Proteus Clinic

Yes, a valid referral from a psychiatrist is required to be considered for treatment at our clinic. We recommend discussing this with your psychiatrist with whom you are currently receiving treatment. Referrals can be sent directly to one of the psychiatrists at Proteus Clinic via Medical Objects, or by secure fax or email.  See the Team (or link) to the Proteus Clinic psychiatrists for contact details.  If you have any questions about the referral process or our services, our reception team is happy to assist.

Our psychiatrists provide treatment within a structured, time-limited program only. We do not have capacity to provide ongoing general psychiatric care or long-term psychotherapy. Patients will need to maintain treatment with their regular psychiatrist, psychologist, or GP after the program.

We offer a structured course of  intensive, focused psychotherapy augmented by medication, which may be suitable for certain individuals with complex or treatment-resistant mental health conditions. The exact nature of the treatment, and its suitability, is discussed during initial assessment and is based on individual needs.

The treatment is typically delivered as a defined course, usually over about three to four months. The length may vary depending on individual response and clinical recommendations, which will be discussed as part of your assessment and treatment planning.

You will need to pause your usual treatments with your psychiatrist and psychologist while undergoing a course of medication-assisted psychotherapy, and then resume your usual treatment after the course.  Our services are designed to complement your ongoing treatment, not replace it. We strongly encourage all patients to continue care with their existing treating team, especially after the program.

At the beginning of treatment, it can be helpful to have support from your usual psychologist (or other therapist). However, during the course of treatment, it is generally recommended that other forms of psychotherapy be paused to allow you to fully focus on the treatment process. Individual needs do vary, and this will be discussed with you as part of your preparation and planning. After the program, continuing work with your psychologist/other therapist is often important to help consolidate gains and support ongoing recovery.

Fees vary depending on the number and type of sessions required for your individual treatment plan. Some sessions may be eligible for a Medicare rebate, while others are not. Please note that private health insurance does not cover outpatient appointments with medical specialists.

Our reception staff can provide you with a general fee guide and help clarify what costs may apply in your specific circumstances. 

A cancellation policy also applies, which will range from 50% of the fee to covering the full fee.  Please contact us as soon as you know that you are not able to attend your booked appointment.    Our clinic does accept cancellations and rescheduling by SMS. You are able to cancel or reschedule your appointments by email or phone.  

Upon booking an appointment and signing the fees consent form, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.  Non-attendance and cancellation fees are not eligible for Medicare, DVA, health insurance or other rebates.

Some consultations and treatment sessions are eligible for a Medicare rebate with a valid referral. Additional costs will apply depending on your treatment plan. Our reception team can provide more detailed information on fees and rebates.

Start by discussing a referral with your current psychiatrist or GP. Once we receive your referral, we will contact you to discuss the next steps, including availability of an initial appointment.

Before your first appointment, ensure you have a valid referral and any recent treatment summaries from your psychiatrist, GP, psychologist or other relevant medical specialist. It will be helpful to bring a list of any psychiatric conditions or diagnoses, other medical conditions you may have, and the doctors or specialists who are involved in managing these conditions.  Please bring a list of all your current medications, including medications for other medical conditions and any over-the-counter or natural supplements you are taking.   This helps us to better understand your history, know what additional assessments or investigations may be needed, and help to consider whether the treatment program is safe and appropriate for you.

Yes, your current medications will be reviewed as part of the initial assessment. We’ll discuss the safest and most appropriate way to manage any changes that might be needed. This could be done in collaboration with your regular psychiatrist or GP. In some cases, short-term inpatient hospitalisation may be available to support part or all of the medication adjustment process if additional monitoring or support is required.

Please continue taking your usual medications until advised otherwise. It will be important for your usual psychiatrist (and other doctor or medical specialist if appropriate) to be involved in considering any medication changes.  These decisions are made on an individual basis with careful planning to ensure safety and continuity of care.

Medication changes will most likely need to be managed by your usual treating psychiatrist or GP. Our clinic psychiatrist will work with them to coordinate aspects of your medication management during your treatment program.

If you're likely to need more intensive support during medication changes, inpatient care at a private psychiatric hospital may be recommended for part of the adjustment period. This can be discussed during your initial assessment.

Some medication-augmented therapies are inpatient only, others are primarily outpatient-based. For outpatient-based therapies, inpatient psychiatric admissions may still be used for parts of the course if required.

Yes, if possible. It’s best to avoid starting the program during periods of major stress—such as legal proceedings, significant housing moves, major work deadlines, pregnancy planning, recent new and serious physical injury or illness, or acute family crises. While treatment can still be beneficial during difficult times, it’s important to have enough emotional and practical space to engage fully. We will discuss timing with you during the assessment phase.

Yes. We encourage all patients to spend some time preparing both emotionally and practically. This includes putting in place and starting small, manageable and positive goals, thinking about what you specifically want to get out of the treatment, and planning your home environment and support system to help you get the most out of the experience.

While preparing for your treatment course, start with a small, achievable goal that involves a change in what you do day-to-day, and that moves you in the direction that you would like in your life —such as a short daily walk, regular meals, or a consistent bedtime.  This can help create a foundation for change. Choose something simple and doable that supports your overall wellbeing and values, rather than aiming for a major life shift right away.

Setting an intent is about identifying your reason for doing this treatment and what you want to get out of it. A helpful intent is specific and can be about what you want to better understand, and what you would like to move your life towards. Less helpful intents are overly vague or overly outcome-focused.  It is useful for an intent to reflect a willingness to engage in an ongoing process.

Setting an intent can help guide your focus and emotional preparation for the course of therapy. It provides a personal anchor—something meaningful to return to—especially during challenging moments or if therapy gets side-tracked to interesting, but less useful, topics. Rather than aiming for a specific outcome, an intent helps you stay connected to your reasons for engaging in the therapeutic process and focused on what you want to move your life towards.

A helpful intent is one that reflects your willingness to engage, be curious, or face aspects of your experience. Examples include: “I want to explore parts of myself I’ve been avoiding,” or “I want to allow myself to feel more deeply.” Less helpful intents might include: “I want to be fixed right away,” or “I want to erase all difficult feelings.” Your intent should reflect a process, rather than a wish for a quick solution.

We recommend choosing just one or two core intents. Keeping it simple and focused allows you to return to these ideas as grounding points during the course of therapy. Too many competing intentions can dilute your sense of purpose or create confusion.

There’s no single ‘right’ intent—what matters is that it feels genuine and meaningful to you. Intentions are very personal, and they often emerge from reflection on what’s felt stuck or unresolved. You’ll have the opportunity to explore this in your preparation appointments with your psychiatrist, who can help clarify and shape your intent with you.  It is also useful to discuss this with your usual psychiatrist, psychologist or GP who know you and your situation well.

Yes. It’s common for your understanding of your intent to evolve as the treatment progresses. You may gain new insights, and your focus may shift. That’s okay—your intent is there to support your process, not limit it. You and your psychiatrist can revisit it together as needed.

You’re welcome to bring one or two comfort items, such as a soft blanket or a small item that has personal meaning to you. These can help create a sense of safety and familiarity during your sessions.  It is useful to bring a few preferred snacks, such as fruit or muesli bars. Also please let us know about any dietary preferences, allergies or requirements.

Yes. Having a trusted support person—such as a partner, close friend, or family member—can be very helpful during treatment. They can assist with thinking through decisions and whether you think this treatment is right for you, as well as help with transport, emotional support, and helping you feel safer and grounded before and after sessions.

Support people are encouraged to be calm and patient. They don’t need to give advice or interpret what happened in sessions. Simply being present, offering reassurance about your strengths and that intense emotions can pass with time, and helping you get rest, food, or quiet time can make a big difference. We can provide some guidance and written information for you and your support person(s) about what to expect.