New Patient FAQs

Appointments are usually available within two weeks. Wait times vary between clinicians, and the doctor with the earliest availability may not be the best fit for what you need — our team can help you find the right match when you call.

The first appointment lasts 50 minutes and during that, is a comprehensive assessment to understand your medical history, symptoms, and treatment needs. Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes, focusing on reviewing your progress, making any necessary adjustments, and providing ongoing support.

A diagnosis is only the first step. Most conditions we treat need an ongoing treatment plan and monitoring, so our doctors generally only provide an assessment where there is a plan for follow-up care. If you are looking for a one-off assessment or second opinion with advice back to your GP, ask about our assessment and second opinion appointments when you book.

Usually, it takes 2–3 appointments to confirm a diagnosis. In some cases, a diagnosis may be made during the first appointment if sufficient information is available, but this is not guaranteed.

 Typically, it takes around 2–3 appointments before medication can be prescribed. Your doctor will first need to complete a comprehensive assessment to understand your medical history, current symptoms, and determine whether medication is appropriate and safe for you. In some cases, a prescription may be provided at the first appointment, but this is not guaranteed.

Often, doctors aim for continuity of care, but they will review your previous treatment and assess your current situation before deciding whether to continue the same medication.

Some medications require pathology tests before they can be prescribed. Your doctor will tell you which tests, if any, are needed in your case — we recommend waiting for that guidance rather than arranging tests beforehand.

 Yes, patients are generally welcome to bring a family member or support person to their appointment. However, if the clinician feels it’s important to speak with the patient privately or address certain matters one-on-one, they may ask the support person to step out for part of the consultation.

Yes. Please let us know when you book if you need an interpreter and we'll arrange one through TIS National at no cost to you. Interpreted appointments take longer, so we'll book additional time. You're also welcome to bring a family member or friend, though for clinical accuracy we generally recommend a professional interpreter.

Prescription length depends on safety, medication type, and legal regulations. For stimulant ADHD medications, follow-up appointments are required at least every 6 months, as prescriptions are only valid for 6 months. Non-stimulant medications can be prescribed for up to 12 months. Long-term prescriptions without regular reviews are generally not provided, particularly for controlled medications like stimulants.

All prescriptions are sent electronically via SMS or email. If you have Medicare, you automatically have an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI), which enables you to receive e-scripts. If you are not registered with Medicare, you’ll need to apply for an IHI, as it’s required for all patients at our clinic. You can apply for one through the Services Australia website: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individual-healthcare-identifiers

A diagnosis is only the first step. ADHD is a lifelong condition that requires an ongoing treatment plan and monitoring. Most doctors will only provide an assessment if there is a plan for follow-up care, as it is not safe or ethical to offer a one-off diagnosis without ongoing support.

Yes, our doctors communicate with your treating or referring GP as part of your care to ensure continuity and coordinated treatment.

We do not have dedicated child or adolescent psychiatrists. However, we have a paediatrician who can see patients aged 14 and under, and a few doctors who accept older adolescents:

• Dr Maxine Cheung – 15 years old
• Dr George Evans – 16 years old
• Dr Marco Tiscione – 16 years old
• Dr Mosadek Miah – 16 years old
• Dr Oliver Burgess – 17 years old

We do not have clinicians who provide formal Autism assessments. Some psychiatrists may manage ASD only if it occurs alongside other conditions they are able to treat. You can check which clinicians accept comorbid ASD using the filter options at the top of the new patient booking section.

If you already have a diagnosis, please send through any relevant reports or documentation to support it. This information can greatly assist the doctor and help streamline your assessment. However, as a new patient, the doctor will still need to complete their own assessment during the 50-minute initial consultation to ensure they have a full understanding of your history and current situation.

Consultation fees vary depending on the doctor you see. You can view each doctor’s individual fees here: https://mindoasis.com.au/for-patients/fee/

Medicare rebate applies to eligible Medicare card holders.If you have reached the Medicare Safety Net Threshold, you may be eligible for a higher rebate. Please note that we cannot confirm the exact rebate amount, so this should be checked directly with Medicare. The Medicare Safety Net Threshold helps reduce out-of-pocket costs by increasing rebates once your total eligible expenses in a calendar year reach the threshold, which is generally around $2,600 for singles and $850 for concession card holders or families with a concession card.

Only if you have never seen a psychiatrist before. If you have seen a psychiatrist at any practice at any time — in person or by telehealth — Medicare will not pay a rebate for a telehealth initial consultation, and you would pay the full fee. Book a face-to-face initial consultation instead, where the rebate is available, or call us on 1300 680 000 and we’ll check before you book.

Mind Oasis can process the rebate on your behalf. However, it is the patient’s responsibility to ensure that the correct details are linked to their Medicare card.

Medicare rebates are typically processed a few days after you attend your appointment. Please allow 7–14 days for the rebate to be completed and received. Rebates are processed after attendance is confirmed. For face-to-face consultations, the front desk processes the rebate immediately after your appointment. For telehealth appointments, the rebate is usually processed within a few days following the session.

Outpatient psychiatric visits are typically not covered by private health insurance. Patients should check with their provider to confirm if that is something they can assist with.

Yes, we accept overseas student health insurance from Medibank (OSHC). This insurance meets visa requirements and helps cover hospital and medical costs while studying in Australia. The rebate or benefit amount depends on your OSHC level (Essentials or Comprehensive) and the services you use, so we recommend checking your policy or contacting Medibank for details. Please note, the patient must claim the rebate themselves; Mind Oasis does not process it on their behalf.

After you pay for your appointment, an automated invoice with the item code will be sent to you. You can provide this invoice to your insurance company to process your rebate.

No, we do not provide work cover for new patients.

No, bulk billing is not available for new patients.

No, we do not accept DVA.

No, we do not provide discounts for concessions or accept payments from Centrelink or other government programs.

No, we can accept a referral addressed to another doctor or clinic, as long as it hasn’t already been used for a Medicare claim elsewhere.

It’s important to list all relevant conditions on your referral, even if they were diagnosed a long time ago or no longer feel significant. Some doctors specialise in certain areas, and missing information may result in being matched with a clinician who isn’t able to provide the right care.
If we notice that something might be missing, our team may ask to review your referral before confirming your booking to make sure you’re placed with the most suitable doctor.

Yes, completing the patient intake forms is mandatory. These forms include two consent forms and three screening questionnaires, which help the doctor gain a thorough understanding of your background and potential diagnosis before your appointment.

While observer forms are strongly recommended because they provide valuable collateral information that can assist in the doctor’s ADHD assessment and streamline the diagnostic process, they are not mandatory. If you cannot provide an observer, the doctor will gather the necessary information through alternative assessment methods during your consultation.

To attend a telehealth appointment, you’ll need an internet connection and access to email or a web browser such as Google or Safari. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to our telehealth waiting room. Click the link 5–10 minutes before your appointment to enter the virtual waiting room. If you can’t find the email, visit mindoasis.com.au and click the “Telehealth Waiting Room” button. Select your clinician and enter their virtual waiting room which should either launch Zoom or Google Meet. At your appointment time, the clinician will admit you into the call. If you have any difficulties connecting, please contact reception — our team is trained to assist you.

No, the doctor will not phone you directly. You must log into the telehealth waiting room at the scheduled time. If you forget your appointment or do not attend, the doctor may attempt to contact you from a private or unknown number.

If you are more than 15 minutes late, miss, or forget your appointment, you will have to forfeit 50% of the consultation fee. The remaining 50% can be applied to a rescheduled appointment or refunded. This policy applies to both new and existing patients.

We need two full business days’ notice to cancel or reschedule without a fee. With less than two business days’ notice, a fee of 50% of the consultation fee applies. The remaining 50% can be put towards a rebooked appointment, or refunded to the card you paid with.

If you are more than 15 minutes late, miss, or forget your appointment, you will have to forfeit 50% of the consultation fee. The remaining 50% can be applied to a rescheduled appointment or refunded. This policy applies to both new and existing patients.