Frequently asked questions

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in mental health. They can diagnose conditions, prescribe and manage medication, and treat complex or persistent presentations. A psychologist provides structured, evidence-based talking therapy and does not prescribe - read our full guide for the differences in training, roles, and rebates. At Helios Psych, Dr Dhanushka De Silva (psychiatrist) and Jeremy Maksour (registered psychologist) work alongside each other. Many people see just one; some see both, with each focusing on a different part of their care.

To claim a Medicare rebate, yes. To see the psychiatrist you need a valid referral from your GP, which lasts 12 months. To see the psychologist with a rebate you need a GP referral together with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Your referral can come from any GP or doctor - you do not need to be an existing patient of Helios Medical Rooms. You can be seen privately without a referral, but a rebate will not apply.

Yes. If your mental health care relates to a workers compensation claim, you will need a referral from your nominated treating doctor and approval from the insurer before your first appointment. Fees are then billed directly to the insurer. When you enquire, have your claim number, insurer, and case manager details ready and reception will guide you through the rest.

For psychology, once your referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan are in place you can usually be seen promptly - book online or call reception on (02) 4288 2524. For psychiatry, Dr De Silva's books are currently fully committed ahead of a period of leave, and we are temporarily unable to accept new psychiatry referrals. We will update this page when new referrals reopen.

Your GP will usually help you decide. As a general guide, talking therapy for stress, anxiety, low mood, trauma, or relationship difficulties is the work of a psychologist, while diagnosis, medication, and complex or persistent conditions are the work of a psychiatrist. If you are not sure, start with your GP - they can point you the right way, and the two clinicians can also work together.

Dr De Silva and Jeremy Maksour work with adults. If you are seeking support for a child or young person, your GP can refer you to a suitable child and adolescent mental health service.

Your first session is an assessment. Your clinician will ask about your history, what is bringing you in, and what you would like to achieve. It is a conversation, and there is nothing you need to prepare beyond bringing your referral, your Medicare card, and, for psychiatry, a list of your current medications and doses. Allow around 45 to 60 minutes.

Psychiatry initial assessments run for 45 minutes or more, with follow-ups usually 30 to 45 minutes. Psychology sessions are 50 minutes.

Both. We offer appointments in person at our Unanderra rooms and by telehealth - see seeing a psychiatrist in Wollongong for how local and telehealth care works. Let reception know your preference when you book on (02) 4288 2524, and they will confirm what suits your clinician and your referral.

Yes. What you share is confidential and held in secure clinical records. With your consent, your clinician writes back to your referring GP to coordinate your care, which is a normal part of the process. Confidentiality has some narrow legal limits, such as where there is a serious risk to your safety or someone else's; your clinician will explain these at your first visit.

Fees, Medicare rebates, and out-of-pocket costs for every consultation are listed on the Helios Medical Rooms fees page. Both psychiatry and psychology attract Medicare rebates when you have a valid referral. We do not bulk bill, and payment is due at the time of your appointment.

With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, Medicare rebates cover up to 10 individual psychology sessions each calendar year under the Better Access initiative. Your GP reviews your plan along the way.

A GP referral to the psychiatrist is valid for 12 months. For psychology, your Mental Health Treatment Plan covers a set number of sessions, after which your GP reviews it before providing a further referral.

Yes. Dr De Silva provides comprehensive diagnostic assessments for adult ADHD, including a clinical interview, rating scales, and review of collateral history. A GP referral is required. Please note psychiatry is temporarily closed to new referrals ahead of a period of leave.

Helios Psych is not a crisis or emergency service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. For urgent mental health support you can call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 (24 hours), Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.