that suits your specific needs and circumstances. If you’re wondering what happens at your first psychiatrist appointment via telehealth, expect a thorough evaluation that forms the foundation of your ongoing treatment.
Follow-up appointments are readily available through telehealth or in-person visits, depending on your clinical needs and preferences.
Whether you’re accessing a telehealth psychiatrist in Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, or Sydney, ongoing support remains consistent and accessible.
Supporting Your Mental Health Journey
Telehealth psychiatrists in Australia can prescribe medication responsibly and effectively, matching in-person standards while offering added convenience and accessibility. The reliable regulatory framework ensures patient safety while electronic prescribing streamlines the process for both practitioners and patients. With over 80% of Australians having access to telehealth services and technology, remote psychiatric care has become an increasingly integral part of our healthcare landscape. In 2023-24, nearly one in four Australians used telehealth for medical consultations, reflecting rapid expansion and growing patient acceptance.
If you’re seeking safe, accessible telepsychiatry and medication management, Mind Oasis offers comprehensive mental health services across Australia. Our experienced team of psychiatrists provides expert care through both telehealth and face-to-face consultations, ensuring you receive the support you need on your journey to better mental health.
Contact Mind Oasis today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward effective psychiatric treatment.