For Patients

Hi there, I’m Dr Edna Lekgabe and I’m a perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist.

It is 100% normal to feel nervous about seeing a psychiatrist. Your mental health is my priority and I will do everything I can to assist you.

How do I arrange to see Dr Edna?

Arrange an appointment with your GP or specialist obstetrician/gynaecologist to discuss your mental health challenges and to request a referral to see me. GP referrals are generally valid for up to 12 months but can be endorsed “Indefinite” which means they do not have to be renewed every 12 months. Specialists’ referrals last for 3 months.

You will need an active referral in order to see me and obtain your Medicare rebate.

Please contact the friendly staff at either of my locations for advice on how to submit your referral. Clinic details below.

For face-to-face appointments

I will meet you at the clinic your appointment has been booked at.

Please bring your referral to the appointment along with your Medicare/pension/healthcare cards, a list of medications you may be taking and any other information you think might be important such as, previous assessment reports.

For telehealth appointments

A link will be sent to you via email or SMS.

At the time of the appointment, click on the link to meet with me in our safe and private online video session. Please contact the friendly staff at either of my locations if you do not have the link or need assistance logging in.

What can I expect for my first appointment?

I will conduct an assessment at your first three appointments. This involves a conversation regarding your difficulties including your psychiatric, medical and psychosocial history. I may need to arrange investigations such as blood tests and possibly meeting your loved ones if needed.

Following the assessment, I will give you feedback about my understanding of your presenting issues and discuss a bespoke evidence-based treatment plan with you.

Appointments are 45 minutes long, unless an alternative arrangement had been made prior.

What do I do before a telehealth appointment?

• Please try to log on 5 minutes early to your appointment, to give you plenty of time to sort out technical issues prior to our appointment time.
• Create a “consult space” that is private, quiet, comfortable and has good internet connectivity to support a video call.
• It is preferred you place your device on a stable surface.
• Consider using headphones which can improve sound projection and improve privacy.
• Please ensure you have this time set aside so as to not get interrupted during our meeting. If you have a young baby, you are welcome to have them with you so you can feed or settle them if needed. I also love to see the babies!
• It’s always handy to have a box of tissues and water nearby, just in case.

Clinic locations and details

For more information and tips on how you can prepare for our appointment, visit our frequently asked questions page or access more resources.