Taking the first step towards a new approach to your health can feel daunting. You might have questions swirling around in your head: Will I qualify? What do I say? How does it all work?
You're not alone. Many patients feel a little nervous before their first telehealth consultation for natural therapies. The good news? The process is straightforward, and knowing what to expect makes a big difference.
This guide walks you through every step — from checking your eligibility to receiving your first prescription — so you can walk into your appointment feeling informed and confident.
Who Is Eligible?
Natural therapies through a telehealth clinic is prescribed by AHPRA-registered doctors under a formal regulatory framework overseen by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This means not everyone will automatically qualify — and that's actually a good thing. It ensures you receive genuine medical care, not just a tick-and-flick service.
In general, patients who may be considered for natural therapies are adults who:
- Are aged 18 years or over
- Have a chronic condition — that is, a health condition lasting three or more months
- Have already tried conventional treatments (such as prescribed medications or therapies) without adequate relief, or have experienced unwanted side effects
Common conditions that patients discuss with our doctors include chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, stress, and certain women's health concerns. That said, every patient's situation is different. Eligibility is always assessed on a case-by-case basis by a qualified doctor.
Important: Completing an eligibility check or booking a consultation does not guarantee a prescription will be issued. All treatment decisions rest solely with your doctor, based on your individual health history.
Not sure if you're eligible? Take the quick eligibility check here — it only takes a few minutes.
Before Your Appointment: What to Prepare
A little preparation goes a long way. The more your doctor knows about your health history, the better the conversation — and the better the care.
Before your consultation, try to gather the following:
✅ Pre-Consultation Checklist
| What to Gather | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| A list of your current medications and dosages | Your doctor needs to check for any interactions or contraindications |
| A summary of your main condition(s) and symptoms | Helps your doctor understand what you're experiencing day to day |
| A brief history of treatments you've already tried | Demonstrates prior treatment attempts, which forms part of the clinical assessment |
| Any recent test results, referral letters, or medical records (if available) | Supports your doctor's assessment — though not always required |
| A quiet, private space for the call | Ensures you can speak openly and hear clearly |
| A charged phone or device with a stable internet connection | Prevents technical interruptions during your appointment |
You don't need to have everything perfectly organised. Your doctor is there to help guide the conversation. But having some notes handy will make the appointment feel smoother and more relaxed.
Step-by-Step: How the Process Works
Here is a simple overview of the journey from first enquiry through to having medication delivered to your door.
Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility
Start with a quick eligibility check online. This helps you understand whether natural therapies may be an appropriate pathway for your situation before you book anything.
Step 2 — Book Your Consultation
Choose an appointment time that suits you. At The Happy Clinic, consultations are conducted entirely via phone or video — no travel required. You can book from anywhere in Australia.
Step 3 — Complete Your Pre-Consult Intake Form
Before your appointment, you'll be asked to complete a short intake form through our secure patient app. This gives your doctor a head start on understanding your health history, so your consultation time is spent on what matters most.
Step 4 — Your Consultation with the Doctor
This is the heart of the process. A qualified, AHPRA-registered doctor will speak with you one-on-one. This is not a rushed five-minute call — it's a proper clinical conversation. More on what to expect during this step below.
Step 5 — Clinical Assessment and Prescribing Decision
Based on your consultation, your doctor will determine whether natural therapies is clinically appropriate for you. If it is, they may issue a prescription through the TGA's regulatory framework — either via the Special Access Scheme (SAS-B) or as an Authorised Prescriber (AP). These are the legal pathways in Australia through which medicinal cannabis can be prescribed.
If your doctor determines that natural therapies is not the right fit for your current situation, they will explain why and may suggest other avenues to explore.
Step 6 — Prescription Filled by a Licensed Pharmacy
If a prescription is issued, it is sent directly to a licensed partner pharmacy. Your medication is then dispensed and delivered to your door. No need to visit a chemist in person.
Step 7 — Ongoing Care and Follow-Up
Your care doesn't stop after the first appointment. You'll have access to follow-up consultations to monitor how you're responding and make any adjustments. Good ongoing care is just as important as the initial assessment.
What Happens During the Consultation
This is the part people wonder about most. Here's what a typical first consultation looks like.
Your doctor will begin by getting to know your health history. They'll ask about:
- Your main symptoms and how long you've had them
- How your condition affects your daily life
- Treatments you've tried before and how they worked (or didn't)
- Your current medications and any other health conditions
- Your lifestyle — things like sleep, stress levels, and work
There are no trick questions. The doctor is building a picture of you as a whole person, not just ticking boxes.
They may also ask about your goals. What does a better day look like for you? Are you hoping to sleep better, manage pain, reduce anxiety? Understanding what matters most to you helps guide the clinical approach.
At The Happy Clinic, our doctors are trained to assess your situation in detail — including which formulation type, delivery method, and profile may best suit your needs if natural therapies is deemed appropriate. This level of personalisation is something that sets us apart from faster, more transactional services.
The consultation typically runs for around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of your situation. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions throughout — and you should. This is your health, and you deserve clear answers.
Remember: The doctor may not always reach a prescribing decision in the first consultation. In some cases, they may ask for additional information or suggest a follow-up. This is normal and reflects careful, responsible clinical practice.
After Your Consultation
Once your consultation is complete, here's what happens next:
- If a prescription is issued: Your doctor will submit the prescription through the appropriate TGA regulatory pathway. The licensed pharmacy receives it, prepares your medication, and dispatches it to your nominated address. Delivery times vary, but many patients receive their medication within a few days.
- If more information is needed: Your doctor or the clinic team will be in touch to let you know what's required and how to proceed.
- If natural therapies is not recommended at this time: Your doctor will explain their clinical reasoning. You may be directed to your GP or other appropriate health professional.
All follow-up appointments and ongoing care are managed through our patient portal at my.thehappy.clinic. You can track your treatment, book follow-ups, and stay in touch with your care team — all in one place.
Answers to Common Questions
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. You can book directly with The Happy Clinic without a GP referral. However, if you have medical records, test results, or letters from other healthcare providers, bringing them along can be very helpful.
Is the consultation covered by Medicare?
At this time, telehealth consultations for natural therapies are not covered under Medicare. You will need to pay a consultation fee. The Happy Clinic offers transparent, competitive pricing — including a reduced fee for patients switching from another clinic.
Will I definitely be prescribed something?
No — and any clinic that implies otherwise should raise a red flag. All prescribing decisions are made by a doctor based on your individual clinical picture. Your doctor will only prescribe if they believe it is clinically appropriate for you.
What if I'm already on other medications?
Tell your doctor about all medications you're currently taking. This is one of the most important parts of the consultation. Your doctor needs this information to assess safety and ensure there are no interactions.
Can I see a doctor from anywhere in Australia?
Yes. The Happy Clinic operates entirely via telehealth, so you can have your consultation from home, work, or anywhere with a phone or internet connection — across all states and territories.
How long will I wait for my medication after a prescription is issued?
Once your prescription is sent to the pharmacy, processing and delivery typically takes a few business days. Your care team can give you a more specific estimate based on your location and the product prescribed.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you've been living with a chronic condition and conventional treatments haven't given you the relief you need, natural therapies may be worth exploring.
The first step is finding out whether you might be eligible. It takes just a few minutes, there's no obligation, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
Check Your Eligibility at The Happy Clinic →
Or if you'd prefer to speak with someone first, give us a call on (02) 8565 8750 or email us at [email protected].
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical consultation with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Eligibility for natural therapies treatment, including medicinal cannabis, is determined by a registered medical doctor on a case-by-case basis. Not all patients will be suitable for treatment. Medicinal cannabis products available through The Happy Clinic are accessed via the TGA's Special Access Scheme (SAS-B) or Authorised Prescriber (AP) pathways and are prescribed only where clinically appropriate. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health circumstances.
References
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Medicinal cannabis. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Available at: tga.gov.au
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Special Access Scheme and Authorised Prescriber Portal. Available at: tga.gov.au
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). About AHPRA. Available at: ahpra.gov.au