Services
Psychiatry
If you’re looking for a private psychiatrist in Canberra, come to see us at Waymind.
We’re a psychiatry and mental health service for adult patients.
Now welcoming new patient referrals from ACT and surrounding areas of NSW
Waymind is located in Canberra at Level 1,
77 Denison Street Deakin ACT.
For your convenience, Waymind is a fully wheelchair/walker accessible location, and has parking on site.
Psychiatrists at Waymind
Each psychiatrist who sees patients at Waymind in Canberra has their own specialties and interests.
If you’re not sure who is the right doctor for you, our friendly team will be able to introduce you to a psychiatrist who is available to see you and treat your condition.
Dr Daniel Heard sees patients over 30, with special interest in patients over 65. Dr Dan treats patients who are experiencing symptoms of chronic depression, anxiety, memory loss, ADHD and other conditions.
Dr Matthew Brazel sees patients over 30, with special interest in patients over 65. Dr Brazel treats patients who are experiencing symptoms of chronic depression, anxiety, memory loss, ADHD and other conditions.
Dr Aerim Kim sees patients over 18 who are experiencing symptoms of depression and mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, psychosis, trauma and PTSD, adult ADHD and other mental health problems.
Mental health conditions and areas of practice
There are lots of reasons why you might benefit from seeing a psychiatrist.
You may be experiencing symptoms of:
- Feeling low, a depressed mood, or negative thoughts that don’t go away
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else
- Stress, anxiety or panic
- Memory loss, or often forgetting things
- Difficulty concentrating, or feeling confused
- Personality changes or behavioural changes
- Difficulty sleeping
You may have been diagnosed with, or seeking a psychiatrist’s opinion on:
ADHD
Anxiety disorders
Autism
Bipolar Disorder
Dementia or Memory loss
Depression or mood disorders
Insomnia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Occupational Stress
Panic Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Psychosis
Schizophrenia
Social Phobia
What to expect at your first psychiatry appointment
Your first appointment is the time to tell your psychiatrist about what brought you to see them.
Sit back in our comfy chairs, and allow 60-90 minutes for your first appointment.
You should share any past and present medical symptoms, mood changes, or thoughts that might be relevant. If someone in your family has a history of serious illness or difficulties with their mental health, please share that information with your psychiatrist too.
You may have already shared this information with your GP, but it’s important for your psychiatrist to start from the beginning and get a full picture of how your symptoms are affecting you.
- What’s brought you to see me?
- What has been happening for you?
- How long has this been going on?
- How have your symptoms been affecting your life?
- Which symptoms are a problem for you?
Your psychiatrist is here to help you, so don’t hold anything back.
It's important that your psychiatrist has all the information about your medical condition and history.
These may include a physical examination and blood pressure check, or requesting you get blood tests, a sleep study, scans or an ECG (heart rhythm check).
This is because your psychiatrist needs to understand your medical condition and any risk factors before prescribing any medication.
Your psychiatrist needs to know which medications you’re taking.
Plus, it helps to know which psychiatric medications you’ve tried in the past, and if they worked for you or not, and if you had any side effects.
Your psychiatrist will ask about your drug and alcohol history (again, no judgement, we’re here to help).
Often, your family or friends might notice symptoms, changes or improvements before you notice them yourself. As a result, further information from a loved one or carer can help your psychiatrist make a diagnosis or adjust your treatment.
If you want to bring someone with you to see your psychiatrist (to speak to them together, or separately), please let our receptionist know when you make your appointment so we can allow plenty of time.
When your psychiatrist knows enough about your condition to make a diagnosis or possible diagnoses (this may be in your first session, or in a later session), you’ll agree on a management plan together.
Your plan may include your treatment and medication options, and a schedule for follow up visits to check on your progress and adjust your treatment when needed.
Then your psychiatrist will send a letter back to your GP describing your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment plan, for your GP’s records.
With this information, your GP can stay involved in your care and will know if you are taking any new medications or updated doses.
What treatments can a psychiatrist offer?
Your psychiatrist will talk to you about your treatment options during your appointment.
Depending on your symptoms, treatment options may include:
- Medication
- Regular psychotherapy or talking therapy appointments
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) individual programs or groups
- Light therapy (can help improve mood)
- Neurostimulation (TMS, which can improve symptoms of depression)
- Changes to your diet
- Getting appropriate exercise
- Social changes (such as joining groups and building social supports)
- Cognitive stimulation therapy (aims to improve memory)
Start by talking to your psychiatrist about which treatments may be suitable for you. Often, they’ll recommend a combination of treatments for you to try, until you find what's working to manage your symptoms.
We want to help you get well and STAY well too
Research* shows that when patients combine medicine with talking therapy, and improvements to diet and exercise, patients are more likely to reduce their symptoms. (*See below for resources, or ask your psychiatrist).
That’s why your psychiatrist might introduce you to allied health clinicians who can support your mental health, alongside psychiatric treatments.
At Waymind, you might meet a psychologist, mental health OT, dietitian, or exercise physiologist to complement your treatment. Each clinician has their own toolkit of treatments for your mind and your body.
In other words, it’s about seeing the health of your mind and body as interconnected. And ideally you need BOTH your mind and body to feel healthy for you to manage symptoms and stay feeling well in the long run.
Talk to your psychiatrist about how you can make the most of your lifestyle psychiatry treatment options to get well and stay feeling well.
*Resources:
Exercise and Mental Health, on Healthdirect. 6 minute read. Includes an audio version if you prefer to listen.
Food, drink and Mental Health, on Healthdirect. 8 minute read. Includes an audio version if you prefer to listen.
Get in touch
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