FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our psychiatric assessment services.
Addiction & Substance Use Support
Do I have to stop using substances completely to seek help?
No. We operate from a harm-reduction framework. While abstinence is a goal for many, we also work with individuals whose primary goal is to reduce their use or minimise the negative impacts of substances on their health and life.
Is my information kept strictly confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric practice. Your information is secure and will only be shared with your referring GP or other healthcare providers with your explicit consent, except in rare situations where there is an immediate risk to safety.
Can you manage severe physical withdrawals via telehealth?
Severe physical withdrawals (such as complicated alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal) often require inpatient medical supervision. During your assessment, we will evaluate your risk and, if necessary, may recommend an admission to safely manage your withdrawal.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder and another mental health condition (such as trauma, depression, anxiety, personality disorder or ADHD) occurring simultaneously. Our specialist psychiatrists are trained to assess and treat both conditions concurrently for better overall outcomes.
Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnosis
What does a psychiatric assessment involve?
An initial assessment involves a detailed clinical interview exploring your current symptoms, medical history, developmental background, and social circumstances. We may also use structured questionnaires to aid in diagnostic clarity.
Do I need specific tests before an ADHD assessment?
Yes. Due to the nature of ADHD treatments, we require specific medical pre-tests to ensure your safety. These typically include an ECG, blood pressure and heart rate checks, and standard pathology (blood tests). Your GP must arrange these prior to your appointment.
Will I receive a diagnosis immediately?
While many patients receive diagnostic clarity in their first session, complex presentations or ADHD assessments may require further information, collateral history from family members, or follow-up appointments before a formal diagnosis is confirmed.
How is this different from seeing a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. While both provide psychological therapies, a psychiatrist can also diagnose complex medical-psychiatric conditions, order medical investigations, and prescribe or manage psychiatric medications.
Telehealth Psychiatry: How It Works
What is a telehealth psychiatrist?
A telehealth psychiatrist provides specialist psychiatric assessment and treatment through secure video consultations. This allows you to receive care without attending a physical clinic.
How does online psychiatry in Australia work?
After booking an appointment, you will receive a secure link to join your consultation via the Coviu platform. You simply log in at your scheduled time and connect with your psychiatrist online.
Do I need a referral to see an online psychiatrist?
In most cases, a GP referral is required to access Medicare rebates for telehealth psychiatry services in Australia. We recommend discussing this with your GP before booking.
Is telehealth psychiatry confidential?
A telehealth psychiatrist provides specialist psychiatric assessment and treatment through secure video consultations. This allows you to receive care without attending a physical clinic.
What conditions can be treated through telehealth psychiatry?
Telehealth psychiatrists can assess and treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma-related conditions, early psychosis, substance use issues and other mental health concerns.
Can medication be prescribed through an online psychiatrist?
Yes. Where clinically appropriate, medication can be prescribed as part of your treatment plan. Your psychiatrist will discuss options and provide careful monitoring.
Appointments, Eligibility & Referrals
Do you handle crisis or acute mental health emergencies?
No. Tranquil Wave Health is not an acute or crisis mental health service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or require immediate assistance, please call 000, attend your nearest hospital emergency department, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
How do I know if I’m eligible for an assessment?
We provide telehealth psychiatric care to adults aged 18 and over across Australia. For general psychiatry, we see patients nationwide. For ADHD assessments, we accept patients from all states except the Northern Territory and Tasmania. Opiate agonist treatment is currently restricted to patients in Victoria.
How long does an appointment take?
An initial comprehensive psychiatric assessment typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes. Follow-up review appointments generally range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your specific clinical needs and treatment plan.
What makes a referral valid?
A valid GP referral must include a comprehensive medical and psychiatric history,
details of current medications, and any relevant past treatments. For ADHD assessments, the referral must specifically request an ADHD evaluation and confirm that required pre-tests (such as an ECG and blood pressure check) have been completed. Incomplete referrals may be declined.
Medication & Ongoing Treatment
Will the psychiatrist prescribe my medication directly?
Depending on the medication and your location, our psychiatrists may provide initial prescriptions. However, our primary model is collaborative care; we typically provide a detailed management plan to your GP, who will then handle your ongoing prescriptions.
How are restricted medications (like those for ADHD) managed?
The prescribing of restricted medications is strictly regulated by state and territory health departments. If indicated, our psychiatrists will either apply for the necessary permits to prescribe or establish a formal co-prescribing partnership with your GP, adhering to all local legal requirements.
What if I experience side effects from a new medication?
If you experience mild side effects, you can discuss these during your follow-up review or with your GP. If you experience severe or concerning adverse reactions, you should contact your GP immediately or present to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Do I have to take medication?
No. Medication is only one aspect of psychiatric care. Our psychiatrists provide comprehensive advice on all treatment options, including psychological therapies and lifestyle interventions. The decision to commence medication is always collaborative and based on your informed consent.
ADHD Assessment & Treatment
Do I need a referral to see an ADHD psychiatrist Australia-wide? How does an online ADHD assessment Australia process work?
An online ADHD assessment Australia service involves a structured clinical interview conducted via secure video consultation. Your psychiatrist will explore developmental history, current symptoms and how these affect daily functioning. Standardised screening tools are used to support diagnostic clarity, and additional documentation may be requested where appropriate.
Can I receive an online ADHD diagnosis Australia-wide?
If diagnostic criteria are met following assessment, an online ADHD diagnosis Australia service can be provided. This includes written documentation, discussion of findings and a clear treatment plan. If criteria are not met, alternative explanations and support options will be discussed.
What is included in an ADHD psychiatrist assessment?
An ADHD psychiatrist assessment includes a detailed review of childhood history, education or work performance, mental health background and current functioning. The goal is to understand patterns over time and rule out other contributing conditions. This careful approach supports accurate diagnosis and safe treatment planning.
What investigations are required for an ADHD assessment?
Recommended investigations include a baseline ECG and your blood pressure and heart rate, given the cardiovascular risks associated with stimulant pharmacotherapy. Baseline pathology should encompass full blood count; liver, kidney, and thyroid function tests; and iron studies. A urine drug screen may also be indicated.
What documentation is required for an ADHD Assessment & Treatment?
ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. As diagnostic criteria require symptom onset prior to age 12, the following supporting documentation may be requested: previous paediatric, psychological, or psychiatric reports relevant to ADHD; a minimum of two school reports, including at least one from before age 12; a parental letter describing childhood behaviour, academic performance, and any concerns noted at the time; and completion of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA).
Can medication be prescribed after an ADHD diagnosis via telehealth?
Where clinically appropriate, medication may be prescribed following an ADHD diagnosis via telehealth. Your psychiatrist will discuss potential benefits, risks and monitoring requirements. Ongoing review appointments are important to ensure treatment remains safe and effective.
Still have questions?
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