Anxiety & panic
Generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks. Talking therapy plus medication where helpful.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Medication review
- On-site psychology
Mental Health · 100% Confidential
Mental health care that's close to home.
Mental health is health. Our GPs at Cranbourne West Medical Centre provide confidential, non-judgemental support for anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, burnout and more. We can write you a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan giving you up to 10 bulk-billed psychology sessions, and connect you with on-site psychologist Maida Kanwal — culturally sensitive support for diverse communities.
What's Included
Whatever you're going through, you don't have to navigate it alone.
Depression & low mood
From mild down moods to severe depression. We treat the whole person — sleep, energy, work, relationships.
- Bulk-billed sessions
- Medication options
- Lifestyle support
Postnatal & perinatal
Postnatal depression and antenatal mental health support, with a special interest from our female GPs.
- Bulk-billed
- Female GPs
- Family supports
Sleep & burnout
Insomnia, work burnout and chronic stress — assessment, sleep hygiene, referral pathways.
- Sleep clinic referrals
- CBT-i
- Workplace strategies
ADHD assessment
Adult and child ADHD pathways via our GPs and external paediatric/psychiatric specialists.
- GP assessment
- Specialist referrals
- Coordinated care
Trauma & PTSD
Trauma-informed initial care and referrals to specialised psychologists where needed.
- Initial GP support
- Trusted psychology referrals
- EMDR pathways
How It Works
From booking to follow-up — in four steps
1
Step 1: Book a long visit
Mention 'mental health plan' so reception books a 30-minute appointment with your GP.
2
Step 2: Initial conversation
Your GP discusses your concerns, completes a brief K10 assessment, and writes your plan with you.
3
Step 3: 10 bulk-billed sessions
Medicare covers up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year — all bulk-billed at our clinic.
4
Step 4: GP review
After 6 sessions, return to your GP for a review. Plan can be adjusted, extended, or completed.
Fees & Coverage
What it costs at our clinic
Most services are bulk-billed for valid Medicare card holders.
Service
Coverage
Fee
Mental Health Care Plan (long visit)
Bulk Billed
$0
Psychology session (with MHCP)
Bulk Billed
$0
Plan review (after 6 sessions)
Bulk Billed
$0
Telehealth mental health follow-up
Bulk Billed
$0
ADHD specialist referral
Private fee at specialist
Varies
Meet Dr Iftikhar Ahmad Shahzad
GP · MBBS, FRACGP · 15+ years
UK and Pakistan-trained, FRACGP since 2017. Special interest in chronic disease — diabetes, hypertension, asthma — and mental health, with a holistic approach to whole-person care.
Book with Iftikhar →
Frequently Asked
Mental Health — your questions answered
Will my employer or anyone else see my mental health record?
No. Your mental health record is private and confidential. Information is only shared with your psychologist for continuity of care, never with employers or insurers without your explicit written consent.
Do I need a Care Plan to see a psychologist?
Not always — you can see a psychologist privately. But the Mental Health Care Plan unlocks up to 10 Medicare-funded sessions which are fully bulk-billed at our clinic.
Is there a male and female psychologist option?
We currently have Maida Kanwal (female) on-site. We can refer to male psychologists locally if you prefer.
Can I get help for my child's mental health?
Yes. Children and teens can also receive a Mental Health Care Plan. Our GPs work with paediatric psychologists in the area for younger patients.
What if I'm in crisis right now?
If you're in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 crisis support call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. We can usually see urgent mental health concerns same-day — call (03) 7017 5932.
Will medication be pushed on me?
Never. Your GP discusses all options — therapy, lifestyle, medication — and decisions are always made with you. Many patients improve significantly with talking therapy alone.