Note: Questions and answers in this article are general information based on common search queries and standard telehealth practice. They are not based on individual patient cases. For medical advice, consult an AHPRA-registered doctor.
Telehealth has become a normal part of Australian healthcare — but if you have not booked an online consultation before, it is reasonable to want to know what to expect, what to prepare, and what is appropriate to ask. This article is the launch of an ongoing series (“Ask a Doctor”) collecting common patient questions and answering them with input from AHPRA-registered doctors at MyLeaf, an Australian alternative medicine clinic.
These are not real patient consultations — they are general answers based on the most-searched queries and standard telehealth practice. Personal medical advice belongs in a consultation, not in an article.
What do I need to prepare for a telehealth consultation?
A short checklist: photo ID (and a Medicare card if you have one for identity confirmation only — MyLeaf consultations are not bulk-billed); a list of your current medications including supplements and over-the-counter products with dose and frequency; a brief medical history covering current diagnoses; a quiet, private space for the call; and a reliable phone or internet connection. About five minutes of pre-consultation prep makes a real difference to how productive the consultation feels.
Do I need a GP referral?
For MyLeaf consultations: typically no, you can book directly. For some specialist services: yes, a referral is required. For general practice telehealth: it depends on the service. If you are unsure, check with the specific clinic before booking — a referral that is not needed will not hurt, but a missing referral that is required can delay the consultation. See our FAQ for more.
How long is a typical consultation?
Initial consultations at MyLeaf typically run 20–30 minutes. Renewal or follow-up consultations are shorter — usually 10–15 minutes. Some services run shorter or longer depending on the type of consultation; the time is allocated to make sure you and your doctor have enough room for a useful clinical conversation, not the other way around.
Can I do a telehealth consultation from anywhere in Australia?
Yes. AHPRA-registered doctors can consult patients Australia-wide, including regional, rural, and remote locations. Phone consultations are an option for areas with limited internet, so you do not need video to access care. Distance is not a barrier — see our state guides for Brisbane and Queensland, Melbourne and Victoria, and Sydney and NSW for state-specific details.
What questions will the doctor ask me?
Standard questions: the reason you booked the consultation; your medical history including current and past treatments; current medications including over-the-counter products and supplements; lifestyle context that is relevant to the clinical question; and any allergies or significant past reactions. The doctor will guide the conversation — you do not need to lead, just answer honestly.
What should I ask the doctor?
Five questions worth bringing to almost any consultation:
Take notes during the call. It is your consultation — using it well is reasonable, and your doctor will not be put off by you asking clarifying questions.
What happens if the doctor decides treatment is not suitable?
The doctor will explain the clinical reasoning, and may suggest alternatives — referral to a different type of specialist, further testing, or a different treatment approach. This is part of safe, evidence-based medicine. Not every consultation results in a prescription, and a doctor declining to prescribe is a clinical decision in your interest. MyLeaf’s refund policy: a refund is issued if you are determined to be ineligible (pre-consultation or during it); a refund is not issued for clinical denial of an eligible patient. See our pricing page for the full policy.
When will I receive my treatment plan?
Usually the same day if a treatment was clinically appropriate. Documentation is provided digitally — typically by email within minutes to a few hours of the consultation ending. For dispensed items, same-day dispatch is typically available for orders processed before 2pm AEST, with standard delivery 1–3 business days from dispatch via Australia Post or StarTrack. For more on what happens next, see What to Expect After Your First Telehealth Consultation.
How do follow-ups work?
Most patients have a follow-up consultation within 4–8 weeks of starting a new treatment. Follow-ups are typically shorter (10–15 minutes) and lower cost ($39 at MyLeaf) than the initial consultation. Booking is through the same online portal, and same-day appointments are commonly available for renewals. Plan ahead — book your renewal before you run out, not after. See our pricing page.
What if I have side effects or concerns?
Contact your prescribing doctor — by patient portal message, email, or phone (1800 695 323, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm AEST). For urgent or serious symptoms, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department. Between-appointment messaging is for non-urgent questions; if your situation has changed substantially, book a follow-up consultation rather than messaging. For more on what to watch for, see Alternative Medicine Side Effects.
Is my consultation private?
Yes. Telehealth consultations are confidential. Notes and any recordings are kept securely in line with the Privacy Act 1988. Information is only shared with your consent, or where the law requires it (for example, in an emergency where another clinician needs to know your treatment for your safety).
How long are records kept?
Australian medical records for adult patients are typically retained for a minimum of 7 years (state legislation varies). You can request a copy of your records at any time — contact MyLeaf reception to arrange. Records can be transferred to another provider on request.
Are MyLeaf doctors AHPRA-registered?
Yes. Every doctor consulting through MyLeaf is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You can verify the registration of any Australian doctor at ahpra.gov.au. Our Medical Director is Dr Matthew Gartrell.
Will Medicare cover this?
Some general-practice telehealth has Medicare rebates for eligible Australians. Specialist telehealth services like MyLeaf are generally not bulk-billed, and a Medicare card does not affect the consultation fee. Check the specific consultation type and your eligibility before booking.
Does private health insurance cover telehealth?
Coverage varies by insurer and policy. Some insurers cover specific telehealth item numbers; others do not. Contact your insurer with the consultation item number after the appointment if applicable — they can confirm whether a rebate applies in your case.
For more general questions, see the full FAQ.
Preparation matters. A productive telehealth consultation comes from being ready with the practical things — medication list, medical history, ID, a quiet space — and from asking the right questions when the time comes. AHPRA-registered doctors are accountable, and your consultation is the place for personal medical advice. This article is general information; everything else is for the conversation.
Book a consultation, or read our pillar guide and Telehealth Consultation Cost in Australia first.
Questions and answers in this article are general information based on common search queries and standard telehealth practice. They are not based on individual patient cases. For medical advice, consult an AHPRA-registered doctor. For urgent or serious symptoms, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-01 by Dr Matthew Gartrell, Medical Director, MyLeaf. ABN 80 655 715 834.
Note: This article is general educational information about terpenes — the aromatic compounds found in many plants. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any specific product. Treatment decisions should be made with an AHPRA-registered doctor.
If you have read about your alternative medicine treatment online, you have probably come across “terpene profiles” alongside other product information. Patients ask about terpenes a lot, partly because the language is unfamiliar and partly because there is a lot of marketing around them. This guide explains what terpenes actually are, where they come from in the natural world, and what role they play in clinical conversations with an AHPRA-registered doctor — written in plain English without making claims the science does not support.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by a wide range of plants — they are the molecules behind the smell of pine forests, citrus fruit, lavender, hops, rosemary, and thousands of other species. They are not unique to alternative medicine plants; they are everywhere in nature.
Botanically, terpenes are part of how plants attract pollinators, repel pests, and signal to other plants. From a chemistry standpoint, they are a large family of organic compounds built from “isoprene” units, which is why a single plant can contain dozens of different terpenes in different proportions.
Terpenes are not the same thing as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are a separate, smaller family of compounds. Many alternative medicine treatments contain both, in proportions that vary depending on the plant variety, growing conditions, and processing.
This article is a chemistry-and-botany overview. For background on the federal pathway and how AHPRA-registered doctors prescribe alternative medicine in Australia, see our pillar guide: How to Get a Prescription in Australia.
Terpene profiles vary between plant cultivars — that is, the same species grown in two different ways can produce noticeably different terpene compositions. Researchers have been investigating, for some time now, whether the specific terpene mix of a treatment contributes to the overall effect a patient experiences. This area is sometimes called the “entourage effect” — the idea that compounds work differently together than they do in isolation. We come back to that below.
Important framing: research on terpene-specific clinical effects in alternative medicine is emerging, not conclusive. There are interesting hypotheses, mixed evidence, and a growing number of studies — but Australian and international regulators (TGA, NHMRC) treat this as an active research question, not an established clinical fact. Any source promising specific outcomes from a specific terpene profile is overstating what the evidence currently supports.
The following are the eight terpenes most commonly listed on alternative medicine product profiles. For each one, this is a description of where it occurs in nature, what it smells like, and what is currently being researched — not a recommendation, claim, or promise.
Earthy, slightly fruity aroma. Also found in mango, hops (one of the reasons beer smells the way it does), lemongrass, and thyme. Often the most abundant terpene in many alternative medicine treatments. Research interest has focused on sedative and muscle-relaxant questions; results are mixed.
Bright citrus aroma. The dominant terpene in lemon, orange, and grapefruit peel, and in juniper. Widely used as a flavouring and fragrance ingredient in food and beverages, where it is recognised as safe at typical exposures. Research interest covers mood and anxiety contexts; evidence is preliminary.
Soft floral aroma. The dominant compound in lavender, also present in coriander, basil, and citrus. Linalool has a long folk-medicine history connected to relaxation. Clinical research into its effects in modern medicine continues; evidence is preliminary.
Fresh pine aroma. Found in pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, and many conifers. Research interest has covered attention and short-term memory; the literature is exploratory rather than definitive.
Spicy, peppery aroma. Found in black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, oregano, and rosemary. Caryophyllene is unusual amongst terpenes because it appears to bind directly with CB2 receptors in the body — which is scientifically interesting and continues to be investigated. Clinical implications are still under research.
Complex floral-herbal aroma. Found in nutmeg, lilac, apples, cumin, and tea tree. The body of clinical research is smaller than for the previous terpenes; it is commonly noted in research literature alongside other compounds.
Woody, earthy, slightly bitter aroma. Found in hops, sage, ginseng, and ginger. Humulene commonly co-occurs with caryophyllene in many plants. Research is preliminary.
Sweet herbaceous aroma. Found in basil, mint, parsley, mango, and orchids. Less commonly the dominant terpene in alternative medicine treatments; research is preliminary.
Terpene profile is one of several clinical considerations a doctor weighs when discussing a treatment plan. It is not the headline factor. Things that typically weigh more heavily include the patient’s clinical situation, prior medications, contraindications, and the doctor’s professional judgement.
In a consultation, you can absolutely ask about terpene profiles — your AHPRA-registered doctor will discuss what is appropriate in the context of your individual circumstances. A specific terpene preference is not the same as a clinical decision; the doctor’s role is to weigh what is reasonable for your situation, given everything they know.
For an overview of pricing and what the consultation includes, see our pricing page and Telehealth Consultation Cost in Australia.
The entourage hypothesis was articulated by Mechoulam and Ben-Shabat in 1998 and expanded in a widely-cited review by Ethan Russo in 2011 (British Journal of Pharmacology). The hypothesis is that cannabinoids and terpenes interact, and that the combined profile of a whole-plant treatment produces effects different from a single compound in isolation.
The status of this research today: active, contested, and incomplete.
For patients, the practical implication is straightforward: do not commit to an expensive, specific terpene preference based on online reading. Discuss your treatment with your AHPRA-registered doctor, keep notes on what you experience, and review at follow-up.
It is worth remembering: terpenes are not exotic. Limonene is in your kitchen if you keep oranges or use a citrus-based cleaning product. Linalool is in lavender pillows and most Mediterranean cooking herbs. Pinene is in your local botanic gardens. Caryophyllene is in black pepper.
Folk-medicine traditions across many cultures have used these aromatic plants for centuries — lavender for relaxation, peppermint for digestion, citrus for mood. Folk use is not a clinical claim, but it does help demystify where this conversation comes from. Terpenes are old, common, and — crucially — well-studied across many fields beyond alternative medicine.
At MyLeaf, AHPRA-registered doctors discuss terpenes as part of broader clinical assessment when relevant — but treatment is individualised. We do not promote specific terpene profiles, products, or compositions in our marketing, and we recommend the same caution to patients reading content elsewhere. Promises about a specific terpene “treating” a specific condition are out of step with what the evidence currently supports.
If you have questions about terpene profiles, bring them to your consultation. Doctors are used to the question and will engage with it honestly, including telling you when the evidence is not strong enough to support a particular preference.
Book a consultation when you are ready, or learn more about us first.
Are terpenes psychoactive?
Most common terpenes are not considered psychoactive in the way some other compounds are. They contribute to aroma and may modulate the broader experience of an alternative medicine treatment, but they are not the primary driver of psychoactive effects. Discuss any specific concern with your AHPRA-registered doctor.
Do terpenes appear on a drug test?
Standard Australian roadside and workplace drug testing does not typically detect terpenes — those tests are designed to detect specific cannabinoids. However, drug-testing technology evolves, and the legal framework around roadside testing applies to specific compounds, not aroma profiles. Always raise driving with your prescribing doctor.
Can I request a specific terpene profile?
You can ask, and your doctor will engage with the question honestly. The clinical decision is made by the doctor in context of your individual situation; a particular profile may or may not be appropriate.
Are terpenes the same as cannabinoids?
No. Terpenes are aromatic plant compounds found across thousands of species. Cannabinoids are a separate, smaller class found primarily in alternative medicine plants. Both are present in various proportions in many alternative medicine treatments.
Where can I learn more about terpene research?
For peer-reviewed research, PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), the Cochrane Library, and the TGA’s Medicinal Cannabis Hub (tga.gov.au) are reliable starting points. Avoid commercial blogs that use language like “this terpene treats X” — that level of certainty is not supported by current evidence.
For more general questions, see the full FAQ.
Terpenes are aromatic plant compounds found across thousands of species. In alternative medicine, terpene profiles are one of many factors discussed in consultation — interesting, worth understanding, and worth keeping in proportion. The evidence on specific clinical effects is emerging, not settled, and your AHPRA-registered doctor is best placed to advise on what is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Book a consultation to discuss your treatment options, or check our pricing page and Telehealth Consultation Cost in Australia first.
This article cites peer-reviewed and Australian regulatory sources available at the time of last review. As clinical evidence evolves, this page is reviewed periodically by the MyLeaf Medical Team.
This article is general educational information about terpenes. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any specific product. Treatment decisions should be made with an AHPRA-registered doctor.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-01 by Dr Matthew Gartrell, Medical Director, MyLeaf. ABN 80 655 715 834.
Important: This article is general health information based on published research and Australian regulatory sources. It is not medical advice. Side effects vary substantially between individuals. Always consult an AHPRA-registered doctor about your specific situation. For urgent or serious symptoms, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
If you are considering — or already taking — a treatment prescribed through Australia’s alternative medicine pathway, understanding what side effects are possible helps you make informed decisions and recognise when something needs medical attention. This guide summarises what published clinical research and Australian regulatory bodies have reported, hedged appropriately, and pointed at what to discuss with your prescribing doctor.
All medications can produce side effects — alternative medicines are no exception. The clinical literature describes a range of possible effects because these treatments act on body systems that are widespread, and their precise effect profile depends on:
Because of this variability, two patients prescribed the same treatment can have very different experiences. This is one of the reasons your doctor will typically take a “start low, go slow” approach and review you regularly.
The following effects appear most frequently in published clinical trials and post-market observation studies. None of these are guaranteed to occur in any individual patient, and most are mild and transient where they do occur.
The TGA, NHMRC, and Cochrane reviews continue to update guidance as new evidence is published. Severity and frequency reported in studies should not be confused with what you personally will experience — this is a guide to what is on the radar, not a forecast of your individual response.
These effects are reported less frequently in the literature but are clinically important enough to discuss with your doctor before treatment, and to watch for once you have started.
This list is not exhaustive. Any unexpected or significant change after starting treatment should prompt a conversation with your prescribing doctor.
Certain groups need extra care when alternative medicine is being considered. These populations are typically discussed at consultation in more detail than this article can cover:
Some alternative medicine treatments can impair driving even at therapeutic doses. Australian roadside drug-testing laws are presence-based in most states — meaning a positive test can occur regardless of whether the substance was taken on medical advice and regardless of impairment.
For state-specific information, see our state guides:
This is general information, not legal advice. For current rules and penalties, refer to your state’s road authority.
The single most important thing you can do at consultation is disclose every medication, supplement, and over-the-counter product you are taking. Categories that frequently warrant interaction screening include:
Most interactions are manageable when the prescribing doctor has the full picture — but they cannot be assessed against information that has not been disclosed. Bring a complete list to your consultation, including supplements and herbal preparations.
Mitigating the risk of side effects is a core part of how AHPRA-registered doctors prescribe. The general approach includes:
Follow-up renewal consultations at MyLeaf are $39 AUD — see our pricing page for the full breakdown.
If you experience any of the following after starting treatment, contact your doctor:
For urgent or serious symptoms, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department. Telehealth and patient-portal messaging are not appropriate for emergencies.
For non-urgent concerns, contact MyLeaf on 1800 695 323 (Option 3 for Clinical Team), Monday to Friday 9am–5pm AEST. For more on what to do after a consultation, see What to Expect After Your First Telehealth Consultation.
Patients and clinicians can report adverse events directly to the Therapeutic Goods Administration. This contributes to ongoing safety monitoring and is encouraged for any unexpected or serious reaction.
Reporting is anonymous if you prefer. You do not need to be certain a side effect was caused by your treatment — the TGA encourages reports of any unexpected reaction so patterns can be identified across the patient population.
A productive follow-up consultation depends on what you bring to it. Useful information includes:
Write notes throughout the period between consultations — even short ones. Memory is unreliable about timing and patterns; written notes are not.
Are side effects worse with one type of active compound or another?
Different active compounds in alternative medicine treatments have different side-effect profiles. Cognitive effects and anxiety are more commonly reported with some compositions; sedation and gastrointestinal effects with others. Your doctor will discuss this in the context of what you are prescribed.
Will side effects go away over time?
Many of the commonly reported side effects (drowsiness, dry mouth, mild dizziness) settle within the first 1–2 weeks as the body adjusts. Some persist and warrant a dose review. Some are not dose-related and may require a change of formulation or treatment. Your follow-up consultation is where this gets sorted.
Can I drink alcohol while taking alternative medicine?
Alcohol can amplify drowsiness and cognitive effects, and may interact with the metabolism of some treatments. Discuss your alcohol consumption honestly at consultation — your doctor will give you specific guidance for your situation.
Is it safe to combine with my regular prescription medications?
This is exactly what your prescribing doctor needs to assess at consultation, with your full medication list in front of them. Most interactions are manageable when the doctor has full information. Never combine medications without disclosing them all to your treating doctor.
What’s the difference between a side effect and an allergic reaction?
Side effects are generally predictable based on what the treatment does — drowsiness, dry mouth, gastrointestinal upset. Allergic reactions are typically immune-mediated and present differently — rash, itching, swelling, breathing difficulty. A reaction involving breathing difficulty, throat tightness, or facial swelling is a medical emergency — call 000 immediately. Any rash or unusual itching after starting a new treatment should be discussed with your doctor.
For more general questions, see the full FAQ.
This article cites Australian regulatory sources and peer-reviewed clinical literature available at the time of last review. As clinical evidence evolves, this page is reviewed periodically by the MyLeaf Medical Team.
Side effects are individual, doctors aim to minimise them through careful prescribing and follow-up, and reporting unexpected effects helps the whole patient population. If you are worried about something specific to your treatment, the right next step is a conversation with your prescribing doctor — not the internet.
Book a follow-up consultation at $39, or an initial consultation at $49 if you are new. See our pricing page for the full breakdown.
Mental health and crisis support: Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Open Arms (veterans) 1800 011 046. In an emergency, call 000.
This article is general health information based on published research and Australian regulatory sources. It is not medical advice. Side effects vary substantially between individuals. Always consult an AHPRA-registered doctor about your specific situation.
Last medically reviewed: 2026-04-30 by Dr Matthew Gartrell, Medical Director, MyLeaf. ABN 80 655 715 834.
Your first telehealth consultation is the start of a process — not the end of it. Whether your AHPRA-registered doctor issued a treatment plan, recommended alternatives, or asked for further information, the steps that follow are the same: documentation arrives, a follow-up cadence is set, and support is available between visits.
This guide walks through what happens after you hang up the phone or close the video call, so you know what to expect from your MyLeaf experience as an Australian alternative medicine clinic patient.
Your doctor finalises consultation notes and any treatment plan immediately after the call. You will typically receive an email with your next steps within a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the clinical detail involved.
If a treatment plan was issued, the email will include details of what was prescribed and how dispensing proceeds from there. If a treatment was not issued — for example, because the doctor determined it was not clinically appropriate, or because more information is needed first — the email will set out what comes next: a referral, further testing, alternative options, or a follow-up consultation.
Either outcome is part of safe, evidence-based medicine. Not every consultation results in a prescription, and a doctor declining to prescribe is a clinical decision in your interest, not a fault in the process.
Once a treatment plan is documented, the dispensing process begins. The plan is stored against your patient record so future doctors at MyLeaf can see your treatment history at follow-up. For most patients:
If you have any questions about timing or delivery, our reception team is available on 1800 695 323 (Option 1), Monday to Friday 9am–5pm AEST. For more general questions, see the FAQ.
Sometimes a clinical assessment determines that the alternative medicine pathway is not the right fit for your circumstances. When that happens, your doctor will explain the clinical reasoning and discuss alternatives — which may include a referral to another type of specialist, further investigations, or different treatment options.
MyLeaf’s refund policy is straightforward:
For full pricing details, see our pricing page.
If a treatment plan was issued, your doctor will have given you specific guidance — start at the recommended dose, follow the schedule, and contact us with any concerns. Some general principles that apply to most new treatments:
Most patients have a follow-up consultation within 4–8 weeks of starting a new treatment. Follow-ups are typically shorter than the initial consultation (10–15 minutes) and focus on whether the treatment is working, whether any adjustments are needed, and what comes next.
For the full breakdown of consultation types, see our pricing page or Telehealth Consultation Cost in Australia.
For non-urgent questions, you have a few options:
Important: between-appointment messaging is not a replacement for a clinical consultation. If your situation has changed substantially — new symptoms, a question about adjusting treatment, concerns about side effects — book a follow-up consultation. Messaging is for logistics and brief questions, not for clinical decisions.
For urgent or serious symptoms, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
The line between repeats and renewals matters because they are handled differently:
Plan ahead. Book your renewal consultation before you run out, not after. Same-day renewal appointments are commonly available, but cutting it fine creates avoidable stress.
Book a renewal consultation when you are due.
Your records are held in line with the Privacy Act 1988 and Australian health-records standards. A few things worth knowing:
For more on how MyLeaf handles patient information, see the full FAQ or learn more about us.
It is your right as a patient to seek a second opinion at any time, for any reason. If you would like to discuss this with your AHPRA-registered MyLeaf doctor first, we encourage that — they can often help by sharing what they have considered and why, which gives a second-opinion clinician useful context. If you decide to move providers, your records can be transferred on request.
How quickly will my treatment plan arrive?
For orders processed before 2pm AEST, same-day dispatch is typically available, with standard delivery 1–3 business days from dispatch. You will receive a tracking link by email when your order is dispatched.
What if I have side effects?
Contact your doctor — by patient portal message, email, or phone (1800 695 323). For urgent or serious symptoms, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
Can I cancel a follow-up consultation?
Yes. You can change your appointment through your patient account or by calling us on 1800 695 323. Reasonable notice helps free the slot for another patient. See our pricing page for the full cancellation policy.
How do I know it’s working?
This is exactly the kind of question to bring to your follow-up consultation. The notes you keep in the first 1–2 weeks (time of day, what you did, what you noticed) make a meaningful difference here.
What if my circumstances change before my next consultation?
Book a sooner follow-up. Significant changes — a new health concern, a new medication from another doctor, a major life event — are all reasons to bring forward your next review.
For more general questions, see the full FAQ.
Once your first consultation is complete, the work shifts to follow-through: keep notes, watch for anything unexpected, contact us with non-urgent questions, and book your follow-up before you run out. If anything has changed substantially, do not wait — book a sooner consultation.
Book your follow-up consultation when you are due, or check our pricing page for the full breakdown.
This article describes general telehealth post-consultation processes at MyLeaf, an Australian alternative medicine clinic. Individual treatment plans and outcomes vary. Always follow the specific instructions given by your AHPRA-registered doctor. For urgent or serious symptoms, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
Reviewed by Dr Matthew Gartrell, Medical Director, MyLeaf. ABN 80 655 715 834.
Important: This article is general information only and is not medical advice. PTSD is a serious mental health condition. Always consult an AHPRA-registered doctor or qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most challenging conditions to live with — and one of the most individually variable to treat. For Australian patients who have already worked through first-line therapies and are still struggling, looking into alternative medicine options through an AHPRA-registered doctor is a reasonable next step to explore.
This guide outlines what PTSD is, what first-line treatments look like in Australia, what current research is exploring in the alternative medicine space, eligibility considerations, and how a telehealth consultation works. It is informational, hedged where the evidence is hedged, and not a substitute for individual clinical assessment.
PTSD develops in some people after exposure to a traumatic event — combat, assault, accident, sudden loss, or repeated occupational exposure (for example, in emergency services). The Australian guidelines published by Phoenix Australia describe a core symptom cluster:
Lifetime prevalence in Australia is around 12%, with notably higher rates among defence personnel, veterans, first responders, and survivors of sexual or domestic violence. The Black Dog Institute and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) both publish accessible patient information for Australians wanting to understand the condition before seeking care.
This article covers general information for adults already engaged with the healthcare system. Self-diagnosis is not recommended — PTSD requires assessment by a qualified clinician.
Australian and international guidelines (Phoenix Australia, NHMRC, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists) recommend trauma-focused psychological therapies as first-line treatment for adult PTSD. The evidence is strongest for:
When psychological therapy alone is not enough, certain medications — typically SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) — are used as adjunctive treatment. These are well-studied and remain the front-line pharmacological option in most cases.
For patients where conventional treatments have not produced adequate response, the federal Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provides pathways for AHPRA-registered doctors to prescribe alternative medicines through the Special Access Scheme (SAS-B) or the Authorised Prescriber pathway. Eligibility under those pathways is a clinical judgement made by the prescribing doctor — not a guarantee.
For background on how the federal pathway works, see our pillar guide: How to Get a Prescription in Australia.
The body of clinical literature on alternative medicine and PTSD is emerging — not conclusive. Both Australian and international research groups are actively studying:
A range of pilot studies, naturalistic observation studies, and randomised controlled trials have been published in peer-reviewed journals — but most authors note the evidence base is still maturing, sample sizes are often small, and outcomes are highly variable between patients. The NHMRC and TGA continue to update guidance as new evidence is published.
What this means in practical terms: an AHPRA-registered doctor will discuss what is currently understood, what is still being researched, and what is appropriate for your individual circumstances. No outcome is promised — the evidence does not support that yet, and any clinic claiming otherwise should be treated cautiously.
Eligibility is a clinical decision that an AHPRA-registered doctor makes during your consultation, based on factors including:
Same-day appointments are commonly available at MyLeaf for an initial consultation. A consultation does not guarantee a particular outcome — it is an assessment, after which your doctor will recommend the best path forward for your situation.
Book an initial consultation to start the conversation.
A first MyLeaf consultation typically runs in five steps:
For a full breakdown of consultation pricing and inclusions, see our pricing page and Telehealth Consultation Cost in Australia.
A short checklist that makes the consultation more useful:
You do not need to retell every detail of your trauma in the first consultation. Your doctor will guide the conversation in a way that is clinically useful without being retraumatising.
This is a question only your prescribing doctor can answer for your specific situation, because the answer depends on which medications you are currently taking, the doses, and your full clinical picture. Common interaction concerns that doctors will assess include:
The single most useful thing you can do at consultation is disclose every medication, supplement, and over-the-counter product you are taking. Interactions are usually manageable when the doctor has the full picture, but they cannot be assessed if information is missing.
Never change or stop a prescribed medication without medical supervision. Withdrawal effects from some PTSD medications can be significant, and any change should be planned with the doctor who originally prescribed them.
MyLeaf operates flat national pricing — the same fee applies regardless of where in Australia you live:
Alternative medicine consultations for PTSD are not currently bulk-billed under Medicare or covered by the PBS. DVA cardholders (veterans and dependants) should discuss their specific situation with the registered doctor at consultation — there is no guarantee of coverage, and arrangements vary.
For the full pricing breakdown and how MyLeaf compares to other Australian alternative medicine clinics, see our pricing page.
If you are struggling, these services are available 24/7 (or as listed):
If you are in immediate danger or considering harming yourself, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. This article is not a substitute for crisis support, and a telehealth consultation is not appropriate for an acute crisis.
Can I get an alternative medicine consultation for PTSD without a psychiatrist’s referral?
A psychiatrist’s referral is not typically required to book a MyLeaf consultation. However, having documentation of your PTSD diagnosis from a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist supports a more informed clinical assessment, and your doctor may ask about it during the consultation.
I’m a veteran — can DVA help cover costs?
DVA arrangements vary by individual circumstances and the specific treatment recommended. Discuss your DVA card with your AHPRA-registered doctor at consultation — they can talk you through what is reasonable to explore. There is no guarantee of cover.
Will it interfere with my current trauma therapy?
Most patients continue trauma-focused psychological therapy alongside any new treatment. The two approaches address different aspects of recovery and are often complementary. Your doctor will discuss this specifically with you.
Can I drive on this kind of treatment?
Drug-driving laws apply across Australia regardless of whether a substance was taken on medical advice. The specific impact on driving depends on the treatment. Always raise driving with your AHPRA-registered doctor at consultation. For state-specific information, see our state guides for Sydney and NSW, Melbourne and Victoria, and Brisbane and Queensland.
Is my consultation confidential?
Yes. Consultations are conducted on secure telehealth infrastructure, and your medical and mental health information is handled in line with the Privacy Act 1988 and Australian health-records standards.
For more general questions, see the full FAQ.
PTSD is complex, individual, and requires thoughtful clinical care. If you have already worked through first-line treatments and are still struggling, exploring alternative medicine options with an AHPRA-registered doctor is a reasonable conversation to have. A telehealth consultation makes that access easier — same-day appointments are commonly available, the entire process runs from your own space, and the cost is the same nationwide.
Book an initial $49 consultation when you are ready, or learn more about us and our pricing first.
Mental health support, again — because it matters: Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Open Arms (veterans) 1800 011 046. In an emergency, call 000.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. PTSD is a serious mental health condition. Always consult an AHPRA-registered doctor or qualified mental health professional. Eligibility and treatment depend on individual clinical assessment. If you are in crisis, contact the support services above.
Reviewed by Dr Matthew Gartrell, Medical Director, MyLeaf. ABN 80 655 715 834.
NSW is Australia’s most populous state, and its patient base for telehealth is the largest in the country. From Greater Sydney out through Newcastle, Wollongong, the Central Coast, and across regional NSW — Tamworth, Dubbo, Albury, Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga, Lismore — booking an alternative medicine consultation no longer requires a city trip, parking hunt, or a half-day off work. Telehealth has become the default for Australian alternative medicine clinics, and NSW residents can complete a full consultation with an AHPRA-registered doctor from home.
This guide explains how telehealth works for NSW patients, what it costs, the booking flow, and what NSW patients need to keep in mind about presence-based roadside drug testing if a treatment plan is recommended.
NSW observes daylight saving, putting Sydney on AEDT in summer and AEST in winter. Same-day appointments are commonly available, and the consultation runs by phone or video — so a patient in central Sydney and a Northern Rivers patient book the same way and pay the same fee.
The reach is statewide and dense. A consultation from a Surry Hills apartment runs the same as one from Broken Hill, Bourke, or Byron. No metro-only restriction. No travel required. The largest single difference for NSW patients compared to other states is volume — NSW carries more telehealth bookings than any other Australian state, and our scheduling reflects that.
Book a consultation — slots fill fastest during business hours and Monday mornings.
Yes. Australian alternative medicine consultations operate under federal frameworks administered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which apply uniformly nationwide. There is no NSW-specific state approval that patients need to obtain before consulting a doctor — NSW Health does not require additional state-level approval under the federal pathway.
Your AHPRA-registered doctor assesses your circumstances during the consultation and, where clinically appropriate, issues documentation through the standard federal process. Doctors delivering telehealth in NSW operate under the same AHPRA registration and continuing-education requirements as in-person practitioners. For background on how the federal pathway works generally, see our pillar guide: How to Get a Prescription in Australia.
A first MyLeaf consultation typically runs in five steps:
The full flow runs from anywhere in NSW with a phone signal. See the breakdown of consultation types on our pricing page.
MyLeaf operates flat national pricing — a Sydney resident pays the same as a Brisbane or Perth resident:
No booking fees, no surcharges, no premium consultation tiers. NSW being the largest state for our patient base does not change the price — pricing is published, flat, and transparent. For the full comparison against other Australian alternative medicine clinics, see our complete breakdown: Telehealth Consultation Cost in Australia.
NSW spans massive geography. A patient in central Sydney deals with traffic, parking, and time-off-work logistics. A regional NSW patient in Bourke, Broken Hill, or Tibooburra can be more than 1,000 kilometres from the nearest metropolitan specialist clinic. Telehealth solves both ends of that spectrum without changing the standard of care:
Note: this is consultation access, not delivery. Delivery of any dispensed items is courier-dependent — most NSW postcodes receive standard delivery within 1–3 business days.
Worth knowing before you book:
NSW enforces presence-based roadside drug-testing laws — drivers can be tested for certain substances regardless of whether those substances were taken on the advice of an Australian doctor. A valid prescription does not exempt a patient from a positive roadside test. This framework is in place state-wide.
This is general information, not legal advice. If your AHPRA-registered doctor recommends a treatment plan, raise driving with them before committing — they can talk you through what is reasonable for your situation. For the current NSW roadside drug-driving rules and penalties, refer to Transport for NSW or NSW Police.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice. Refer to Transport for NSW and NSW Police for current driving rules.
Booking takes about five minutes:
Prefer to talk to a human first? Our reception team is on 1800 695 323 (Option 1), Monday to Friday 9am–5pm AEST.
Do I need a NSW GP referral?
No. A GP referral is not typically required for a MyLeaf telehealth consultation. You can book directly through our website.
Can I do my consultation from regional NSW?
Yes. The consultation runs by phone or video, so you can attend from Tamworth, Dubbo, Albury, Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga, Lismore, Broken Hill, or anywhere else in NSW with a phone signal or internet connection.
Is the doctor based in NSW?
Our doctors are AHPRA-registered Australian practitioners. AHPRA registration is national, so a doctor registered in another state can lawfully consult patients in NSW under the same standards.
How does delivery work to my NSW postcode?
Delivery is handled separately from the consultation. Australia Post and StarTrack service NSW postcodes — standard delivery is typically 1–3 business days from dispatch.
Are MyLeaf doctors AHPRA-registered?
Yes. Every doctor at MyLeaf is AHPRA-registered. Our Medical Director is Dr Matthew Gartrell.
For more general questions about MyLeaf, see the full FAQ.
NSW residents — Greater Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast, regional NSW — can access an AHPRA-registered doctor by telehealth at $49 for the initial consultation, with same-day slots commonly available and the same standard of care delivered by an in-person clinic.
Ready to book? Visit /sign-up/ — or read more about us, check our pricing, or explore the sibling state guides for Brisbane and Queensland and Melbourne and Victoria.
Eligibility and treatment depend on individual clinical assessment by an AHPRA-registered doctor. This article is general information about telehealth access in New South Wales and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
Reviewed by Dr Matthew Gartrell, Medical Director, MyLeaf. ABN 80 655 715 834.
Whether you are in central Melbourne, the inner suburbs, the outer growth corridors, the Mornington Peninsula, or anywhere across regional Victoria — Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Wodonga, Mildura, Warrnambool, Sale — booking an alternative medicine consultation no longer requires sitting in traffic or taking half a day off work. Telehealth is now the default for Australian alternative medicine clinics, and Victorian patients can complete a full consultation with an AHPRA-registered doctor from home.
This guide explains how telehealth works for Victoria-based patients, what it costs, how the booking flow runs, and what Victorian patients need to know about presence-based roadside drug testing if a treatment plan is recommended.
Victoria sits on AEST in winter and AEDT during daylight saving, putting it on the same clock as New South Wales for most of the year. Same-day appointments are commonly available, and the consultation runs by phone or video — meaning a patient in central Melbourne and a regional VIC patient book the same way and pay the same fee.
The service is genuinely Victoria-wide. A consultation from a high-rise apartment in Southbank runs the same as one from Echuca, Sale, or the Otways. No metro-only restriction. No requirement to travel.
Book a consultation — most slots fill quickly during business hours.
Yes. Australian alternative medicine consultations operate under federal frameworks administered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and those frameworks apply uniformly in every state. There is no Victoria-specific state approval that patients need to obtain before consulting a doctor.
Your AHPRA-registered doctor assesses your situation during the consultation and, where appropriate, issues documentation through the standard federal pathway. Doctors delivering telehealth in Victoria operate under exactly the same registration and continuing-education requirements as in-person practitioners. For an overview of the federal pathway, see our pillar guide: How to Get a Prescription in Australia.
A first MyLeaf consultation typically runs in five steps:
The full process runs from anywhere with a phone signal. See the breakdown of consultation types on our pricing page.
MyLeaf operates flat national pricing — a Melbourne resident pays the same as a Brisbane or Perth resident:
No booking fees, no surcharges, no “premium tier” markups. For the full comparison against other Australian alternative medicine clinics, see our complete cost breakdown: Telehealth Consultation Cost in Australia.
Victoria is geographically smaller than Queensland or Western Australia, but it covers a real mix of dense metro and remote regional populations. A patient in central Melbourne deals with traffic, parking, and city office-day logistics. A regional VIC patient in Mildura or Sale can be hundreds of kilometres from the nearest specialist clinic. Telehealth solves both problems without changing the care standard:
Note: this is consultation access. Delivery of any dispensed items is handled separately via courier — most VIC postcodes receive standard delivery within 1–3 business days.
Worth knowing before you book:
Victoria enforces presence-based roadside drug-testing laws — drivers can be tested for certain substances regardless of whether those substances were used as part of a treatment plan recommended by an Australian doctor. This is the framework Victoria has had in place for several years and it applies state-wide.
This is general information, not legal advice. If your AHPRA-registered doctor recommends a treatment plan, raise driving with them during the consultation — they can advise on what is reasonable in your circumstances. For current Victorian rules and penalties, refer to VicRoads and Victoria Police.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice. Refer to VicRoads and Victoria Police for current driving rules.
Booking takes about five minutes:
Prefer to talk to someone first? Our reception team is on 1800 695 323 (Option 1), Monday to Friday 9am–5pm AEST.
Do I need a Victorian GP referral?
No. A GP referral is not typically required for a MyLeaf telehealth consultation. You can book directly through our website.
Can I do my consultation from regional Victoria?
Yes. The consultation runs by phone or video, so you can attend from Mildura, Wodonga, Sale, Warrnambool, Horsham, or anywhere else in Victoria with a phone signal.
Is the doctor based in Victoria?
Our doctors are AHPRA-registered Australian practitioners. AHPRA registration is national, so a doctor registered in another state can lawfully consult patients in Victoria under the same standards.
How does delivery work to my Victorian postcode?
Delivery is handled separately from the consultation. Australia Post and StarTrack service VIC postcodes — standard delivery is typically 1–3 business days from dispatch.
Are MyLeaf doctors AHPRA-registered?
Yes. Every doctor at MyLeaf is AHPRA-registered. Our Medical Director is Dr Matthew Gartrell.
For more general questions, see the full FAQ.
Victorian residents — Melbourne metro, Mornington, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, or anywhere regional — can access an AHPRA-registered doctor by telehealth at $49 for the initial consultation, with same-day slots commonly available and the same standard of care delivered by an in-person clinic.
Ready to book? Head to /sign-up/ — or read more about us, check our pricing, or explore the sibling state guide for Brisbane and Queensland.
Eligibility and treatment depend on individual clinical assessment by an AHPRA-registered doctor. This article is general information about telehealth access in Victoria and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
Reviewed by Dr Matthew Gartrell, Medical Director, MyLeaf. ABN 80 655 715 834.
If you live in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Logan, or anywhere across regional Queensland, getting in front of an AHPRA-registered doctor for an alternative medicine consultation no longer means a long drive, time off work, or a wait list that stretches across the state. Telehealth has become the default delivery model for alternative medicine clinics in Australia, and Queensland residents — from inner-city Brisbane to Cairns — can book and complete a full consultation from home.
This guide explains how telehealth consultations work for Queensland patients, what they cost, what to expect, and what to keep in mind about Queensland’s roadside drug-testing laws if your doctor recommends a treatment plan.
Queensland sits in AEST year-round (no daylight saving), which simplifies booking — you do not need to mentally convert from another state’s clock when picking a slot. Same-day appointments are commonly available at MyLeaf, and the entire consultation runs over phone or video, so anyone with a mobile signal or basic internet connection can attend.
The reach is statewide. A patient in central Brisbane and a patient in Mount Isa book the same way, see the same AHPRA-registered doctors, and pay the same flat fee. There is no metro-only restriction and no requirement to travel.
Book a consultation in under five minutes and choose a time that suits you.
Yes. Australian alternative medicine consultations are governed by federal frameworks administered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which apply uniformly in every state and territory. There is no separate Queensland-specific approval that patients need to obtain before consulting a doctor — the same federal pathway is in place statewide.
Your AHPRA-registered doctor assesses your circumstances during the consultation and, if appropriate, issues documentation through the standard federal process. Queensland Health and the TGA are the regulators of record, and our doctors operate under the same registration and continuing-education requirements they would for an in-person appointment. For background on how the federal pathway works generally, see our pillar guide: How to Get a Prescription in Australia.
A first-time consultation with MyLeaf typically follows five steps:
The whole flow runs from anywhere in Queensland with a phone signal. See the breakdown of consultation types and inclusions on our pricing page.
MyLeaf’s pricing is the same in every state — a Queensland resident pays the same as a Sydney or Perth resident:
There are no booking fees, no surcharges, no “premium” upgrade tiers. For a full breakdown of what each consultation type includes and how MyLeaf compares to other Australian alternative medicine clinics, see our complete cost guide: Telehealth Consultation Cost in Australia.
Queensland is the second-largest Australian state by area. A patient living in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, or Rockhampton can be hundreds of kilometres from the nearest specialist clinic, and even Brisbane residents face traffic, parking, and time-off-work hurdles for any in-person appointment. Telehealth removes those barriers without changing the standard of care:
Note: this is consultation access. Delivery of any dispensed items is handled separately by courier and depends on your postcode.
A few practical notes for Queensland patients:
Queensland enforces presence-based roadside drug-testing laws. Drivers detected with certain substances in their system can face penalties under Queensland law regardless of why those substances were taken, including in some cases where treatment has been advised by an Australian doctor.
This is general information, not legal advice. If a treatment plan is recommended by your AHPRA-registered doctor, raise driving with them before you commit to the plan — they can talk you through what is reasonable in your situation. For the current Queensland roadside drug-driving rules and penalties, refer to Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads or Queensland Police Service.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice. Refer to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads for current driving rules.
Booking takes under five minutes:
If you would prefer to talk to a human before booking, our reception team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm AEST on 1800 695 323 (Option 1).
Do I need a Queensland GP referral?
No. A GP referral is not typically required for a MyLeaf telehealth consultation. You can book directly through our website.
Can I do my consultation from regional Queensland?
Yes. The consultation is delivered by phone or video, so you can attend from Cairns, Mount Isa, Longreach, Charleville, or anywhere else in Queensland with a phone signal or internet connection.
Is the doctor based in Queensland?
Our doctors are AHPRA-registered Australian practitioners. Registration is national, so a doctor registered in another state can lawfully consult patients in Queensland under the same standards.
How does delivery work to my Queensland postcode?
Delivery is handled separately from the consultation. We use Australia Post and StarTrack across Queensland, with standard delivery times of 1–3 business days from dispatch to most postcodes.
Are MyLeaf doctors AHPRA-registered?
Yes. Every doctor at MyLeaf is AHPRA-registered. Our Medical Director is Dr Matthew Gartrell.
For more general questions about MyLeaf, see our full FAQ.
Telehealth makes alternative medicine consultations genuinely accessible from anywhere in Queensland, at a flat $49 for an initial appointment, with same-day slots commonly available and AHPRA-registered doctors delivering the same standard of care you would expect from any in-person clinic.
Ready to book? Visit /sign-up/ — or learn more about us and our pricing first.
Eligibility and treatment depend on individual clinical assessment by an AHPRA-registered doctor. This article is general information about telehealth access in Queensland and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
MyLeaf. ABN 80 655 715 834.
If you have started looking into alternative medicine clinics in Australia, you have probably noticed that telehealth consultation pricing is all over the map. One clinic charges $49, another charges $120, and a third tells you it is “free” until you read the fine print. For patients trying to budget responsibly, it can be hard to know what a fair price actually looks like in 2026.
This guide breaks down what a telehealth consultation should cost at an Australian alternative medicine clinic, what you are paying for, and why pricing varies so widely between providers.
Across Australian alternative medicine clinics offering telehealth, initial consultation prices typically range from around $49 to $120, with follow-ups generally falling between $39 and $99.
MyLeaf sits at the affordable end of this market by design:
No hidden surcharges, no booking fees. What you see on our pricing page is what you pay.
| Clinic | Initial | Follow-up | Same-day |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyLeaf | $49 | $39 | Yes |
| Alternaleaf | $29 | $29 | Varies |
| Polln | $79 | From $49 | Yes |
| Canwell | $100 | $80 | Varies |
| Medio | $89 | $59 | Varies |
Pricing reflects publicly listed rates (April 2026). Always check the clinic’s own website. Some clinics offer free initial nurse screenings before the paid doctor consultation.
Pricing is the same in every state — see our state guides for Brisbane and Queensland, Melbourne and Victoria, and Sydney and NSW.
At MyLeaf, follow-up and renewal consultations are a flat $39. See our pricing page.
MyLeaf consultations are not bulk-billed, and Medicare rebates do not apply. This is industry-standard for alternative medicine clinics. The $49 fee is the full out-of-pocket cost.
Be cautious of “free consultation” claims — some clinics recover costs through higher product fees, mandatory subscriptions, or paid follow-ups. Look at the total cost of care over six months.
Look at four things together: initial fee, follow-up fee, same-day availability, and what’s bundled. For ongoing care, follow-up pricing matters most — MyLeaf’s $39 sits well below typical pricing.
Disclaimer: pricing for other clinics reflects publicly listed rates (April 2026). Always confirm on the clinic’s own website before booking.
MyLeaf’s pricing covers the consultation in full. No document fees or after-hours surcharges. Questions? Call 1800 695 323, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm AEST.
MyLeaf operates as an Australian alternative medicine clinic with a telehealth-first model, backed by a physical clinic and on-site clinical nursing team. Our pricing is lower for four practical reasons:
Visit About Us for more.
Same-day appointments typically available. Sign up here.
Is telehealth as good as in-person?
For many healthcare conversations, telehealth delivers an equivalent standard of care under the same AHPRA registration and clinical standards.
Do I need a Medicare card?
Valid Australian ID is required. MyLeaf is not bulk-billed, so a Medicare card does not affect the fee.
Are MyLeaf doctors AHPRA-registered?
Yes. Every doctor is AHPRA-registered and Australian-based. Medical Director: Dr Matthew Gartrell.
What if I need to cancel?
Change your appointment via your account or call 1800 695 323.
Is my consultation private?
Yes. Secure telehealth infrastructure, Privacy Act compliant.
More answers: FAQ page, or our deeper Q&A: Ask a Doctor: Top Telehealth Consultation Questions.
A fair telehealth consultation in 2026 should sit between $49 and $99 for an initial appointment. MyLeaf: $49 initial, $39 follow-up, $50 quick consultation. Same-day available, AHPRA-registered doctors, no hidden fees.
Book a consultation or see our pricing page. Call 1800 695 323, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm AEST.
Disclaimer: General information about telehealth pricing. Consultation outcomes depend on individual clinical assessment. Pricing for other providers reflects publicly listed rates and may have changed. MyLeaf does not guarantee specific clinical or financial outcomes. Current as of May 2026.
Published by MyLeaf, ABN 80 655 715 834.
Understanding medical cannabis strains in Australia can help you have a more informed conversation with your prescribing doctor. While the doctor makes all prescribing decisions, knowing the basics of strains, terpenes, and cannabinoid profiles helps you understand your treatment options.
Traditionally, cannabis strains are categorised as indica (relaxing, sedating), sativa (uplifting, energising), or hybrid (a combination). However, modern research suggests the cannabinoid and terpene profile matters more than the indica/sativa label. Your doctor will focus on THC/CBD ratios and terpene content rather than strain names alone.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that contribute to the effects and flavour of cannabis. Key terpenes include:
These are general associations — your doctor will tailor recommendations to your specific needs.
Share your treatment goals, any preferences based on past experience, and concerns about side effects. The doctor will consider your medical history, condition, and lifestyle when making a recommendation.
Disclaimer: Strain effects are general associations, not guarantees. Your doctor makes all prescribing decisions. Regulated by the TGA.